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HOPE
[4:42]
lyrics
"Hope" is the winning song in a national songwriting contest established by the Anglican Church of Canada to help promote its "Marks of Mission". It was written by Canadian singer/songwriter Jaylene Johnson, and Jim Kimball, a producer/songwriter and long-time touring guitar player for Reba McEntire. The track was recorded in Vancouver at Blue Wave Studios, by Randy Murray (Bachman Turner-Overdrive) and Tony Marriott (Said the Whale) and is released in conjunction with a video and documentary produced by Anglican Video.
In addition to Jaylene's vocal artistry and Jim Kimball's gifted guitar-playing, the track features a stellar array of musicians, including:
Arun Chaturvedi: Additional vocal production
Peter Allen: Arranger/ Piano (Film Composer)
Mike Sanyshyn: Fiddle (2012 CCMA & BCCMA Fiddle player of the year)
David Sinclair: Guitars (formerly toured with Sarah MacLachlan)
Randall Stoll: Drums (Touring drummer for Tom Cochrane and others)
Gail Suderman & the Good Noise Gospel Choir of Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral
The song was written after a conversation Jaylene and Jim had about the word "Hope" and its meaning; they discussed how the word is used casually and frequently, but is understood most powerfully during difficult circumstances. Says Jaylene, "I've realized the value of 'hope', and particularly the hope I have in God, when I have been most in danger of losing it" They wrote the song in Jim's living-room in Nashville, with the 'hope' that it would end up being an encouragement for many people one day. When Jaylene heard about the songwriting contest, it seemed like, and has proven to be, a terrific opportunity for the song to be heard.
Jaylene is, herself, no stranger to challenging circumstances. A serious car wreck at the end of an extensive Canadian tour promoting her sophomore album, "Finding Beautiful" (2004)caused major trauma which affected her body and soul, and she nearly quit music altogether.
"I would 'yell' at God in agony" she recalls. "My body was spasming, and the relentless, day-to-day pain was wearing me down spiritually. I felt that I would be of no use to anyone, and that music was certainly out of the question. But one day I heard God speak back with both conviction and encouragement. I don't know how I was brought through, but I was. As cliche as it may sound, I know He carried me." She often jokes that her body is healed and is back to being as inflexible as it was before the accident.
Johnson returned to the music scene in 2006, and was offered a publishing deal with Casablanca Media Publishing from 2006-2008. Many of her songs have been heard on network television, including Joan of Arcadia, Degrassi: The Next Generation and Pretty Little Liars. She has co-written with artists and producers across North America, and has had songs recorded by laudable artists including Amy Sky (Alive and Awake) and Sierra Noble (Possibilities) She has been honoured as a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition in multiple categories for the past few years, and released 'Happiness' in 2010, which received a Western Canadian Music Award nomination that same year. She continues to compose music for both the mainstream market and church community.
Jaylene resides in Winnipeg with her husband Scott, where she also works part-time as Ministry Coordinator for the missional church, saint benedict's table.
For more information about Jaylene, visit http://www.jaylenejohnson.com, or contact info@jaylenejohnson.com.
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