A very impressive solo debut. After eight years as the accordionist with
Spirit of the West,
Linda McRae picked up a guitar (she doesn't even play the accordion on this CD), and this is the result -- hard-edged folk-rock, with a tinge of country. Sounding somewhat similar to
Linda Thompson,
McRae is able to move comfortably from slow, melodic songs to straight-out rock numbers, completing the CD with the long, but beautiful, country-flavored "Take Your Hat Off." Guests include Gord Downie and Gord Sinclair (of the
Tragically Hip),
Richard Bell (the Band),
Jim Cuddy and
Greg Keelor (
Blue Rodeo),
Syd Straw, and producer
Colin Linden, among others. The title track, "Flying Jenny," a heartfelt tribute to
the Louvin Brothers, is a standout, followed by another highlight, a cover of their exquisite "When I Stop Dreaming." A well-crafted, well-produced, great-sounding CD on which
McRae is able to distance herself from the incredible work she did with
Spirit of the West, and carve out an entirely new career as a storyteller and guitar player. ~ Aaron Badgley