Jesse
Dollimont & The Ospreys – I’ll Fly Away (Independent)
The daughter of two professional musicians, Jesse
Dollimont was born in southern Alberta and raised in a house that was awash
with the music of Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, The Byrds and Neil Young. I
don’t suppose that we can be surprised that, with those genes and early
influences, Dollimont would find herself drawn to a career in music, especially
those genres with foundations in roots, folk and country styles. After
performing with a host of Edmonton groups she formed The Ospreys with Keith
Rempel (bass and vocals), Darrek Anderson (steel guitar), Brennan Cameron
(mandolin, keyboards and vocals) Michelle Sabourin (fiddle and vocals) and
Matt Greir (drums), and “I’ll Fly Away” is their debut album.
They describe themselves as “a little bit country, a
little bit bluegrass, and once in a while just a little bit rock and roll” and
they’re spot on. Dollimont possesses a fine, pure voice and writes songs that
connect directly to the human condition. They begin with “Better Man”, and the interaction between Dollimont and
Anderson is a joy to hear, as vocals and steel guitar entwine like melancholy
lovers. It’s followed by “Straight & True”,
an unfussy, country-folk ballad, with delicate strings adding nuance and
auditory depth. “Broken Things” is upbeat and
bright, without ever shaking off an aura of sadness, and “Postcards” again brings voice and steel guitar
together, and beautiful sorrow and a certain yielding regret is the happy
result.
Tony S.
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