BEAUTIFUL: A TRIBUTE TO GORDON LIGHTFOOT
Beautiful was released a half year ago, and I
thought it was high time to acknowledge this album that features a number of
prominent artists in the Canadian folk circuit, including Connie, paying homage
to the man that they, like most Canadians, refer to simply as 'Gord'.
This album has been doing remarkably well in both Canada and the U.S., and is probably one of the best-selling albums that Connie has appeared on. It would have surely won a Juno this year if it weren't for a technicality in the rules making it ineligible in any category. However, you know it's something special when you can find a CD of Canadian folk musicians in a large American electronics chain store! And, as Connie says, being a Canadian folk artist is one step above being in the witness protection program...
Of course, the draw is Gordon Lightfoot,
and his 35 years of great music. He's known the world over for his simple,
imaginative, at times outspoken but always honest lyrics. But it's in his
beloved, native Canada that he is appreciated the most. To many who grew
up on his music, including these musicians, Gord is Canada. Songs
like "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" and "Song For Winter's
Night" could only come to fruition through one who has experienced the bulk
of his life in the North, and Lightfoot does it with, according to Aengus Finnan,
who wrote a special new song for this tribute, "such poetry and
passion".
Below are some samples from the album, including Connie's cover of "If You Could Read My Mind". A number of artists had already committed to the project before Connie was contacted, and as she puts it, "it is a testament to the rich catalog of wonderful Lightfoot songs that this one was still available when I was asked to do the project..."
I'm also personally fond of Harry Manx's contribution of "Bend In The Water". It's a Canadian fishing song presented with an Indian flair including Hindu tabla drums, but it works!
Click on a link for lyrics and a song sample from Beautiful:
IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND - Connie Kaldor
BEND IN THE WATER - Harry Manx
THE WAY I FEEL - Cowboy Junkies
SONG FOR A WINTER'S NIGHT - Quartette
You can find Beautiful at the major online music outlets, and maybe not-so surprisingly at the record store nearest you.