Rating: NN
Nineties hit-maker Mae Moore (I’ll Watch Over You, Bohemia) is back with a jazzy folk album and a companion coffee-table book of artwork. She’s an environmentalist, organic farmer and painter, so it isn’t surprising to hear about land, weather and Tom Thomson’s mandolin on this ultra-Canadian solo record that she’s touring across Canada on Via Rail.
Producer Joby Baker (Cowboy Junkies, Alex Cuba) clearly captured Moore’s voice and the simple, mostly acoustic arrangements of Rain Song and Oh, Canada.Moore is best when almost talking, and the no-nonsense title track – a tough call to action – invites repeat listens.
Unfortunately, most of the other songs fall dangerously close to adult-contemporary vocal jazz: meandering, noodly love songs that are unmemorable at best and uncomfortably slow at worst (When Love Is Shattered). My One And Only One is a fiercer, more immediate example of Moore’s writing, sharp edges thankfully intact.
Top track: Folklore