Kyp Harness

Harness is routinely described as a long undervalued singer-songwriter. That happens to remain true, but the determined Toronto, ON troubadour continues to put out albums for a loyal, if small, following while continuing to earn serious peer respect from the likes of Daniel Lanois, Bob Wiseman, Ron Sexsmith and Mary Margaret O'Hara. Sexsmith has covered a Harness song ("Thumbelina Farewell") and he plays guitar and piano on two songs apiece here. Harness's 2006 album, Fugitives, incisively explored his faith, but that theme is less prominent on Resurrection Gold. He is one of the most adept lyricists around, as shown on "Diggin' Your Vibe" ("if you were a Broadway show, I'd be there every night in the front row") and it's a pity his lyrics aren't included in the album notes. Harness's rather nasal vocal delivery is capable of being both tender and tart, and backing vocals from Megan Keough add a sweet touch to some songs, including the lovely "Wandering Heart." Aiding his cause is an able cast of accompanists that include producer David Picco on fluent electric guitar. Twenty years into a discography now nine albums deep, Kyp Harness remains at the top of his game.