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| More than just a succession of folk songs, this "audio book" chapterizes a musical narration inspired by a cross-country trek. The songs chronicle small town life, not necessarily of the Canadian variety, although he does include a rendition of Maria Dunn's 'Orphan Hand', written about "Home Boys" - English street waifs imported to Canada to work as farmhands. As you might gather from his name (a variation of Angus, meaning "unique" or "different"), the songs are Celtic-flavoured and are mostly of the ballad variety rather than jigs or reels. Mr. Finnan, born in Dublin, Ireland, has the (barely accented) voice and lyrics of a natural-born poet, and he gift-wraps these skills with an excellent array of highly accomplished musicians. Multi-instrumentalist and solo artist Jeremiah McDade (son of Terry McDade) performs on soprano sax, bamboo flute, fiddle, whistle and mandolin (with Joey Wright taking a turn on the latter on 'Moon on the Water'). Highly-praised newcomer Serena Ryder displays the higher end of her vocal range, providing beautiful harmony on 'My Heart Has Wings', a wonderfully-orchestrated lullaby in the style of Murray McLachlan's 'Child Song', and more recognizable background vocals on 'Moon on the Water' and 'Man of Plenty' (with Curly Boy Stubbs guesting on guitar). Speaking of harmony vocals, David Rogers and Trevor Mills join Aengus in a "barbershop trio" on 'One Hand on the Radio', a memorial tribute to broadcaster Peter Gzowski, as well as on 'Swing Boys Swing [sic]', a work song dedicated to the men who built our national railroad. Trevor Mills, who hosts a popular open stage at classy Hugh's Room in Toronto every Tuesday night, provides subtle bass guitar work throughout the CD, which was produced by CBC honcho Paul Mills (Stan Rogers, Sharon, Lois & Bram, John Allan Cameron). Dick VanRaadshooven, on cello, also takes credit for the string arrangement of 'My Heart Has Wings'. Percussion is provided variously by Ilious Steryannis (on djembe) and Mark Inneo, and Daniel Rogers spices up the title track with resophonic guitar and background vocals. This well-written effort is extremely likeable and no doubt you will soon find yourself humming along to most of the tunes. |
| NORTH WIND - AENGUS FINNAN |
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