One of the highlights at this year’s Kilkenny Rhythm ‘n’ Roots festival, Toronto native Doug Paisley has garnered rave reviews for this, his second solo album. Not that he’s a new face on the scene – he’s played in various combos over the years including the duo Russian Literature and has toured with Bonnie “Prince” Billie, among others. With Band legend Garth Hudson on piano and keys, there are no prizes for guessing where he is coming from musically. Not quite country, not quite folk but with a good dollop of both, as well as a strong singer-songwriter sensibility, Paisley’s songs range from the gently rolling soft acoustic rock of ‘No One But You’ and ‘What I Saw’ to the intimately sung ‘Don’t Make Me Mr. Wait’ and dramatic balladry of ‘Oh Heart’
The most Band-like song here, if you can call it that, is ‘End Of The Day’ (which also slightly recalls Neil Young’s Harvest opener ‘Out On The Weekend’). Elsewhere ‘Bluebird’ is more Iron & Wine nu-folk but with a clear Nick Drake influence apparent in the ethereal atmospherics. He saves the best ‘til the end: ‘Come Here My Love’, the closing track, is a definite highlight with a memorable melody and gorgeous arrangement. It would stand proud against the work of any major ‘70s singer-songwriter, including Paisley’s compatriot, Gordon Lightfoot.