Connie Lansberg has always been an integral part of the musical environment, an artist hailing from Melbourne with a compelling voice that has touched the hearts of millions of people all around the world. Connie Lansberg’s art cannot be easily categorized into genres because she is an explorer, following the soul of each piece of music rather than any pre-existing categories and rules. However, Connie Lanegrand is consistent in terms of choosing her stylistic direction, and especially regarding her commitment to jazz tradition. With the help of jazz artists whose instinctive and fluent performance adds to the complexity of their harmony, Connie Lansberg provides an atmosphere for complete immersion in music. Connie Lansberg’s latest album, called “Aeroplane,” was released recently on the 8th of June and deserves closer attention.

“Aeroplane”, the titular song of the album, opens with a series of descending guitar chords played gently. It is an evocative opening which establishes a sense of lightness. The song then proceeds with Connie’s voice joining the music and bringing a sense of intrigue to it, since the way she sings makes it feel as if she were speaking to you a secret just whispered. As the overall theme of the album, it is one of transition and searching for freedom and liberation. The character in the song admits that she didn’t have wings or know that she was capable of doing and rising in the sky. Sometimes in life, we forget what we’re capable of, and this song is a good premise. The vibes and instrumentation are achieved musically through the subtle finger-picking technique, which gives Connie’s singing room to dance around, much like a bird soaring in the sky.

“Broken Doll” begins with one striking sound, like a chime made from porcelain breaking against the floor. Then it is followed by a beat. The song takes on the issue of self-respect and the psychological damage caused by being ignored. The story of the song reminds me of when Jesse, a character from the beloved animated movie Toy Story. Jesse has a montage where she recounts her time with her first owner. Connie’s voice is delicate and soft, taking on a darker tone when she drops her vocals into the lower register in order to capture the idea of being broken inside. The instruments used in this song are minimalistic and bare-bones-like.

At number three, we have “Everything Ends Up In The River”. It opens up with a strong and flowing blues riff, which symbolizes the movement of the current itself, constant and unstoppable, like time. The song explores the idea of how necessary it is to let go of what cannot be retained anymore, like trash. The theme can be understood as a warning; holding onto the past means drowning, but submitting to the flow of the river means tranquility. The music is driven by the rhythm of the guitar, whereas Connie’s voice floats above it like a voice of experience and wisdom.

The track “Heart Made Of Stone” opens with a lively strumming sequence that resonates with hopefulness and clarity, instantly setting itself apart from the darker sounds of the album. The subject matter deals with the idea of the character who admits that she has a heart of stone.  Before you judge her, know that this is a defense mechanism she has created to make sure that she doesn’t get hurt or get her heart broken because it’s difficult to break a heart of stone. The music is rich and full, featuring Rabuchin’s guitar creating rhythmical support against Connie’s assertive vocal performance.

At number five, we have “Starlight and Gold”. The song starts with a set of arpeggio chords that glow like starlight in its reflective quality, thus creating a very dreamy, nighttime atmosphere. The song is an artistic interpretation of guidance and the importance of the treasures we cherish. Starlight and Gold implies that no matter how bleak our situation might be, there is still something that has significance to us and brings out meaning and treasure in our lives. It also talks about heartache associated with love, where the gold is the product of sorrow. This is conveyed through the softness of the vocals, as well as the gentle and complex instrumentals.

“The Way To You” opens with a sustained tone, which gradually fades out to set the scene for a softer melody performed using the guitar. This is a musical track whose lyrical nature reflects the experiences undergone as one travels to the point of real connection and communication with someone else. The key characteristics of the music are associated with the increased integration of the guitar with the voice, which creates an interplay with more and more intense feelings of intimacy. The effect created by the music is warm enough to make one feel like he/she has reached the destination.

“You Don’t Know Me” begins with a soft, rhythmic scratching of the guitar strings, which soon turns into a slow and methodical beat. This song speaks to the distance between how people see us and what actually goes on inside our heads, a form of quiet defiance against being summed up by first impressions. We meet a character who has been observing or thinking about someone who doesn’t know her. Connie’s singing is controlled and heartfelt, giving the impression that she has something deep inside her waiting to be revealed to those fortunate enough to hear. The music accompanying her is light, giving the meaning of the lyrics space to sink in amidst the silence.

Connie Lansberg’s latest masterpiece, entitled “Aeroplane,” comes not as a perfectly finished project but rather as a vital demonstration of the strength of genuine interaction. Connie Lansberg recorded this album on a special recording day with the renowned Brad Rabuchin, who is known as the guitarist for Ray Charles’ last live shows. This recording was done in such a way that there were no tricks in the studio, nor was there any opportunity to repeat anything after making a mistake. The only thing that can be observed here is the direct interaction of two outstanding masters, which led to creating a remarkable project that seems to be beyond a usual recording. Connie’s singing is characterized by a level of pristine sound clarity that sounds startlingly close to reality, while Rabuchin’s guitar play is an example of subtle sophistication as his guitar phrases dance effortlessly around each word and syllable. This is truly a remarkable, soulful experience, one that rekindles our passion for music as art. My dear readers, music enthusiasts out there, do yourselves a favor and take this trip. It is truly a triumph and one that will surely not disappoint in any way.

Stream the “Aeroplane” album on Spotify

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