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Singing for the Lord

Baker Lake artist releases spiritual album

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (Jan 31/01) - The sounds of gospel music are emanating from Baker Lake.

Singer Jeannie Tapatai travelled to Kuujjuaq, Quebec, last April to record a gospel album containing 10 different selections.

The album, Jesus is the Way, was released this month and is available on both cassette and CD.

Tapatai has been singing publicly for the past 10 years. She has performed for the Inuit Broadcasting Corp. in talent shows and a number of churches.

Tapatai has also travelled throughout the NWT performing for youth.

She says people in Baker were always asking for cassettes of her singing, so she decided to take the next step.

"I couldn't afford to buy tapes and give them to people. It's too expensive," says Tapatai. "I started thinking about recording seriously and approached David Webster, who had helped get the music of Baker elders recorded."

Webster wrote a funding proposal to approach the hamlet and various organizations to help Tapatai record the songs.

It took a while, but she finally had the resources to record her album at Qimuk Music Inc. in Kuujjuaq.

The album was produced by William Tagoona, who also supplied rhythm guitars, backing vocals and drums on track two.

Other musicians involved with the project included Derek Tagoona (bass on track one and two), Guy Lauzon (keyboards and bass) and Dave Birch (drums).

While Tapatai says people will enjoy the whole album, she says Because He Lives is her favourite track.

"I recorded the album while expecting my second child and didn't include him in the album's dedication. At the time I wrote, the CD is dedicated to my loving husband, Greg, and my daughter, Natasha, I love you.

"Because He Lives is about carrying a newborn baby and that's special to me."

Tapatai says she hopes many people will find the spiritual selections on her album both uplifting and soothing.

"I hope the album encourages young people to enjoy what God has given us and also offers hope and encouragement to everyone who believes in God."