Catherine MacLellan is a Canadian singer/songwriter and 'Silhouette' is her
fourth album since 2004 (her first recording for True North Records, 'Church
Bell Blues', a magical, stripped-down affair, is worth going back to for its
beguiling simplicity). There are fourteen songs in the set and her mellow
voice is beefed up by the presence of a full band who accompany her with
subtle intuition and skill. Her country/folk roots are evident throughout
in compositions which are both easy on the ear and beneficial to the spirit.
The relatively sprightly opening track 'Stealin' paves the way with its solid
four-square backbeat and some tasty electric guitar decorations; 'Now and Then'
is a particularly beautiful song full of thoughts about lost love and longing, the kind
of number which perfectly suits her laconic vocal style; with a melody which
lingers in the memory like a bunch of summer flowers fading in a porcelain vase.
The glowing harmonies of 'Eastern Girl', too, demonstrate her ability to make
an uncomplicated idea rich with emotion. The laid-back mood of 'Black Crow' is
anything-but lazy vocally and another song for the birds, 'Sparrows', with
its dreamy pedal-steel guitar, shows off Ms MacLellan's luminous upper-register.
'Same Way Again' gets my vote for loveliest track by a country mile; once the
sublime tune gets under your skin it sits there shimmering like an antique diamond
and sapphire ring. Final track, 'Chop That Wood', is an unusual coda; the plodding
upright piano and brushed (I think) snare drum bringing the album to a wistful close.
A restrained but musically satisfying recording from a hugely talented artist.
Highly Recommended.