Exclaim!, Canada
By Jason Schneider

After several albums that found this Kitchener, ON-based singer-songwriter achieve an unadorned, acoustic-based sound via the aid of several veterans of Fred Eaglesmith’s band, Coming Down finds Jackson branching out into more pop-informed territory. 

Putting her material in the capable hands of co-producers Ian Smith (Spirits) and Chris Boyne (Sexdwarf), the results are a bold leap forward for Jackson, in terms of potentially reaching a wider audience. 

That’s not to say she’s abandoned her heartfelt songwriting approach, and the contributions of pedal steel guitarist Steve Wood provide a strong reminder of Jackson’s folk and country roots. 

But by taking songs like “Picture Of You” into unexpected territory, thanks to Boyne’s inventive use of beats and other devices, Jackson has made a creative breakthrough, something that bodes well for her immediate future. 


Published: August 18, 2010