Around a decade ago, the music of Ruth Moody was on a high branching far from her Canadian homeland reaching appreciative ears in Europe and beyond. She was in the midst of forging an acclaimed solo career after rising to band heights as an integral member of the acclaimed roots outfit Wailin Jennys. On a minor self indulgent point, her Warwick show in 2012 was the first ever published gig review on this blog and she toured again a year later with performances caught in Oxford and the Maverick Festival. Little did we know at the time that THESE WILDER THINGS, her second solo album in 2013, would see a halt in new material for a lengthy period, and from all activity a couple of years later following a successful association with Mark Knopfler. Such a precious talent was never going to be buried for good and, now with family adjustments in hand, the time is right to share her musical gifts with old and new fans alike. Tuning into the gem that is WANDERER leaves the last decade in a blink with a seamless resumption of golden music possessing all the charm of folk and roots music.
Ten sensually textured and adeptly layered tracks cradle finely spun vocals shining the spotlight on Moody's innate ability. Raised in Manitoba though often active in Nashville where the album was recorded, a vast array of talented musicians have lent her a hand, most prominently Anthony Da Costa on guitars and Joey Landreth duetting on one of the leading tracks 'The Spell of the Lilac Bloom'. This song was born out of an impending pregnancy and a banjo backdrop lavishly flavours the sound.
On a record of many highlights from a high base, 'Twilight' is the first track to elevate the interest, a song resonating with a relationship focus while forging a solid impact. This immediately followed album opener 'Already Free' instantly hailing a sumptuous return.
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| Photo by Kaitlyn Raitz, |
For lovers of twang, the place to be is at the heart of the record with pedal steel adding a delicate touch to the elegantly tuned 'The Way Lovers Move' and another prime candidate for the album summit in 'Michigan'. A deep personal emotion spills out of the latter warmly felt by the listener. Although a tight roots style binds the album, there is a definite folk leaning in 'North Calling' with banjo playing a strong part in a poem-cum-song purring with traditional undertones.
With much of the album chronicling Moody's hiatus, it is of no surprise seeing lockdown feature in the notes as an inspiration, namely in 'Seventeen' where reminiscing goes into overdrive in a song enhanced by a fuller sound. In contrast, a sparsity to title track 'Wanderer' sparks the appeal. Inspired by love at its strongest, this stunning song has a spine tingling feel to push the record to new heights.
'Coyotes' and 'Comin' Round the Bend' complete the complement and are two of the older songs chosen ensuring a full pack of meaningful compositions. The former has an upbeat middle that piques the ear, while the latter benefits from a re-worked string arrangement.
The assembled studio band frames an astutely crafted batch of Ruth Moody songs to announce an album stacked with a wealth of major moments making it an instant hit. The depth, guile and overall quality to WANDERER ensures this is one of the best comeback albums of the year. Those in awe of Ruth Moody's pedigree will be in no sense of shock to what has been produced, while there is ample strength to open a few new doors as well.