The debut album of composer Saman Shahi is here! 
This has been in the works for years and I’m elated that it is out!

Story time…

In 2015, I put out a call for scores for my Crossing Borders recital series. Among the submissions, was a song called “Fevered Ashes” by Saman Shahi. I immediately knew I wanted to program his piece; and we premièred it on the 2016 tour. Following this, Saman and I started talking about expanding this one art song into a song cycle (of course I was interested!). I commissioned this song cycle with the support of the Ontario Arts Council and premièred it in 2018. 

After the full cycle première, Saman wanted to record it. I got excited about the idea of him making a commercial album featuring his other vocal works. We began grant writing for album funding and gleefully received support from Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Canada Council. We are also grateful to FACTOR for their album support. 

Folks, we recorded two song cycles on this album less than a week before Ontario and Nova Scotia shut down for COVID. I honestly still can’t believe that we were able to do this recording as planned-it certainly makes the album that much more meaningful to us. 

 

Gratitude…
 

Tara, I am eternally grateful that we did this project together.  It’s amazing to think back to playing/singing at each other’s weddings umpteen years ago to now holding this CD in our hands. You are a piano goddess and you mean the world to me.

Fabián, I know we didn’t technically get to sing as a duet on this project, but getting to record with you was wonderful. You sound like a rockstar in your cycle. I can’t wait for all of our future adventures. 

Pouya, thank you for making us sound so incredibly good. You were a dream to work with from start to finish. We’re so lucky to have you. 

Jeremy, what would I do without you in my life? I am so grateful to you and to Leaf Music for championing me and my career. I so value our friendship and our collaborations.

Saman, am I ever happy you submitted to that call for scores 5 years ago!! I could never have predicted the beautiful friendship and artistic partnership that has blossomed. Congratulations on this incredible milestone; and thank you for bringing me along for the ride. XO

 

Head to the Breathing In The Shadows page to read more!

 

Join us on October 3 for a free online launch event!!! Get your tickets HERE

Artists across the globe have been profoundly affected by the global crisis, and it breaks my heart every time I see a friend or colleague in pain and despair and uncertain about the future of their passion, work and livelihood. It breaks my heart to see every single season cancellation, and it breaks my heart to see art receding into the shadows when we need it the most.

 
This album tells the stories about our alienation, and how in our darkest moments everything might seem futile and definite. But it also tells the stories that darkness subsides, challenges finally relent, and the human spirit endures hardship and emerges from the other end with determination.
 
And this is why this album is very personal, not only to me but personal to all of us.
 
Join us on Saturday, October 3 at 7pm EST / 8 pm AST to celebrate our determination and music and beauty. 
~Saman Shahi