Categories : Miscellany, Music Reviews.
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Rating: 4/5 Released: June, 2006 Reviewer: Trent Depue |
On A Few Simple Verses, Winnipeg native James Keelaghan takes on the role of storyteller, recounting an assortment of traditional folk songs that have originated on both sides of the Atlantic. From the opening track ‘Jackson & Jane,’ the tale of Jockey Hugh Jackson and his mare Jane as they aim to win a third straight cup, to the tragic story of ‘The Constant Lovers’ who are eternally together after drowning at sea, Keelaghan delivers masterfully. These songs are performed over simple acoustic backings, adding further to the traditional authenticity as Keelaghan is careful not to be too extravagant in his effort, preserving the feel and most importantly not overshadowing the stories.
A Few Simple Verses also lays host to a stand up supporting cast. Stephen Fearing lends his voice on ‘Farewell to the Gold,’ while Ruth Moody of The Wailin’ Jennys and Oscar Lopez are just a few among many to provide musical accompaniment. Lopez is expectantly brilliant, adding a Spanish guitar backing to the strongly Irish ‘Galway Races,’ and giving it a very original feel in the process.
With the help of Jez Lowe, Keelaghan ends the album in classy fashion putting together a story of his own, perhaps in the hope that someday it will be told again with as much enthusiasm and respect as he has given to the albums preceding tracks.
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