Skydiggers

As with labelmates Cowboy Junkies, much-loved roots music veterans Skydiggers have been very prolific of late. In celebration of their 25th anniversary this year, the band are releasing four albums. Any threat of overexposure has evaporated with their quality. Call She Comes Into The Room the sound of Skydiggers exploring their feminine side, as the record features an A-list of eight Canadian female vocalists reimagining 'Diggers songs. The results are invigorating, confirming the songwriting eloquence of Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson while adding fresh life to the material. Saidah Baba Talibah pumps soul into "Desmond's Hip City," while Alejandra Ribera's haunting, lush take on "I Am Cuba" is simply sublime. The other six cuts veer more closely to the Skydiggers' rootsy country-folk template. Margo Timmins and Oh Susanna (on new song "Weak Little Heart") confirm their prowess with ballads, Ivy Mairi delivers a sublime version of group fave "Feel You Closer," while Angela Desvaux, Damhnait Doyle and Jessy Bell Smith also impress. Given his harmonizing skills, it would have been nice to hear Maize's voice more, but that's a minor quibble. This is a gem.