Norine Braun

"Over the course of her eight albums local songwriter Braun has developed exceptionally sharp lyricism, fluid vocals and a way with a driving melody. Case in point, the single "Drift Away" from her new CD." - Stuart Derdyn

"Overall, Norine is a singer/songwriter with a sense of humour... There is enough tongue-in-cheek and embracing of silliness to bring a smile to a hardened reviewer’s face. You can just tell that Norine Braun had a ball recording this album." - Ana Bedard

"The album received an A on an Ato F grading scale, with Drift Away, Drunk, I Will I Won't, Sprack Chica Boogie, and Neutral Territory. Very eclectic sound! Powerful vocals set the tone for a blend of genres in this album." - Matt Nightingale

"No. 8" receives my highest rating of 5*****. Highly Recommended and Thoroughly Enjoyed. Another Treasure of an Album from a Truly Canadian Treasure - Blues Underground Network

So much of how opinions are formed come from first impressions, but the mere fact that after many listens, Now & Zen still remains fresh is a testament to the individuality and creativity of Norine Braun as an artist and songwriter. This disc jumps all over the genre map, finding refuge in rock, classical, jazz, and avant-garde along its journey. Braun herself is an interesting mixture of equal parts Blondie, Bjork and Margo Timmins. Smooth one minute and rockin’ out the next. It’s a rare quality, and one that Braun capitalizes on to keep things interesting while exploring the many facets of her own personality.

The production work on this disc is also something of note. Everything is very crisp, has taken great care in its attention to detail, and flows seamlessly from one song to the next. James Bowers provides playful and interactive backup on almost all instruments and really pulls out the best in Braun.

Now & Zen has great depth, versatility and provides a fresh alternative to pretty much anything you could get your hands on in the mainstream progressive rock world. What a fantastic way to be introduced to a talented woman.

Standout tracks: title track Now & Zen, “I’m the 1”, “Intimate Hour”

- Heidi Drockelman

The Eclectic Stylings of Norine Braun in 'Now & Zen'

Nobody could ever accuse Norine Braun of being stuck in a rut. Her fifth CD, Now & Zen, is a highly eclectic mix of spoken word and rap, industrial beats, and classical arrangements featuring piano and exquisite strings. In fact, her music touches on just about every genre, flowing seamlessly from one musical style to the other with each track somehow fitting against the next comfortably.

"I have loved listening to music since childhood," says Norine Braun of her eclectic tastes. "I enjoy all styles of music. I think I began composing at an early age, around 12 or so." While neither of Braun's parents were professional musicians, they did try to foster a love of music in their daughter through their own example. "We had a large record collection, and music played a lot at home," she says. "I also had an older brother who played guitar and taught me rhythm when I was 10."

This love of music definitely comes through on Now & Zen. Throughout the album, Braun (www.norinebraun.com) sounds comfortable with whatever she's doing, whether it's singing or reciting poetry. The album itself sounds important, as though the composer had an actual message she was trying to get across. And, in a way, she did.

"My message or philosophy is a sort of Buddhist idea," says Braun of her album. "Accept yourself as you are wherever you are even if in a painful and dark place. That accounts for such diversity in styles on the album, I try and tap into all emotional states. Now & Zen is really about my personal spiritual journey. For me, spirituality is complex. Sometimes it is about knowing myself, healing myself, going through my life rather than around it, feeling all my feelings, owning all my parts the good and the bad, the absurdities of religion and the peace I long for and well mostly just being in the moment."

She goes on to explain, "The song 'Jade' was inspired by the novel The Jade Peony, which for me is about family and secrets and culture and how that affects who we are. Now and Zen is self explanatory. 'Intimate Hour' is about therapy (healing or self exploration or desire for wholeness), while 'Buffalo Nights' is about the desire to escape and have fun and find my place. 'J'en Suis Desolee' is about movement as spiritual practice."

The rest of the album tracks cover ideas as powerful as the reflection of ego, sexuality, divinity, and the importance of love. "'Be Brave' was a song I wrote a couple of weeks after my father's death, 2 years ago," she adds. "I was trying to make sense and be brave of losing someone I love and of my own immortality…. the impermanence of life, how we must say goodbye to everyone and everything, that nothing is forever. Likewise, 'Move the Clouds' is written from a naive child part wanting to control the clouds, control nature, to be angry about saying farewell, but in the end learning that maybe I can move the clouds after all."

While the subject matter may be heady, the album is extremely catchy and even danceable at times. A big reason for this is the excellent cast of musicians Braun has surrounded herself with for this project.

"James [Jamie] Bowers and I have recorded over 70 songs and 4 albums together in the last 10 years," says Braun. "We have a synergistic and synchronistic creative union. We met through an ad he had placed looking for talent to produce stating he was a songwriter's dream and indeed he is. Jamie is a phenomenal world class musician. He can play just about any instrument with a little time and has virtually mastered the guitar and his piano ain't half bad either! Truly remarkable. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with talent such as his. He has played and produced many well known Canadian bands and some in the US like blues artist John Lee Hooker and Paul Shaffer (David Letterman's sidekick). He is a composer as well and writes for film and tv primarily. Our local and national news themes are his as are many other shows and documentaries. We have become good friends.

"Corbin Keep, the cellist, for the song 'Jade' was someone I hired through our local music directory. He claimed to be a 'wild cellist' so I had to find out. And he was!"
- Holly Day Associate Writer

Norine Braun's "Now & Zen" is a seasoned feast of soulful folk rock mixed liberally with jazzy chunks and flying vocals to lift your inner funk. A Canadian singer/songwriter, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist and producer James Bowers, Norine channels the purity of folkers and the depth, funkiness and edge of Laurie Anderson. My fave picks are "Gently", "Maya" (including the lovely acapella version) and "Lucky 13." - DJ Pusspuss

Nobody could ever say Norine Braun stays with one style or formula on her album ’Now & Zen’. She is all over the musical map stretching out her vocals into pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, spoken word, blues…well you name it and she has it covered. Albums like this always interest me and keep me captivated. Eclectic is the operative word here and it is obviously Braun’s modus operandi to present variety with her projects.

The two tracks that I thought were the most engaging musically and lyrically were “Buffalo Nights” and “J’en Suis Desolee.” The catchy pop flavorings and rhythms are what hooked me with those tunes; I found them to be quite beguiling. I never enjoy rap or hip-hop and somehow Braun was able to change my mindset and my feet found a groove and my head was bopping. This caught me be surprise entirely. Just when I condemn a style of music for one reason or another it turns around and proves me wrong.

The best way to describe what Braun does beyond offering tremendous selection of styles is to say that her music is over the edge into the realm of avant-garde yet not overtly risqué. Each style presented will certainly be clear to your ears. To keep the listener focused on the message in every song, the artist brilliantly executes a cross-cultural mixture of sounds and emotion. This CD was different, original, and primarily fresh and inviting. I am a happy customer.
- Keith ’Muzikman’ Hannaleck

From start with "Jade" through track fourteen "Move The Clouds", Norine Braun gathers all her tools and more to the point uses them with expert delivery and style. Jazzy, hip-hop, and a little punk thrown in for spice. "Now & Zen" shows the broad spectrum of Norine's talent. Totally enjoyable and packed with turns in genre. Notably is Braun's ability to vocally master these genres with comfort and confidence. Spirituality is again an under riding theme to "Now & Zen"  as with one of her previous CD's "Crow".  Self acceptance, understanding, and exploration are all a part of her message. Eclectic and bold, "Now & Zen" is one of the most exciting CD's of the year. Another of Braun's strengths is in the artists with which she is surrounded. All bring together an unforgettable musical experience.

     At times laid back, then swinging into danceable, the journey is filled with enticing hooks and strong lyrics. Norine Braun is not an artist who will or can be pigeonholed into a set type or genre. One of her charms is her ability to be a musical chameleon. Easily and seamlessly changing from one distinct style to another. The music is at times haunting as in "Jade", then  a 'stick to the ribs' catchy as in "J'en Suis Desolee". 

     Picking a favorite would be extremely difficult for this reviewer. However, the aforementioned "Jade", and "J'en Suis Desolee" would be among the top to come to mind. "Be Brave" is a compassionate song of emotion. Truly one of the most beautiful I have heard. The closing song, "Move The Clouds" is a self explorative, musically retrospective and jazzy journey into self, control and self exploration. Dealing with desires, anger, and self acceptance. A closing which in traditional Norine Braun flair and style will leave you hungry for more. Lots more!!!!
- Len Rogers

Nobody could ever say Norine Braun stays with one style or formula on her album ’Now & Zen’. She is all over the musical map stretching out her vocals into pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, spoken word, blues…well you name it and she has it covered. Albums like this always interest me and keep me captivated. Eclectic is the operative word here and it is obviously Braun’s modus operandi to present variety with her projects.

The two tracks that I thought were the most engaging musically and lyrically were “Buffalo Nights” and “J’en Suis Desolee.” The catchy pop flavorings and rhythms are what hooked me with those tunes; I found them to be quite beguiling. I never enjoy rap or hip-hop and somehow Braun was able to change my mindset and my feet found a groove and my head was bopping. This caught me be surprise entirely. Just when I condemn a style of music for one reason or another it turns around and proves me wrong.

The best way to describe what Braun does beyond offering tremendous selection of styles is to say that her music is over the edge into the realm of avant-garde yet not overtly risqué. Each style presented will certainly be clear to your ears. To keep the listener focused on the message in every song, the artist brilliantly executes a cross-cultural mixture of sounds and emotion. This CD was different, original, and primarily fresh and inviting. I am a happy customer.
- Keith ’Muzikman’ Hannaleck

Norine Braun is a Vancouver based artist who is not afraid to make music on her own terms. She has been called "jazzed up, funk tinged pop." That should tell you how her music defies conventional categorization.

"Jade" is a hard hitting number with a strong bass line and the listener expects they are about to hear a CD in the Alternative genre. Norine quickly shifts gears for the hip-hop/rap number "Intimate Hour." And Norine shows she has the chops to carry off the number. A remix of this could easily become a dance club standard.

Once you're expecting one thing Norine shifts gears again with "Buffalo Nights,"
a song that could easily receive playtime on Adult Alternative Radio. Sometimes when you have a CD like this with songs of such diverse style you wonder if you are listening to a musician who has not found her path yet, this never comes to mind listening to "Now & Zen." Norine places these songs perfectly to make the CD work as a whole.

"j'en Suis Desolee" is a pure rock and roll tune, with the addition of some spoken word parts. Norine shows her ability at spoken word. Each song amazes me in its bending of genres, professionalism musicianship, and artistic integrity. Usually I recommend CDs to listeners
who like a certain genre, I can recommend Norine Braun's "Now & Zen" to listeners of all genres. That is a rare find.
- Dennis Halsey

OK, just get past the somewhat disquieting disembodied head cover art and listen to this CD. People throw the word "eclectic" around a lot these days when describing CDs that fall outside the commercial mainstream, but pop vocalist Norine Braun's latest disc earns that label. Now & Zen is a pretty cool mix of styles – she calls it, "ambient soul pop with elements of hip hop, jazz and punk" -- that maintains a cohesive focus. It's also a lot of fun.

Like jazz-pop vocalist Martha Lipton, Norine Braun has a lovely, flexible voice that sounds natural covering a variety of styles. The insistent chant-like refrain on "Intimate Hour" -- "Intimate hour become surreal power hour" -- has an appealing hip-hop feel and an undeniable commercial hook. On the bluesy/funk rock "J'en Suis Desolee" -- mixing sung choruses with spoken verses -- her voice sounds a lot like Debbie Harry. Similarly, "I'm The 1" sounds like it could have come off a lost Blondie album from 1980. When Norine shifts gears to the laid-back, southwestern-style acoustic guitar and trumpet accompaniment on "Survival of the Richest," it doesn't sound at all out of place

Now & Zen most reminds me of the soundtrack to a favorite musical film or play, where you run to the record store immediately after leaving the theater in order to grab the album before the songs can fully leave your consciousness. That's a pretty big compliment. Search a little deeper into the pop music pile and dig out Norine Braun's Now & Zen . You'll thank yourself.

- Gail Worley

Norine Braun is a Vancouver based artist who is not afraid to make music on her own terms. She has been called "jazzed up, funk tinged pop." That should tell you how her music defies conventional categorization.

"Jade" is a hard hitting number with a strong bass line and the listener expects they are about to hear a CD in the Alternative genre. Norine quickly shifts gears for the hip-hop/rap number "Intimate Hour." And Norine shows she has the chops to carry off the number. A remix of this could easily become a dance club standard.

Once you're expecting one thing Norine shifts gears again with "Buffalo Nights,"
a song that could easily receive playtime on Adult Alternative Radio. Sometimes when you have a CD like this with songs of such diverse style you wonder if you are listening to a musician who has not found her path yet, this never comes to mind listening to "Now & Zen." Norine places these songs perfectly to make the CD work as a whole.

"j'en Suis Desolee" is a pure rock and roll tune, with the addition of some spoken word parts. Norine shows her ability at spoken word. Each song amazes me in its bending of genres, professionalism musicianship, and artistic integrity. Usually I recommend CDs to listeners
who like a certain genre, I can recommend Norine Braun's "Now & Zen" to listeners of all genres. That is a rare find.
- Dennis Halsey

Norine Braun describes the songs on Now & Zen (Braun and Brains) as “ambient soul pop with elements of hip hop, jazz and punk,” and she’s right. The sheer variety sets Braun apart. She lures the listener in with the melodic pop of “Jade,” and shifts gears on the darkly laid out folk of the title track. “Intimate Hour” and “Buffalo Nights,” respectively, deliver the hip hop and jazz vocal touches referred to by Braun, while funk and punk, respectively, butt heads on “J’en Suis Desolee” and “I’m The 1.” And that’s just the first half of the disc.
- Gregg Shapiro

Braun is eclectic. There are singer-writer songs, hip hop, hard rock and more. It makes for intriguing listening... A nice array of keyboards fleshes James Bowers’ production. They’re as varied as Braun’s ambitious LP. - Tom Harrison

Norine Braun's "Now & Zen" is a seasoned feast of soulful folk rock mixed liberally with jazzy chunks and flying vocals to lift your inner funk. A Canadian singer/songwriter, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist and producer James Bowers, Norine channels the purity of folkers and the depth, funkiness and edge of Laurie Anderson. My fave picks are "Gently", "Maya" (including the lovely acapella version) and "Lucky 13." - DJ Pusspuss