Catherine MacLellan - Church Bell Blues

True North Records

July 16, 2008, 11:28 AM

Church Bell Blues is the second album from Canadian roots singer and guitarist Catherine MacLellan. Lying somewhere between folk and country but staying firmly on the right side of both, it is a stirring collection of songs with seemingly sparse arrangements and delicate instrumentation. Everything is held together by MacLellan's astonishing voice, piercing through the music. The smart but simple production is added by co-musician James Phillips. This is a perfect example of how artist and producer have developed a relationship and understanding over time - Phillips was in MacLellan's former band The New Drifts and worked on her solo debut Dark Dream Midnight. It is this dynamic that forms the core of the album. The guitars are turned up a notch so that every rasp and vibration is retained, adding a stark reality like recapturing every subsequent live performance. But MacLellan's gorgeous voice is left to glide unhindered with crisp clarity. The mark of a great producer is the ability to give the music space to breathe.

The album is packed with wonderful songs. From the dark chords and melancholy searching lyrics of opener 'Dreams Dissolve' and 'There You Are' to the bluesy guitars and sultry vocals of the title track and excellent 'Brave Love', there are plenty of gems. 'The Long Way Home' has a beautiful vocal melody - male and female voices blending together and the duel guitars of 'Emily's Song' combine perfectly. 'River valley Plains' chronicles the environmental plight facing the planet, all wrapped up in an emotive road trip: "One hundred fifty years we'll throw our garbage, shed out tears into the river that once ran clear through these lands". The electric guitar makes another rare appearance for the upbeat jangle 'Too Easy', a song about living up to your expectations and the realisation that nothing is for free: "...Never thought I'd have to face up to the hard truth. Cold as stone, knocked me from my throne. All my life it was given to me, should've known it was too easy". Instead of a predictable guitar solo there is a wordless vocal solo that actually works. 'January Song' is so stripped down that it is almost a cappella. And closing track 'Long Time' brings another peerless vocal performance.

Church Bell Blues is an understated and pure album of heartfelt songs and captured moments, as modern as it is old-fashioned. It knows exactly what it is and never deviates from a straight line. This is the only negative criticism that is slowly expelled after a few listens when the individuality begins to emerge from vast ocean. Songs like 'Stronger' could get lost under the waves unless you take the time to appreciate the brilliant guitar work. Likewise 'Snow Day' only serves to conjure up images within a simple story while doing nothing new musically. It is only when you stop scratching the surface that you find the quality. No trick is ever overused and subtly changed if repeated.

Catherine MacLellan clearly understands and respects her musical heritage handed down by her family. Her father Gene taught her the art of song writing from a young age and this lineage is clear to see. And unlike many of her contemporaries, she puts as much emphasis on the stories being told. Some artists have music in their blood.