Prairie songstress returns

A multitalented performer will make a return visit to Prince Albert Wednesday.

Winnipeg-based singer-songwriter Cat Jahnke has been touring Western Canada heavily since last September and will perform at Prince Albert's Turk's Coffee House for a second time.

This will be the second performance at Turks for the folk/pop singer who played there at the end of September. Jahnke has also played at the Prince Albert Arts Centre twice in the past.

Jahnke is set to work on a new album this January and will be performing songs from that album as well as a few from a new Christmas album called O Night Divine.

A bit of a departure from Jahnke's usual style, the Christmas songs feature a capella and a little piano.

"It is not the usual Cat Jahnke."

Jahnke grew up attending a Mennonite Church in Saskatoon, and she cited that experience as an influence in her decision to make a Christmas album.

"The album has a lot of the harmonies I grew up with."

Some of the songs are not typical Christmas music. "Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow" or "Hush, My Dear, Lie Still And Slumber" are a departure from the usual carols people hear this time of year.

Songs from the album have received airtime on CBC.

In addition to perusing a pop/folk music career Jahnke is earning a reputation as a film score writer.

Her producer is friends with a Hollywood film director and that has afforded Jahnke the chance to write four original scores.

In 2006 she was the winner of Best Original Score for the film "Free of Charge" the 168 Hour Film Festival in Hollywood.

Jahnke began playing piano at the age of five, and ultimately pursued a degree in music majoring in piano. She uses skills learnt in her classical background in song writing for films.

"I learned all these things that are not easily put to use in pop music."

On the tour Jahnke has been trying to include the short films in the intermission. She is not certain if Turks has the facilities to show the films on Wednesday.

Jahnke grew up in Saskatoon and her grandmother lived in Prince Albert.

For more on Cat Jahnke and the Christmas album check her website at www.catjahnke.com.

Wednesday's concert at Turks (2901 Second Ave. W.) starts at 8 p.m.

klongwell@paherald.sk.ca