There isn’t much to David Francey’s music – just the naked word and hummable melodies backed by simple arrangements. It’s true folk music that has earned the Scottish-Canadian songwriter and former construction worker three Juno Awards over the course of his 11-album career.
Francey has a handle on his strengths and is a reliable songwriter. This is as much a liability as an asset: many of the songs sound like Francey, but not taking chances lessens their emotional impact. That could be because this time around he’s often singing other people’s stories or conveying ideas in a way that doesn’t entirely hit the mark Blue Girl is about the dark side of porn, while Money Boys feels weak as far as protest tunes go.
Still, there are plenty of strong songs. Hospital is wonderfully stark (just Francey’s voice and Darren McMullen on baritone guitar) the refrain of “nearer my God to Thee” on similarly stripped down Crucible is powerful and False Knight is a great trad cover. And fans of Chris Coole (banjo and guitar) and fiddler John Showman will enjoy their appearances.
Top track: Hospital
David Francey plays Hugh’s Room Thursday and Friday (February 25 and 26). See listing.
