TANNIS SLIMMON Oak Lake (independent) Rating: NNN Rating: NNN
You’ve probably heard Tannis Slimmon before but just didn’t know it. She’s provided backing vocals for such notables as Barenaked Ladies, the Rheostatics and Black Cabbage, to name a few. Slimmon’s also done time on the Canadian roots-rock scene as part of the Bird Sisters, and her first solo album reflects her considerable experience with complex, multi-layered compositions and polished production. She enlists talented past collaborators to help out on Oak Lake, embellishing her sweet rootsy folk with impressive instrumental accents. But her vocals stay front and centre, and that’s a good thing. The market is clogged with folky grrrls ‘n’ guitars, but Slimmon’s got a set of pipes that puts other belters to shame. Tannis Slimmon hits Hugh’s Room tonight (Thursday, January 31).
