Kathleen Edwards
Dec 5, 2011
There is something special about Kathleen Edwards. Her girl-next-door looks makes you immediately feel comfortable around her, yet as you get to know her and her music, you realize that there is a much more complex and animated personality encased within that pleasant exterior.
After two critically acclaimed albums; chances to play on Austin City Limits as well on the stages of the Grand Ol' Opry and Farm Aide; and opening slots for the likes of Aimee Mann, My Morning Jacket and John Mayer -- as well as her own headlining tours -- this Canadian firecracker returned with her most intriguing album yet -- Asking for Flowers in 2008.
But not long after its release Edwards went through some pretty dramatic changes in her personal life, which kind of put her creative side on hold for a bit.
Now Edwards returns with a brand-new album that expands her musical pallet considerably.
Voyageur was produced Edwards and Justin Vernon, and was recorded between August 2010 and May 2011 in Fall Creek, WI and Toronto. In addition to Vernon (who provides backing vocals and plays guitar, piano, organ, bass, banjo and xylophone), the album includes guest appearances by Francis and the Lights, Norah Jones, Stornoway, John Roderick, Phil Cook, Sean Carey, Afie Jurvanen and Brian Moen. Also featured is Edwards' touring band- Gord Tough (guitar), John Dinsmore (bass), Lyle Molzan (drums) and her longtime friend and collaborator, Jim Bryson (guitars, keys).
"As a fan, I wanted to make sure I helped make this fourth record not a complete departure, yet definitely marking a new era in her songs," Vernon said in a recent interview about working with Edwards. "She's ready to step out of some of the boxes people placed her in, not necessarily the ones she placed herself in."
The 10-track album includes the first single "Change the Sheets," but several other tracks also stand out as keepers including "Empty Threat," "Chameleon/Comedian," "A Soft Place to Land," "Sidecar," "Mint" and "House Full of Empty Rooms."
"I'd be lying to say that I could go through something like a divorce and then could easily sweep it under the carpet," Edwards said. "Yes, I was married for five years, and now I'm not. The new material was heavily influenced by that and where my head was at then. At the same time, there are songs that are the most spirited things I've ever done before."
After an extended tour in Europe and the U.K., Edwards has North American dates lined up for the New Year. More dates will soon be announced.
- 1/24 Turner Hall, Milwaukee
- 1/26 Lincoln Hall, Chicago
- 1/27 Headliner's, Louisville
- 1/28 Exit/In, Nashville
- 1/29 Variety Playhouse, Atlanta
- 1/31 Cat's Cradle, Carrboro, NC
- 2/01 World Cafe Live, Philadelphia
- 2/03 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
- 2/04 Rex Theatre, Pittsburgh
- 2/09 Bronson Centre, Ottawa, ON
- 2/11 The Phoenix Toronto
For more visit, www.kathleenedwards.com
