The musical talent Devin (son of Jim) Cuddy exhibits confirms the truth of the saying that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. In this case, though, it's a different variety of apple. While Blue Rodeo's sound has roots in Californian country-rock, singer/songwriter/pianist Devin is most influenced by the sounds of the American South. You can clearly hear the influence of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans on this eclectic second record.
Kitchen Knife, the follow-up to 2012's JUNO-nominated debut Vol. One, is a stronger effort all around, testimony to the hard work Cuddy has put in. He has a warm and winning voice, and his well-crafted compositions and fluent piano stylings are fleshed out effectively by a group that includes Toronto guitar star Nichol Robertson and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Giles. Travis Good (The Sadies) contributes sweet axe on the aptly titled "Gospel," while Greg Keelor contributes typically empathetic co-production. Cuddy's vocal chops are nicely showcased on the tender and gently haunting "Home," an album highlight, as is the first single "Forty Four," a boisterous countrified romp that is sure to be a treat live.
(Cameron House)Kitchen Knife, the follow-up to 2012's JUNO-nominated debut Vol. One, is a stronger effort all around, testimony to the hard work Cuddy has put in. He has a warm and winning voice, and his well-crafted compositions and fluent piano stylings are fleshed out effectively by a group that includes Toronto guitar star Nichol Robertson and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Giles. Travis Good (The Sadies) contributes sweet axe on the aptly titled "Gospel," while Greg Keelor contributes typically empathetic co-production. Cuddy's vocal chops are nicely showcased on the tender and gently haunting "Home," an album highlight, as is the first single "Forty Four," a boisterous countrified romp that is sure to be a treat live.