Joey Wright

Hatch

BY Kerry DoolePublished Nov 16, 2010

Multi-instrumentalist Joey Wright has long been a go to guy for such roots music stars as Sarah Harmer, Jenny Whiteley and Amy Millan, all of whom return the favour with guest turns here. It's his third solo record, but the first on which he has handled vocals (previous CD Jalopy earned a Juno nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year). He has a low-key, almost nondescript vocal style that proves nicely complementary to his subtly sweet melodies and the stellar instrumental work of Wright and his accomplices (the lap steel of Christine Bougie deserves special mention). A heavy-duty cast list also includes Evan Cranley and Pat McGee (Stars), John Showman, Joe Phillips and Dan Whiteley. Harmer guests on the standout "Sunrise," while Millan and Jenny Whiteley team up to add depth to "The Scar" and "Expectations are the Killer." Instead of the bluegrass that has been a big part of Wright's career, a dreamy, psychedelic folk vibe permeates. The only real flaw is the disc's brevity, clocking in at 31:32. This goes well with a log fire in a country cabin.
(Black Hen)

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