Chris Warren

Night For Day

BY Kerry DoolePublished Feb 9, 2009

Two earlier albums, Crazy Wisdom and Beautiful Ruins, by this Toronto-based singer-songwriter deserved wider exposure and recognition than they received, but Warren has clearly won the respect of his peers. Ron Sexsmith and Mary Margaret O'Hara (both long-time fans) take guest vocal turns, while other prominent locals contributing here include Mia Sheard, Karyn Ellis and Jack Breakfast. Warren has an idiosyncratic voice that fits his offbeat lyrics nicely. Songs range from the playfulness of "Ridiculous, Miraculous" ("I clutch you in my arm, I lost the other one to my buddy's hunting gun") to the anger of "Dismantled By An Idiot" and the apocalyptic vision of "The Day The Planes All Stopped." Clarinets, trumpet, a wide range of keyboards, violin, viola and double bass are all used effectively, resulting in something of a chamber-folk feel. He takes a walk on the Weill-side with the cabaret inflections of "Shed Your Dread," nicely bolstered by the atmospheric violin of Drew Jurecka. Warren is a published poet and the literate tone of his lyrics is an asset. The philosophical queries posed in "Carry On" are bolstered by the sparkling harmonies of O'Hara, making it an album highlight. This is an adventurous and satisfying effort.
(Urban Myth)

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