Music Review: Amy Campbell - Letters Home
Mon, Jul 23, 2012.
After an acclaimed debut back in 2008, and previous time in the group Stumble, the Halifax-born, Toronto-based folk singer-songwriter Campbell makes it back into the recording studio for this follow-up. Produced by longtime Ron Sexsmith/Rheostatics/Bidiniband drummer Don Kerr, it's a precise and meticulous work, with well-crafted songs and well-chosen words.
Strong and intimate, this is the music of relationships and bare hearts, stripped down to its essentials. Distance plays a big part, being away from the "one thing that can make me feel right". Kerr's subtle production keeps the focus on the lyrics and melodies, with just the gentlest touches of acoustic bass, brushed drums, sweet strings and real piano joining Campbell's acoustic. It's modern folk with classic touches.
Campbell launched the disc last night (July 22) in her hometown of Halifax, and now is rolling out the shows back in Ontario. If you're reading up there (as we say in the real East), check her out at:
Tuesday, July 24 - Toronto, Hugh's Room
Saturday, July 28 - Yarker, Riverside United Church
Friday, August 10 - London, The London Music Club
Saturday, August 11 - St. Catherine's, Onefortyfive Gallery
Friday, August 17 - Kingston, The Mansion
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About Bob Mersereau
Bob Mersereau has been covering music, and the East Coast Music Scene since 1985 for CBC. He's a veteran scene-maker at the ECMA's, knows where the best shows and right parties are happening, and more importantly, has survived to tell the tales. His weekly East Coast music column is heard on Shift on Radio 1 in New Brunswick each Wednesday at 4'45. He's also the author of two national best-selling books, The Top 100 Canadian Albums (2007) and The Top 100 Canadian Singles (2010).