Henrys

The brainchild of Toronto, ON songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Don Rooke, the Henrys have won fans around the globe (including Elvis Costello) with their warmly atmospheric, eclectic sounds. Rooke clearly believes in quality over quantity, given that it's been seven years since their previous CD, the much-praised Joyous Porous. The biggest change this time out is the increased vocal presence. The previous four Henrys discs were primarily instrumental, though the sublime vocalizing of Mary Margaret O'Hara was present in cameos. She returns here, alongside Martina Sorbara and Becca Stevens (Bjorkestra). As usual, Rooke contributes sweet kona (Hawaiian slide guitar) and other guitar sounds, and has again assembled such A-list Toronto players as Hugh Marsh, John Sheard, Victor Bateman and John Dymond to flesh out his compositions. All do so with subtlety and restraint, another Henrys trademark. A bonus DVD features another hour of original music synced with still photography, termed a "domestic installation piece" by Rooke. It is tranquil and pleasing to both the eye and the ear. A lovely work.