Acapella group releases its debut album Dec 12

Countermeasure (www.countermeasuremusic.com) is the fresh face of a cappella, known for their upbeat sound, sophisticated harmonies, and infectious energy. Led by downtown resident and award-winning composer/arranger Aaron Jensen, and featuring 14 of Canada’s top young vocal talent, Toronto-based Countermeasure’s genre-defying, contemporary sound has earned the group critical and public acclaim. The group will be releasing their debut CD, “14 Characters”, in concert at Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto on Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, available through Factory Theatre at https://secure1.tixhub.com/factory/procurement/

“14 Characters” offers a range of lively pop, jazz, contemporary, and original songs. Selections include music from the Beatles, Carole King, Madonna, Queen, D’Angelo, and more, sung in unique arrangements highlighting the breadth and range of the voice. The original three works pay homage to groups like the Hi-Los and the Andrews Sisters (“14 Characters”), to 20^th century choral composers including Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns (“This Moment Now”), and pop artists such as Bjork and Radiohead (Opera Somnia). Artistic Director Jensen describes the album as “a retrospective of three years since the group was formed. It represents where we’ve been and where we are going. The arrangements on this album are sometimes complex, but almost always, very playful. We like to challenge expectations with our music, as well as breathe new life into standard repertoire.”

“Outstanding” raved the producer of “It’s Always Something” at the Sony Centre, where Countermeasure recently wowed the audience alongside international stars Corey Hart, Nikki Yanofsky, Matt Dusk, Colin Mochrie and Ron James. The group has been spotlighted on Global TV, Rogers TV, Breakfast Television, and shared stages with vocal giants The Swingle Singers, The Real Group, The Four Freshman, The Nylons, Chantal Kreviazuk, Blue Rodeo and more. The group has performed at major jazz and music festivals in Canada and the U.S., including at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Art on the Park in New York City, and Beaches International Jazz Festival in Toronto.

Manager J-M Erlendson says “Countermeasure has evolved into something truly amazing, incorporating each of our 14 personalities into our vibrant sound and performance. I’m excited to see the culmination of our hard work and dedication, and look forward to an awesome release and push into 2014.” Countermembers are J-M Erlendson, Aaron Jensen, Gianna Antonacci, Daniel Boyle, Qwyn Charter, Arun Devdas, Jeremy Found, Marla Kishimoto, Tara Park, Hayley Preziosi, Nina Mason, Clara Schwartz, Elana Steingart, and Jeremy Voltz.

Opening the night will be The Watch (www.thewatch.ca) , Toronto’s most exciting new vocal quartet. Made up of a cappella veterans Dylan Bell, Art Mullin, Daniel Galessiere, and Aaron Jensen, this multifarious foursome celebrates a songbook that ranges from swinging bebop tunes, to R&B anthems – from contemporary choral originals to classic pop songs. Their high energy performance features innovative arrangements incorporating amazing vocal-instrument sounds.

Tickets are available at www.factorytheatre.ca. Advance price: $15 ticket only, $25 with CD;

door price: $20 ticket only, $30 with CD.