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 /TiVo
*Display the same releases but with different versions or bar codes.