TumbleTweedyWorld
True North, 2023
8/10
A prolific and esteemed Canadian songwriter, Lynn Miles has amassed more than 900 songs and released 15 albums, and this 16th LP surrounds global instability and personal turmoil that welcomes her band of Michael Ball, Joey Wright, Stuart Rutherford, Rob McLaren and James Stephens, plus many guests.
“Night Owl” gets the listen off to a mysterious start, where Miles’ inviting voice is complemented by Balls’s bass and Wright’s mandolin, and “Highway 105” follows with breezy melodies, as Rutherford’s dobro adds much to the warm delivery.
“Hide Your Heart” arrives in the middle, and benefits from harmony vocals thanks to Rebecca Campbell, and Stephens’ violin prowess won’t go unnoticed, either, while “Sorry’s Just Not Good Enough” showcases Julie Corrigan and Dave Draves’ harmony singing in the rich and dreamy album highlight.
Approaching the end, McLaren’s banjo is quite exciting in “All Bitter Never Sweet”, and “Gold In The Middle” exits with gorgeous intimacy via Miles’ lovely voice and the twinkling strings.
It’s no surprise that Miles has picked up many Juno Awards and Canadian Folk Music Awards, cause she can write a tune you won’t soon forget, and TumbleWeedyWorld has 10 of her best.
Travels well with: Peach & Quiet- Beautiful Thing; Crystal Shawanda- Midnight Blues