Keep Going
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Canadian folk hero Connie Kaldor has 4+ decades of songwriting under her belt, and these 11 new tracks continue her universal themes of desire, loss and love.
The title track opens the listen with an upbeat demeanor that blends warm Americana thanks to the swift drums and flowing bass lines, and “Pain And Sorrow” follows with an emotive presence that’s stirring via the heartfelt singing and soulfulness.
Deeper into the listen, the stripped back feel of “Daffodil” comes with a timeless folk quality that’s poetic, while “Woman Who Pays” touches on the blues amid the cozy electric guitar playing.
Things get quite interesting later on, where the piano balladry of “Solo Clarinet” flirts with classical ideas (and sure does benefit from the clarinet), and “Not A Sentimental Song” exits with a dreamy delivery of romantic songwriting that’s sincere and touching.
Now 70 years old, Kaldor’s music is as wise and eloquent as ever, and the large cast of musicians along with her illuminate the rich songs splendidly.
Travels well with: Tret Fure- Lavender Moonshine; Joy Zimmerman- Where The Light Lives