Rating: NNNN
People don’t make records like this any more. A voice, guitar and a little bit of harmonica – just a woman in a room laying her music onto 2-inch tape.
Sad-Eyed Lonesome Lady is the buzzy debut of Steph Cameron, a rural BC-based folksinger who was discovered by Cowboy Junkies bassist Alan Anton, met with Pheromone partner Kim Cooke to record one song and ended up spontaneously recording an album. In three days.
She kicks off with a flurry of notes and a sung-talked tune called Railroad Boy reminiscent of Michelle Shocked’s 1986 Walkman-recorded breakthrough The Texas Campfire Tapes. The record moves through early Dylan-style songs (Glory) and rousing, original natural disaster tales (Goodbye Molly). It lingers on some classic, fumblingly sweet love blues (Poppa, You Can Take Me Home, Blues At My Window) and hints at an affinity for Holly Golightly (Interlude Two).
Cameron is a bright and brash guitarist and a beguiling singer. Can’t wait for the vinyl.
Top track: Goodbye Molly
Steph Cameron plays the Dakota Tavern Wednesday (October 22).
By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
