Sykamore

Ironwood Stage & Grill, Calgary AB, February 26

Photo: Ryan Kostel

BY Anna AlgerPublished Feb 27, 2016

8
Night two of SoundOff marked a shift in genre, with this night's artists playing roots and country music. First to put her chops on display was Sykamore (also known as Jordan Ostram), having returned from Nashville where she has been recording her second studio album. She played acoustic guitar and was accompanied by a lap steel player, who added nuances to the songs. Her clear voice rang out in refrains of the line, "I left my heart on a houseboat," over the strong instrumentation, drawing in the audience.
 
Sykamore's set was brief yet satisfying, as she played a brand new track called "Hayloft," as well as a particularly gentle and heartfelt track about a mother's child getting married, and the process of letting go. Her set closed with a jolt of energy, showing that Sykamore's power does not only come from the strength of her voice but also her ability to play fast, rousing numbers.

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