The Canvas Before Us

Joy Zimmerman’s soulful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics light up her new acoustic roots album, The Canvas Before Us. Listeners will hear echoes of their own journeys in Joy’s songs of hope, heartache and resilience. With splashes of social commentary and humor, Joy’s new album invites the question: What story will the canvas of our lives tell?

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Reviews 

Joy Zimmerman has taken her music to a new level on "The Canvas Before Us," which not only showcases her lovely voice but also an array of new songs speaking eloquently and emotionally to the human condition. Am greatly looking forward to playing these songs on Kansas Public Radio's Trail Mix.          

~Bob McWilliams, host, Trail Mix on Kansas Public Radio  

“The Canvas Before Us” is a lyrical gift from a kind, thoughtful and fully formed artist. The tableau set for each song is complemented with superb instrumentation; each cut has a stringed “star.” It is apparent from Joy’s work on this album she is well read, a student of history and the human condition. Her voice is crystal clear. The words indicate her “antenna” was up and she is now ready to broadcast these songs that paint beautiful sonic pictures.     

~Diana Linn Ennis, DJ/Podcaster of Tasty Brew Music and Co-Founder/Director of Heartland Song Network, Inc. 

Joy Zimmerman and the Gordons have long been two of our favorites. We were thrilled when we learned that Gary Gordon was producing this CD and it is truly a match made in heaven. This is a poignant concept album and there is a brush stroke of lyrics running through every song, reminding us that we are the creators of our lives. The title fits this project perfectly and the palette of instruments and Joy's crystal clear voice have added just the right colors in just the right places. This CD is a WORK OF ART!  

~ Donna and Kelly Mulhollan aka Still on the Hill 

"The Canvas Before Us" is a warm and beautiful album about hope, reflection and the loving humor that only Joy Zimmerman can infuse. I love this album! Inspiring women, love, our future, the state of the world—so many unique stories accompanied by music that is both original and comforting. Joy Zimmerman gives us both in this lovely and thoughtful new release. Lucky us.  

~Dani Goodband, Lakeside Music  

“A Canvas Before Us” brings Joy's beautiful soprano to us in a way that allows her voice to ring in its clear, clean truth as never before. The instrumentation creates buoyant liquid for her to float in the center and carry the listener along. Even the songs I am very familiar with were a new and wonderful listening experience. The world gets to celebrate the true Joy in this CD. It leaves us wanting for more!  

~ Peggy Kelly, Open Range Concerts – up north  

For Radio Promo/Interviews: Kari Estrin Management/Consulting 

P.O. Box 60232, Nashville, TN 37206 - 615.262.0883 – kari@kariestrin.com

The Canvas Before Us

The Canvas Before Us

Joy Zimmerman

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Joy Zimmerman's new acoustic/Americana studio album is available now.

Joy Zimmerman’s soulful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics light up her new acoustic roots album, The Canvas Before Us. Listeners will hear echoes of their own journeys in Joy’s songs of hope, heartache and resilience. With splashes of social commentary and humor, Joy’s new

Joy Zimmerman's new acoustic/Americana studio album is available now.

Joy Zimmerman’s soulful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics light up her new acoustic roots album, The Canvas Before Us. Listeners will hear echoes of their own journeys in Joy’s songs of hope, heartache and resilience. With splashes of social commentary and humor, Joy’s new album invites the question: What story will the canvas of our lives tell?

Rich acoustic instrumentation and lyrical songwriting coalesce in all fourteen songs. Joy finds courage for choices she makes in “Courage Walks Alongside”; honors creative resilience in “Light the Stage”; contemplates the future in “Let Us Not Close Our Hearts”; sings of conditional love in the tongue-in-cheek “I Love You So (So)”; critiques contemporary life in “Beware the Short Story”, and celebrates bold women in “Women Who Walked on Water”. Joy’s songs help light the way in this challenging world.

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    Prairie Wind 3:16
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    Measure My Heart 2:21
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    Mosaic 2:41
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    If Your Life Were A Movie 3:07
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    Where Will You Stand 2:59
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    I Love You So (So) 2:20
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    Dear John or Jane 2:40
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    Beware the Short Story 2:50
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    Women Who Walked on Water 3:23
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    One Precious Life 2:31
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    Courage Walks Alongside 3:13
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    Light the Stage 2:31
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The Canvas Before Us - additional information

Joy Zimmerman’s soulful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics light up her new acoustic roots album, The Canvas Before Us. Listeners will hear echoes of their own journeys in Joy’s songs of hope, heartache and resilience. With splashes of social commentary and humor, Joy’s new album invites the question: What story will the canvas of our lives tell? 

Rich acoustic instrumentation and lyrical songwriting coalesce in all fourteen songs. Joy revisits her childhood in “Courage Walks Alongside”; empowers creative resilience in “Light the Stage”; contemplates the future in “Let Us Not Close Our Hearts”; tickles our funny bone in “I Love You So (So)”; critiques contemporary life in “Beware the Short Story”, and celebrates courageous women in “Women Who Walked on Water”. Within this challenging world, Joy’s songs help light the way. 

The Canvas Before Us was produced, recorded and mastered by Gary Gordon of Inside-Out Studio, Sparta, IL. Additional vocal mixing was done by David Travers-Smith of Found Sound, Toronto, Canada. Along with vocals, Joy played guitar, fiddle, ukulele and typewriter on the album. The stellar contributing musicians are Robert Bowlin, Ryan Dugan, Polly Lanuay, Ross Sermons, Gary Gordon, Monty Jackson, and Roberta Gordon. 

Joy Zimmerman’s songwriting has been recognized nationally with an American Songwriter Lyric Contest Honorable Mention and ten Walnut Valley Festival NewSong Showcase wins. “We’ll Hold the Light”, Joy’s single honoring health care workers during the pandemic, was a Top 20 Song of the Month on the Folk DJ Chart.