Way Through

Description

Way Through is a collaborative album by Toronto musicians Chris Cummings, Joseph Shabason, and Thom Gill (performing as Cici Arthur). Inspired by moments of discovery within familiar places, the album’s title reflects the feeling of uncovering hidden pathways in life. Musically, it blends mid-century influences like Jobim and Sinatra, with producer-instrumentalists Shabason and Gill crafting lush and expansive soundscapes. Featuring a 30-piece orchestra led by Owen Pallett, the album brings a grand dimension to Cummings’ intimate and thoughtful lyrics. The project originated in 2020, when Cummings lost his job and turned to music full-time for the first time in his life. His collaborators designed the arrangements to highlight his understated vocals. With its orchestral richness and deeply personal lyrics, Way Through captures the tension between ambition and realism, offering a poignant reflection on life's unpredictable journey.