Cherelle

Haunting ballads, soaring rock choruses, fearless protest anthems, ’60s-inspired vibes, and even big band swing, this album is a heartfelt celebration of love, peace, and human connection.

Something Old, Something New is more than a collection of songs, this album is a gathering of stories, friendships, and memories. It holds dreams that refused to fade and songs that insisted on being heard. Cherelle Jardine has brought them together in the hope that each song leaves the world a little kinder, and each heart a little more connected.

The album marks Cherelle’s return as a solo artist. She had been considering a new album when she remembered her recording of “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” made decades earlier at BullFrog Recording Studios and still sitting on a two-inch tape in her closet. She asked her producer, Sheldon Zaharko, whether it could be recovered and reimagined. Sheldon took the tape to Rob Darch at Hipposonic Studios in Vancouver, where Rob baked it and transferred the tracks. Having that song back gave Cherelle the spark she needed to make Something Old, Something New.

The album arrived on streaming platforms on August 22, 2026, during International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) Awards weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. Cherelle received Bronze for International Songwriter of the Year and Silver for International Video of the Year for the album’s opening track, “It’s a Beautiful Day.”

The title Something Old, Something New could hardly be more fitting. The album weaves newly written songs together with earlier recordings, rediscovered treasures, and fresh interpretations of music that waited years—and in some cases decades—to be heard. Along the way, it celebrates the friends and collaborators who helped shape Cherelle’s musical journey.

The title track, “Something Old, Something New,” was written by the late Doug Bennett of Doug and the Slugs with Marc Gladstone, Chris Murray Driver, and Jay Wittur. The song had never been released, but hearing an early demo inspired Cherelle to bring it to listeners. Recording it gave her a chance to honour Doug and to reunite Marc, Chris, and Jay in the studio on a song they had created together. Co-produced by Marc and longtime friend and award-winning engineer Sheldon Zaharko, the recording also features Brian Poulsen on electric guitar, Tom Keenlyside on trumpet and tenor, alto, and baritone saxophones, and Jerry Cook with a slinky saxophone solo.

Several of the album’s newest songs were written and produced by Studio 17 producer/songwriter Colin Weinmaster. “It’s a Beautiful Day” bursts with joy and ’60s-inspired warmth, celebrating love and the magic of being alive. “Lay the Weapons Down” is a protest rock anthem calling on us to disarm our hate, move beyond division, and choose compassion over conflict.

“Love’s Gotta Get Louder,” co-written with Colin and Daryl Burgess, grew from Cherelle’s response to the anger and division she saw in the news. A heartfelt plea for peace, it reminds us that beyond our differences, we are “eight billion souls making a pathway home.” Its message is a battle cry for love: love has to get louder.

That song inspired Cherelle’s “Love’s Gotta Get Louder Community Challenge,” inviting people across Canada to share the positive actions they’re taking in their communities. Submissions are open until October 29, 2026. One participant will be selected at random and announced at Cherelle’s October 30 album release celebration in Vancouver. Cherelle hopes the challenge will continue beyond that night, shining a light on more Canadians whose kindness and care deserve to be seen. Details are at https://cherellejardine.ca/loves-gotta-get-louder-community-challenge.  Show details are at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cherelle-jardine-something-old-something-new-album-release-celebration-tickets-1997520708210

Completing the recordings made with Colin is “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair),” the John Phillips classic that brings a touch of peace, love, and flower-power nostalgia to the album.

“Let’s Spend the Night Together” became one of the album’s most personal recordings. The new version keeps much of the original performance while giving it fresh life. Al Harlow of Prism added electric guitar; Colin Weinmaster created new horn arrangements for Tom Keenlyside; and Marc Gladstone, also of Prism, brought his expressive keyboards and rich soundscapes to this track, as he does throughout the album. Cherelle recorded a new lead vocal and added harmonies with Marc.

Most precious of all, the original recording held the background vocals of Cherelle’s dearly departed best friend, Canadian singer-songwriter Rachel Page. Her voice survived beautifully and now blends with Cherelle’s once again, alongside the rich harmonies of Arlen Park. For Cherelle, hearing Rachel on the finished album is a gift beyond words.

The album’s title also inspired Cherelle to revisit “Sweetest Sin,” one of her favourite songs by Stone Poets, the award-winning band she continues to write and perform with. Written by Cherelle, Scott Jackson, and Marc Gladstone, the song originally appeared on Smoke and Mirrors but was never performed live. Its intimate, cinematic journey through desire, addiction, and the courage to rise from the ashes is as haunting as it is hopeful. This collection gives it another opportunity to shine.

The final chapter reaches back to The Jardines, Cherelle’s seven-piece alt-country band and musical partnership with her daughter, Ajaye. Although their album “Someone’s Stolen Tuesday” was completed, the project came to an end when Ajaye moved to Nashville to pursue her solo career. Cherelle wanted to bring three personal favourites to a new generation of listeners.

“I Want More” is a tender portrait of love, longing, and the quiet hope shared by two hearts beneath the same velvet sky. “Someone Stolen Tuesday” follows two people navigating the demands of everyday life, reminding us to treasure the time we share. “Five Years Ago” explores the exhilarating collision of love, timing, and destiny—and the ache of finding a connection that may have arrived a little too late.

Cherelle worked again with Sheldon Zaharko to preserve the heart of these recordings while refreshing them. She re-recorded lead vocals, revised portions of the lyrics, added new harmonies with Marc, and welcomed Greg Stuart on drums. The songs also retain the original performances of Douglas Liddle on electric guitar, Michael Flunkert on steel guitar, and Ricky Francisco on mandolin.

Thank you for listening, for believing, and for becoming part of the story. From here, the journey continues with you. May these songs bring you as much joy as they have brought me.

Artwork: Pamela Windeyer Photography: Keith Clark https://www.keithclarkphotography.com

Complete artist credits and my heartfelt thanks can be found https://cherellejardine.ca/producers-musicians