The Coast's own Canadian Idol finalist Sarah Loverock will be a guest artist on a recording by America's Hot Musicians. She will sing a ballad, The Dreamer, composed by a reality TV show judge and musician, Gregory Charles Royal, while the show's two finalists, Bobby McManus from Detroit on acoustic guitar and Joe Lindner from South Dakota, a one man band, demonstrate why America voted them two of the hottest musicians.
The show, which launched in 2007 and has not been seen in Canada, is a different take on Idol-style competition and is produced by the American Youth Symphony. Instead of vocalists in the spotlight, America's Hot Musicians recognizes the musicians and their performances on any instrument, any style. Youthful competitors are judged by a panel (including Canadian metal bassist Talena Atfield) on their musical abilities as well as their stage presence. The goal of the show and of its creator, Royal, is to hear teens arguing about who is the baddest drummer or what band has the best horn section rather than always enthusing about the lead singer.
"There is so much musical talent in our communities, but everyone cannot be a rapper or singer," said AHM in a press release.
Loverock heads for a Vancouver recording studio in late August and she has already learned the song. Royal told her she had exactly the right tone and timbre he was looking for.
"I've never sung a song like this before," Loverock said. "It has a jazz element to it, lots of key changes and a big range."
Though it's not in her style, which she describes as more funky, rocking blues stuff, she's not going to turn down the opportunity.
Royal said she was chosen for her "soulful sound on the ballad that's gonna knock radio's socks off."
While appearing on Canadian Idol, Loverock demonstrated that she has the technical ability to carry off the complicated song.
Currently, the Gibsons mother keeps busy managing and serving at Smitty's Oyster Bar. She loves the job. "I'm a social person. It makes me happy taking care of people," she said.
The Dreamer is slated for release in 2010.
