In the depths of the creative atmosphere that comforts us musically, a fresh resonance with a spirit so animated and enchanting (that cataloging is an exercise in futility) has emerged. The sound is that of Canadian, Marcome’, (Mar-ko-may). a multi-artistic phenomenon that will, I assure change the way you perceive composition and performance along your journey through musical exploration…
Marcomé first emerged on the scene in 1995 and within a few months engaged the World Music populace with an array of different attitudes and forms never experienced. “Seven Seasâ€쳌 was the catalyst that introduced these sculpted works of art.
Marcomé is in the non-traditionalist form as an artist. Her musical creations license emotions to run wild, moods to embrace the most simplistic of moments, and feel beyond the heart allows. Her production is both philosophical and educational, for it takes the student of the art out of the text book and into the core of the craft. From start to finish, Marcomé work is an opus of intimacy!
The tones are angelic, pioneering production values, and a performance quality that is spiritually sensitive as if she was embracing vocal intimacy. As you spin such magic as “Yekuâ€쳌 you become part of her world. She draws you in with a sense of comfort with her voice, lyrics, and arrangements which mold you into a euphoric fantasy.
As we talked we explored her philosophies, passions, and techniques, not only with these two projects but in her life as well. We will touch upon those who are privileged to be associated with her both artistically and personally. Get to know her likes and wishes for they all will soon appear somewhere for us to listen through her music. Marcomé, as you will soon find out is a kaleidoscope of colors which portray her moods and patterns which mirror her diversity.
In this piece you not only go between sets but enter her world, one that an exit is not desired. For once you spin her magic the journey in never ending.

Marcomé will appeal to fans of onomatopoeic vocalization. The seriously dense and misty production of Seven Seas owes mucho to the layered sound that Enya and Nicky Ryan have dished up for a decade but somehow this record works beyond my jaded bias. Perhaps it's the innocent, playful instrumentation of "Kiss of the Night" which sounds a bit like Cocteau Twins with several hand drums mixed in for flair. Or the almost comical, bubbly and smoky "Librarsi" (as if Nino Rota wrote a tune with Pat Metheny). Marcomé does sing plenty of English in between the "otherworldly" syllable-ization. Worth a try. 



MARCOMÉ Seven Seas
India has Sheila Chandra, China has Dawada and the British Isles boast Enya. Now Canada has a super songstress whose mostly wordless vocals display anew why the human voice is that most incredible and flexible of all instruments. But unlike Enya's sometimes strident strains, Marcomé keeps her voice floats like a gossamer veil upon a warm breeze. Enchanting lyrics are related in breathy murmurs she weaves magical tales of a shining boy with silver eyes, a dancer transcending the rhythm of time and a lover whose memory still holds the power to light a fire inside. Intoxicating yet subtle percussion accents created by ankle beads, sandpaper and wind chimes help heighten the otherworldly feel of Marcomé's music, making this an album which one wants to hear again and again.

Marcomé’s voice and keyboards gently sail over the Seven Seas, backed by laid back, jazzy percussion, bass, bells and chimes.
The instruments support her airy, high voice lifting the spirits and songs to sweetly appealing heights. Seven Seas is built around her voice in the same way that Enya’s albums are arranged to support her voice, even though there are a few instrumental tracks.
The lyrics express euphoric feelings, reflective moods, stories told in whispers and intimate conversations.
Her lifting voice breezes through these shared spaces like an invocation to the spirit of communion.
Extremely soft, soothing, easy listening.

Marcomé (Canada) River of Soul
En el programa de hoy lunes, en la emisora, os presentaré el trabajo de Marcomé.
Cantante y compositora (también a los teclados, arreglos y programación). Su experiencia como ingeniera de sonido le da una ventaja única sobre otros artistas que trabajan en el género de música instrumental y ambiental, al dominar el camino del estudio de grabación y ser capaz de experimentar a menudo y extensamente, conducida por su intuición y dedicación a su arte acompañada de su curiosidad implacable, todo impulsado por su incuestionable trabajo.
Marcomé ha colaborado con varios artistas reconocidos mundialmente como son Diana Krall, Le Cirque du Soleil, Yes, Pat Metheny, Tom Waits... etc.
Su voz es su autenticidad, me han dicho que es como escuchar el mar en la voz de Marcomé, una voz pura y fuerte. Una reverb y time delay justo para acabar de mostrar su voz etérea. En su trabajo 'River Of Soul' nos encontramos toques de música árabe (como en el tema Arábiga), paseos por africa, momentos de chill out, guiños al jazz, pero sobretodo impecable y muy viajero, alerta al tema 'Nostrie Tiempo', dieciseis minutos de respiro para el espíritu.
Marcomé escogió a Michel Robidoux (Robert Charlebois, Leonard Cohen) como su co-productor y Ian Terry como su ingeniero del sonido. Con ellos consiguió la fusión de sonidos del Este con algo de jazz y sensibilidades de música ambientales, anclándolos con percusiones de world music.
Un trabajo muy ambiental. Novedoso, fresco, emotivo, alegre, etéreo, un sonido capaz de adentrarte en el pensamiento más bello, o bien dejarte llevar con los ojos cerrados. Me quedo con la descripción anteriormente hecha, es como escuchar el mar, como adentrarse en un viaje oceánico y oler la sal, que te golpée la brisa fresca de la mañana, que te acúne el oleaje emocional, que te llena de energía, esa energía que dices waahhhhhhhh!! que bien este aliento para el espíritu.
Un buen trabajo para empezar este lunes.
Buenos días a todos. :-)

We are water. Water is Life. Let the water revive you. Bring your spirit to the water. Live, Laugh and Love! We have only just begun...

Music comes from the soul, but sometimes Marcomé seems to have a corner on the market – and this CD is no exception to her rule. River of Soul is a blend of new world beat, latin, african, middle-far-eastern, jazz, arabic rhythms - and yes, soul. Her warmly vibrant voice has a clarity to it that lets her love shine through, and cuts like "Arabica" showcase her spirited and often haunting melodies. Always one to take her inspiration from Nature, Marcomé has brought images of rock pinnacles from Thessaly, the terra-cotta colors of Africa, and the calmness of a New England pond and combined them in a musical tapestry that weaves gently around the listener all the way through.

River of Soul is a mix of new world beat, latin, African, middle-far-eastern, jazz, African and Arabic rhythms combined with spirited, lovingly executed, enchanting, vocal styling. Marcomé carefully fuses different world music influences with jazz style and classical vocals creating a new world music genre. She has an intriguing wordless language that heightens the imagery of a place filled with spirituality, imagination, sensitivity and a sense of dream-like wonder.

In addition to being a keyboardist, programmer and sound engineer as well as a proficient percussionist, Marcomé produces, arranges and engineers her musical work. After completing her post-graduate studies in commerce and communications, she worked in theatre, in both music composition and sound creation. She then entered into the music industry. This background is the source of both her musical inspiration and artistic sense, and her industry collaborations include work with such artists as Diana Krall, Cecilia Bartoli, Le Cirque du Soleil, Branford Marsalis, Sir George Martin, Tom Waits, Daniel Lanois, Pat Metheny and Yes.

There is a purity and wonderful clarity in Marcomé’s exquisite vocals. The amalgamation of varied sounds creates an ethereal feel to her creations. Her debut album, Seven Seas, was released in 1995. She began writing new compositions for River of Soul album in 1998 for this 2007 release. Marcomé has once again partnered with Michel Robidoux, who also adds his exquisite guitar playing, enhancing certain tracks with colorful warmth and impeccable taste. Michel Dupire’s sophisticated percussion also adds a distinctive touch to Marcomé’s sound. Lastly, Marcomé also had the pleasure of adding Martin Lord Ferguson to the team. Martin produced and arranged Cirque du Soleil’s album Ka (2005).

Marcomé is a vocal stylist with a pure and strong voice. By layering her vocal tracks and by understanding the subtle use of space, reverb and time delay, she has been able to create an ethereal voice - an instrument in itself. Marcomé also creates her own languages by using various poetic devices. From this she gets a new and fresh vocal and musical sound. Since her first album, she has matured and evolved both emotionally and spiritually.

Marcomé’s sublime vocals are showcased in this cavalcade of sound ecstasy. The journey begins with "Dawn's Spirit," bringing an exotic, dreamy quality to mind. The imagery of the sun rising is beautifully captured in the wonderful music. Marcomé’s music has a similar intensity and aura as that of Enya. "River of Life" evokes a flow of energy and emotions. She says, "Come and run in the river, Let the waters rejoice in your life," and this song is certainly emotionally upbeat.

There is an alluring and mysterious sound to "Arabica." She speaks of Scheherazade and one can imagine being surrounded by the sandy desert, with tent flaps waving in the breeze. The Middle Eastern tones are perfectly captured, whisking you away to an exotic destination. She changes pace with her examination of darkness, pain, fear and solitude in "Locked Inside." Marcomé’s luxuriant tones help to depict that strenth of character comes from working through the emotional pains.

One of the standout tracks on this album is called "World is Singing." The African influences create an earthiness of this uplifting song. Marcomé depicts a musical lushness telling everyone to raise their voice and join the chorus in unity as the world needs voices. The ethereal "Meteora" employs the wonderful poetic imaginative language in a flowing, esoteric style. She carries through with alluring imagery in the vivid "Tupitera." It's back to Africa for the hypnotically percussive "Terra Africana."

"Learning to Fly" has a wonderful harmonic feel as you're advised to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get off the ground, dancin' the night away. "Elated" has a soothing and relaxing melody with a very sumptuous feel. The final track is "Nostrie Tiempo" with its soaring and exquisite vocals. This moving song represents a celebration of spirit, freeing the body, freeing the spirit, allowing one to move in the circle of the sacred ritual of the River of Soul. The sound mesmerizes and Marcomé’s magnificent vocalese is full of fascination and charisma.

The depth of quality in River of Soul is exceptional. Marcomé presents her craft expertly and enthralls the listener from stem to stern. She does not fail in capturing the sublime in this brilliant musical tapestry. One experiences an intimate journey that personifies majestic spirit of life. Russel Elliot

Marcome', the celestially voiced Canadian releases another album of World-influenced songs that travel around the globe and back. The recording is called River of Soul and while the music is quite agreeable, it is the human voice that makes the entire journey gratifying. Marcome'’s music is fused with rhythms and elements that sometimes defy description. Sometimes we are passengers to the Middle East while at other timers we are on our own in the heart of the African continent.

Dreamy, echoing voice invokes the essence of promise in the first track Dawn's Spirit. As the golden sun rises, it ignites the potential of a new beginning, a new day, and a new sense of optimism. The track River of Life captures the character of the whole album. That is that the energy, the flow and the emotion that the river of love and faith are stronger than ever.

“Come and run in the river,
Let the waters rejoice in your life.
In my hearts beats the river,
Full of laughter for love and for life.â€쳌

The waters of the earth are life giving, but the waters of grace are divine.

One of the most uplifting songs on the album is called World is Singing. The music, vocals and lyrics all join hands to make a circle of emotion and hope. It has an "Enigma" feel to it and that makes the whole song more enjoyable. The song celebrates one of the oldest stories of humankind, the harmony that can he heard when all sing together - the same song, the same idea, and the same goals.

Our greatest fears are oftentimes held at bay by word unspoken. Locked Inside speaks about those fears and how they are kept in check by emotions yet undiscovered. Angelic chorus and Marcome'’s sumptuous voice sing about the fears. With a bass line like a heartbeat and a warm wash of strings, the tune unfolds. This is one of the better tracks on the album.

The best track though is Nostrie Tiempo (Our Time). It is also the longest track on River of Soul at over sixteen minutes. It is however sixteen minutes of bliss. It represents a celebration of the spirit on a global scale. Everything from the roaring bonfire on a star-filled summer sky to the chants of the shamans and the voices of the people are represented in this tune. The plaintiff cries, the swaying of mesmerized bodies and the ultimate surrender of the spirit is symbolized by the Middle Eastern themes and percussion and the exotic violin lead. Ah, sweet surrender.

Marcome' came on the scene in America with her evocative album Seven Seas in 1997. It was a bit more atmospheric than River of Soul, this one having some songs that have production feel to them. And why not? Marcome'’s has used her extensive talents on shows like Cirque du Soleil as well as other major concerts. Using her experience as a sound engineer allows her to shape her vocals and music from a unique perspective. Many sound people would know what a song should sound like. Marcome' knows what a song should feel like. She is also a proficient keyboardist, percussionist and programmer.
I liked Seven Seas, but I think that River of Soul has won me over. I believe it has to do with the innate diversity of Marcome'’s compositions as she musically circles the planet and offers a means for all nations to come to the celebration. She visits Africa, Arabia, the North as well as the inner self and, as her fellow travelers we come together in harmony. That is what music is supposed to do, is it not?
        
                
Rating: Very Good            RJ Lannan for New Age Reporter
                

River of Soul is an excellent example of what the mix of spiritual music with new world music can sound like. Marcomé is a singer, composer, and keyboardist with a unique, appealing style. She sounds slightly Brazilian, but that’s just a guess on my part for I think she's French Canadian. Her songs are part vocalization, part lyric, all well written, produced, and performed. Having the acoustic sounds of guitars, percussions, flute, cello, mandolin, and bass greatly warms up the sound and balances the keyboards very nicely. Excellent musicianship and great songwriting throughout make this a CD worth having. Particular favorites of mine are “Arabica,â€쳌 “Meteora,â€쳌 “Terra Africana,â€쳌 and “Nostrie Tiempo.â€쳌 The last one closes the CD and has the sound of the group Adiemus. An excellent album. Highly recommended.