RATTLESNAKE CHOIR have an ongoing Monday residency at the Dakota. See listing. Rating: NNN
Dakota regulars are lucky to have these local veterans in their corner. Rattlesnake Choir evolved naturally over a series of bar gigs, and their second album maintains the easy feel of 2008’s Live Music.
The quintet is gentler than the name implies. Percussionist Sam Ferrara opts for cheese grater, slinky and saw over drum kit, and the album is full of violin, acoustic guitar, upright bass, piano and accordion. Though Ferrara sings Wastin’ My Time and violinist Miranda Mulholland takes the lead on the Jenny Whiteley cover Halls Of Folsom, John Borra’s rootsy writing and vocals remain front and centre.
Borra (who has played with Ron Sexsmith, Kyp Harness and Change of Heart) is endearingly Canadian-sounding on opener Heart Full Of Love, and a lot like Bob Dylan on Sailor Bill. Instrumental interludes, including Flight Of The Bumble Bee, help the album breathe.
Top track: Heart Full Of Love