Lonesome Highway, UK
by Stephen Rapid
This is the ninth album released by Canadian singer/songwriter Jackson. For this collection of her songs she decided to hand over the reins to an outside person and choose Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies fame to produce. It was recorded in Timmins’ Hanger Studio in Toronto. The group of players includes drummer (and fellow Cowboy Junkie) Peter Timmins, steel player Aaron Goldstein and Aaron Comeau on lead guitar and keyboard who set about recording these dark and, at times, dreamy songs. These is a strong element of keyboards (both organ and piano) that are central to the sound, a layered folk-referencing sound that sits discreetly (for the most part) behind Jackson’s distinctive vocals.
The fourth song Alice is a scripted evocation of hard times and harder choices in a small town environment where there are “strength in numbers, and everyone knows everyone” and “everything that you do.” It is also a tale with a grim and fateful twist that has an unexpected end. It is largely sung over a sparse acoustic setting that reinforces the directness of the song. Meet Me In The City features a harmony vocal from Andy Maize (of The Skydiggers) on a song dedicated to Paul McLeod a friend and inspiration who had passed away. She tells him she will “hold you for all my days.” The delivery is compassionate and nuanced and there is some delicate guitar and keyboard playing that helps set the tone for the heartfelt tribute. Random Breakdowns, False Starts & New Beginnings is also for McLeod.
Timming’ production bears something of his own band in its approach. Nothing is overplayed but the effect overall is peaceful. The album closes with a song that sums up an approach to life that sums up her attitude; No Regrets looks at divesting oneself of anything that helps to tie you down before you head out on “that long highway” while finding herself “finally free.” There are ten original songs featured that offer something of a new direction and sonic palette for Jackson. Perhaps a good place to start, if like me, this is your first encounter with her music. It will be an interesting journey from this point onward for her fans to follow.
Source: here