Canadian guitarist Emma Rush presents a unique and evocative album, A Dream Of Colour. Inspired by the life and work of William Blair Bruce, Rush recorded the album with her long-time producer Kirk Starkey in her hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. Featuring esteemed Canadian composers, this record not only captures the essence of Bruce’s artwork but is also deeply personal to Rush as she developed a strong connection to his paintings from an early age due to their presence in both her family home and at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. To pay homage to these memories and emotions, she invited composers to create musical interpretations of his artwork, and I must tell you, it is sure to be a mesmerizing listening experience!

“All the music on this album is brand new and written by Canadians, it was an incredible opportunity to collaborate with these amazing composers, bringing their works to life and exploring the profound connection between music and visual art,” says Rush adding “With every album, I strive to offer something different. I’m thrilled to present seven exciting pieces that have never been heard before.” 

We don’t get many pure instrumental albums around here and it is an honor for me to review Emma’s work. A Dream Of Colour is based on the paintings of William Blair Bruce, though I’m not familiar with his works so I’ll be judging the music itself. We are greeted with 9 songs. Let’s take a look at each one, shall we?

Beginning with Christine Donkin’s “Moonlight in Canada,” a calming ode to the power of music. I think one word to describe this song is “soothing.” The guitar work is unbelievably calming. Her work would easily be used to serene even the most explosive of rages. Next is “Red Rock, St. Nazaire: Red Rock (into the light)”  with a placid sound. However, mid-song the guitar speeds up into an explosion of emotions and never lets go. “Red Rock, St. Nazaire: Thin Cloud,” feels almost like a lullaby. Emma embraces her audience, using almost a maternal instinct. Everyone will feel right at home with this one. Next up we have one of the album’s highlights “Reflections on Afterglow” a piece by acclaimed composer Dale Kavanagh. This track is warm and harmonious, creating a safe and comforting environment for the audience. The next song, titled “Temps Passé”, has a remarkable quality to it that can truly enhance one’s imagination. It may be featured in a movie or game, but its ability to resonate with listeners surpasses those boundaries. 

The following track is Christina Volpini’s “the walker of the snow (the phantom hunter)”, a quite unique track that mirrors the iconic painting “The Phantom Hunter”; its eerie and haunting qualities take the listener to another realm entirely. “Mirror of the Moon” is a heartbreaking melody. Sorrowful and bittersweet. It’s a beautiful piece that speaks to the soul. “Chedoke Ravine” is our closing song, also the longest one. Emma finishes this journey with a combination of all her sounds, bringing the listener back to reality and leaving them wanting more.

Emma Rush has crafted a sound that transcends generations and speaks directly to the heart and soul. It’s a powerful form of communication that fosters an emotional connection with listeners regardless of their age. Her music is ageless and will remain a source of joy for people from all walks of life. Emma Rush’s unique style makes its presence felt in meaningful ways, touching those who have the pleasure to hear it.

About Emma Rush

For the last ten years, Emma Rush has been one of Canada’s preeminent classical guitarists, renowned for her inventive programming, impressive stage presence, impressive sound, and high level of technical skill. Her concert career is highly acclaimed globally; highlights include a four-city tour in China, a performance at Festival de Guitarras Lagos de Moreno in Mexico, Nyköping Gitaarseminarium in Sweden, and Internationales Gitarren Symposion Iserlohn in Germany). 

Emma strives to bring classical works to offbeat spaces as well as introduce unique music to classic settings. Furthermore, she regularly visits distant rural, remote, and other communities where live music performances are few and far between. Her concerts feature rare pieces from history, Latin American compositions which have not gained widespread knowledge yet, folkloric music from all over the world plus numerous pieces by female composers. She has won several awards such as the Columbus International Guitar Competition Prize plus three Hamilton City Arts Awards along with support from Canadian Council for Arts and Ontario Art Council granted for her work in Hamilton City Enrichment Program.

Emma Rush’s A Dream of Colour is an impressive 9-track album that truly showcases her incredible talent. Each song has its own unique sound and composition but manages to come together in perfect unison to create a captivating musical journey. As someone who listens to a lot of music, I can confidently say that this record stands out among the rest with its vibrant flow and dreamy atmosphere. Whether you’re new to Emma Rush or are already familiar with her work, this is one piece of art that should not be overlooked. It may not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for something outside your typical playlist then A Dream Of Colour is certainly worth checking out – it’s easily one of the most captivating albums I’ve heard this year!

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