As the anticipation builds for this year's Juno Awards, excitement is in the air for three talented musicians from Newfoundland and Labrador who have received nominations for Canada’s most prestigious music honors.
Andrew Staniland has earned a nomination for Classical Composition of the Year, while Florian Hoefner and Jim Vivian, both members of the Atlantic Jazz Collective, are recognized for their Vocal Jazz Album of the Year.
Staniland, who is not only an accomplished composer but also a professor at Memorial University, holds a notable track record with three previous Juno nominations and multiple East Coast Music Awards. He describes his latest nomination for his album "The Laws of Nature" as particularly meaningful. In an interview with CBC Radio’s On The Go, he shared how this project encompasses years of dedication and various aspects of his creative journey, all amalgamated into one remarkable work.
He characterizes "The Laws of Nature" as the culmination of a decade-long exploration that integrates digital instruments within classical music frameworks. One of the innovative instruments he developed for this project is called JADE, which can be operated using sensors or even by brain activity through EEG sonification.
The album's music took on a dynamic visual form thanks to the collaboration with six dancers from Kittiwake Ballet, who utilized this cutting-edge technology. Staniland explained, "We experimented with different ways to monitor their brain waves as they listened to the music I was playing. Then we would actually convert their brain waves back into music in real-time." He elaborated on how the sounds evolved in response to the dancers' movements and their thoughts about dancing, highlighting the deep connection between music and movement.
Receiving national recognition for this extensive labor of love is something Staniland deeply cherishes. He remarked, "It's not just another album and not just another composition; it's a significant part of my life."
Turning to the realm of jazz, the Atlantic Jazz Collective has made waves with its debut LP "Seascape," which is nominated for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. This ensemble features pianist Florian Hoefner and bassist Jim Vivian from Newfoundland, along with saxophonist Mike Murley from Nova Scotia. While the project showcases talents from various regions, Hoefner emphasizes that St. John’s is the heart of their work.
"We initiated a series known as Atlantic Jazz Nights at the Arts and Culture Centre, hosting performances four times a year, where we invite international artists to St. John's," he explained. In September 2023, they welcomed U.K. vocalist Norma Winstone and renowned American drummer Joe LaBarbera, which sparked the idea to record an album together. Thus, "Seascape" came to fruition, featuring both guest artists prominently.
With initiatives like Atlantic Jazz Nights and open jam sessions occurring biweekly at the Majestic, both Hoefner and Vivian observe a growing appreciation for jazz music in their province. Hoefner noted, "There are many younger artists and groups emerging, which is thrilling to see."
Although each member of the Atlantic Jazz Collective is already a Juno winner, Vivian expressed the thrill of receiving another nomination. He remarked, "We’ve brought our musical world back home to create something unique here, which is particularly gratifying. The guest musicians we collaborated with are significant figures in our jazz community, making this recognition even more special."
Mark your calendars: the 2026 Juno Awards ceremony is set to take place in Hamilton, Ontario, on March 29. To stay updated, download the free CBC News app or subscribe to their daily newsletter for the latest headlines.
