While some are nervous, angry or anxious about the nation’s economic crisis, the Iraq war and the pending presidential election, Snowmass musician Jan Garrett is excited about the volatile political atmosphere and believes it will lead to a “spectacular new direction in human evolution.”

“I, for one, am really excited and hopeful about what’s on the other side of this shift we’re in the middle of. And I intend to have a rollicking good time through it all,” Garrett said.

She and partner JD Martin are hoping the music on their latest CD, “No Complaints Whatsoever,” prompts people to listen to their hearts and be part of a solution rather than wallowing in grievances.

The duo will hold two CD release concerts in the valley this weekend — at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Aspen Community Church, and at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Steve’s Guitars, 19 N. Fourth St., in Carbondale.

The two award-winning songwriters have drawn on their gospel choir roots for some of the music on the new CD. Borrowing a description from Aspen radio personality Dan “Pastor Mustard” Sadowsky, Martin called their latest work “secular progressive gospel” further commenting that it’s “inspirational music for people … whatever path they’re on.”

Certainly spiritual, but not necessarily religious, Garrett and Martin deliver inspiring, uplifting lyrics filled with good humor, beautiful vocals and smooth piano playing, all based out of a broad spiritual perspective. Through their music and work as spiritual guides, Martin says they aim to help individuals get in touch with their inner selves.

All that deep stuff aside, they also just want people to dance, smile and sing along.

Humans need music, noted Martin. “Music is such an integral part of who we are,” he said. “Music seems so natural as an expression of human spirit.”

Artistic collaborators, business partners, best friends and sweethearts, the two met in 1995, each with seasoned professional music histories.

Martin is an acclaimed songwriter of five Number One and 10 Top Ten country and pop hit singles. He has won more than 15 awards for excellence in songwriting from the American Society for Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Garrett is a jazz singer, award-winning songwriter, master vocal coach, poet, wilderness vision quester, meditation student, certified laughing instructor and mother of identical twin daughters. She has toured with John Denver, Steve Martin and the Dirt Band, and has appeared on the “Tonight Show.”

For the album, Martin and Garrett play with national-touring musicians, such as guitarist Brent Rowan on the Randy Newman-influenced song “See My Way Through,” as well as local musicians, including Terry Bannon (jazz piano) and John Michel (drums/percussion) on “Windows.”

It’s hard for them to narrow down their favorites. Martin likes the gospel stylings in the title track but really loves to play piano on the jazzy “It Ain’t Over Yet.”

“I love what she does vocally. I get lit up, energized,” he said of wife Garrett.

Garrett, who learned to jitterbug at age 7, also loves to sing that piece, which is reminiscent of the swing era with Andrew Sisters type harmonies.

“I love to sing ‘Say That.’ It just kicks.” Then after a pause, she said, “I love them all.”

To listen to songs, read the lyrics, purchase a CD or learn more about Garrett and Martin, visit www.Garrett-Martin.com.