All songs written and arranged by Laila Biali (except Yellow, I Think It’s Going to Rain Today and Let’s Dance)

Produced by Ben Wittman & Laila Biali
Mixed by Tim Abraham Mastered by João Carvalho

Laila Biali: vocals, piano, keys
George Koller: bass
Larnell Lewis: drums (01, 02, 04, 08, 09, 11, 12) Ben Wittman: drums (03, 05, 06, 07), percussion
Mike “Maz” Maher: trumpet (02, 08, 09, 11) Ambrose Akinmusire: trumpet (03, 05)
Sam Yahel: organ (01, 02, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 12) Glenn Patscha: organ (solo on 02), keys (12) Lisa Fischer: vocals (01, 02, 05, 06, 07, 08)
Jo Lawry: vocals (all tracks except 09) Carlos Ricketts (01, 02, 06, 07)
__________

Laila Biali would like to reintroduce herself.

The raven-haired musician has won awards (SOCAN Composer of the Year and Keyboardist of the Year at Canada’s National Jazz Awards) and played the world’s most prestigious venues (North Sea Jazz Festival, Tokyo’s Cotton Club, Carnegie Hall). She’s toured with GRAMMY award winners (Chris Botti, Paula Cole, Suzanne Vega) and recorded with an international icon (Sting). In short: She’s established herself as one of Canadian jazz’s brightest young stars. And now, almost two decades into a successful career, she’s ready for a change. 

“It’s been a long time coming,” Laila says of her upcoming self-titled album. “I’ve been playing music professionally for years but this album feels, in a way, like a new beginning.”

Led by the funky single, “Got to Love,” LAILA BIALI is the culmination of everything the acclaimed singer-songwriter has achieved thus far. “Writing this album, I felt like a kid in a candy store, wanting to try everything,” Laila explains. “It took some time for me to find my voice as a songwriter, and I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself into any one particular genre.” 

The end result is an eclectic-but-focused album that Laila describes as “fully representative.” “There are elements of improvisation, so the jazz is there,” she says. “There’s also an edgier songwriting persona that I think has always been there but took some time to hone in on.” 

Catchy, sophisticated, and unlike anything currently on the radio, it’s pop music, but not the kind that can be neatly tagged by an algorithm. Melodies take thrilling left turns and pre-choruses give way to instrumental interludes. One minute Biali is soaring over a bluesy storm of handclaps and hard-charging keyboard riffs (“Got to Love”), the next she is pouring out her soul on an impassioned, slow-burning plea for empathy (“Refugee.”) It’s pop music, but the experimental, distinctly human variety popularized by Regina Spektor, Rachael Yamagata, and Sara Bareilles. 

Balancing the competing impulses was a challenge, but the final outcome was worth it. “I’m more excited about this record than any other project of mine to date,” Laila declares. Fans should be too.

09 Code Breaking

The OM Sound truly redefines the concept of “power trio.” From their infectious rhythms to thick jazz harmony and layers of live looping, their music can only be described as relentless. With hip-hop verses to empower the people, The OM Sound merges technical drumming with electronic percussion, synths, shredding keyboards and crunchy guitar. Bold harmonies contrast with deep basslines; didgeridoo accents are the cherry on top. Frequently compared to groups like Gogo Penguin, Jordan Rakei, and Snarky Puppy, they set themselves apart by their connection to the hip-hop and prog genres.

A socially conscious message, evolved from extensive travel, is conveyed through soul-stirring lyrics and diverse world influences. Criss-crossing from coast to coast on three month long tours, The OM Sound is no stranger to the road in their quest to share their prog-hop sounds with those near and far.

During the pandemic when touring was not an option, The OM Sound recorded live in Montreal and produced a large number of new singles, complete with music videos, lyric videos, and behind-the-scenes mini-documentaries. They also collaborated with other musicians and released several remixes. A full album featuring some of those singles will be released in early 2024. The album enters the progressive realm of hip-hop blended with jazz, funk, prog, and more.

They are currently in the studio recording a full EP of classical music turned into hip-hop. Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and Bach are about to collaborate with modern instruments and vocalists. The songs will have some exciting feature performers and show another side of The OM Sound’s versatility.

Prior albums, Imminent Light (2018, Montreal, CA), Gardens in the Ghetto (2016, Montreal, CA) and The Tipping Point (2014, Melbourne, AU) explore the artful chaos of urban living and the education of traveling.

Over the course of five cross-Canada tours, hundreds of shows, self-produced videos and recordings, and connections made across the globe, The OM Sound define themselves by their endless expansion. With their passion for creation driving them onward, they empower with every performance.

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali has toured with Chris Botti, Paula Cole, Suzanne Vega and Sting. She has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents, from Carnegie Hall in New York City to the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Her accolades include a 2019 JUNO Award (Canada's GRAMMY) for “Vocal Jazz Album of the Year”, top prize at the 2018 Canadian Songwriting Competition (Jazz), “SOCAN Composer of the Year” and “Keyboardist of the Year” at Canada’s National Jazz Awards, a JUNO nomination for Tracing Light, and a spot on DownBeat Magazine’s “Best Albums of the Year” list for Live in Concert. In 2015, Laila released her first album of entirely original music, House of Many Rooms – an indie-pop project featuring a star- studded lineup including the vocalist Lisa Fischer, who is featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom. In September of 2017, Laila was brought on as the host for CBC Music’s national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz. And while Laila continues to earn high honours in the Jazz world, her unique genre-bending sound is what sets her apart as she "masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy.” (Washington Post) She will release her next album in March 2020.