SCOTT NOLAN plays the Cameron House August 17. See listing Rating: NNN
On his fourth album, Winnipeg-based Scott Nolan sings affable roots rock with a heavy dose of harmonica, blues and country. It’s standard touring, drinking and lovesick fare, but what sets Nolan apart is his ability to casually deliver confessional one-liners in his odd but effective Canadian drawl. It’s humorous and warm rather than a bummer.
Drummer/backup vocalist Joanna Miller sets the stage for low-key dancing, while horns, electric guitar, keyboards and a guest appearance by the Holmes Brothers shake things up. Nolan’s writing is strongest on You Rock We Roll (a tribute to his friend Ernie Blackburn) and Trial Separation, which is just about as lighthearted as a breakup song can be.
The looser, bluesy material near the end has meandering lyrics and is perhaps better suited to Nolan’s live show.
Top track: You Rock We Roll
