Norma MacDonald - Burn the Tapes
by Nicky Crewe
published: 25 / 8 / 2015
Label:
Norma MacDonald
Format: CD
intro
Intriguing album from bluegrsss/country rock-influenced Nova Scotia-basd singer-songwriter, which is also her first foray into self-production
Norma MacDonald hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is following in the grand tradition of Canadian singer-songwriters and female country folk singers. There is a bluegrass melancholy in her voice and lyrics, as well as a more upbeat country rock feel. For this, her fourth album, she has gathered some great musicians around her, making the most of traditional instruments and contemporary production techniques. Steel guitars, dobro, mandolin, banjo, cello and trumpet all highlight her lovely voice. It reminds me of the 'Transatlantic Sessions@. They sound like they are a group of friends enjoying the process of playing together .The recordings took place over thirteen months, a lot of time for things to alter and change, but there’s a continuity that must come from Norma MacDonald’s involvement as producer as well as performer. She cites Gram Parsons as an influence, and reminders of singers from Emmylou Harris to Alison Krauss are present on the recordings. The arrangements are good too, and her duet with Gabe Minnikin (The Guthries) on 'Lighten Up' is a stand out track. It’s intriguing to know that she works as an ER nurse in her day job. There is a pain and world weariness in her songs that might be informed by her experiences there.
Track Listing:-
1 Company2 Blue as a Jay
3 You Can't Carry It Around
4 Old Song
5 Before We Say Goodnight
6 Daysleeper
7 Lighten Up
8 Accidental Guest
9 To Nebraska
10 Hard to Get Back
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/pages/norma-macdonald/12709862487http://www.normamacdonald.com/
https://normamacdonald.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/normamacdonald
https://www.sonicbids.com/band/normamacdonald/
soundcloud
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart