BLUE BONESKim BeggsBlack Hen Music8.5-out-of-10
I became something of a fan of Yukon-based performer Kim Beggs after reviewing Wanderer's Paean back in October 2007. The disk was one of the Western Canada Music Awards finalists for Best Solo Roots album, and I enjoyed it enough to give it an 8-out-of-10.
It is gratifying to find that Beggs has not slipped with the release of Blue Bones on the fine Black Hen Music label.
Beggs style might be called bluegrass by some, although she herself calls it roots/country. For me the two definitions are near synonymous, and is this case equate to good music.
There is an 'old' country feel to the music, especially on a wonderful cut such as Mama's Dress, with its electric slide guitar, organ, and vocal harmonies with Laurie Lewis.
Beggs has a country/bluegrass if there ever was one. You almost swear it's a voice from country a half century ago, and that is very refreshing today.
Lyrically, Beggs is a talent as well. Maiden Heart, as an example, is wonderfully penned.
There are 13-songs on the CD, and not a soft spot among them. Beggs is in a groove here, and just scores with song after song. An impressive effort that even includes a song called Can't Drive Slow Yodel, something you just don't here anymore.
This is country the old way, the right way in my mind. A definite winner for Beggs.Check it out at www.kimbeggs.com/- CALVIN DANIELS
BLESSINGS AND BURDENSJean Greer McCarthyIndie9-out-of-10
Jean Greer McCarthy plays what she terms folk/acoustic/blues, although from the opening cut on her new CD; I Own It, the blues element is a bit difficult to hear.
Blessings and Burdens is much more a modern folk effort. You might get the feel of older folk at times. I can hear the influence of a performer such as Sylvia Tyson on songs such as So Life Goes. Considering McCarthy is from Alberta, such an influence might almost be expected.
One thing the two performers do share in common are their clear vocals and he way they deliver their music. McCarthy seems effortless in pumping out her material, pristine and clear.
There are other influence at work here too. Midnight Baby has a sort of '60's pop sound. Lulu might well have made this a hit.
You Should Now is much more a piece which fits college radio today.
The title cut is the most straight ahead folk effort, and is lyrically very nice.
While it might seem the material ranges over a pretty wide swatch of music, the base elements are something they share in common, and McCarthy has recognized that.
It helps in holding the CD together that McCarthy has written all 10-songs here. She is a solid songwriter with a good understanding of what folk-based music is all about.
When you combine the various elements with McCarthy's voice, you have a very impressive CD. Make sure to check it out at www.myspace.com/jeangreermccarthy- CALVIN DANIELS
Past reviews are archived online at http://calmardan.blogspot.com/
