ALEC FRASER JR-ON THE WINGS OF THE WIND-“TROUBADOUR” REVIEW JOHN EMMS

Big time Bassist, award winning producer, blues man and yes now Troubadour on his first official solo album.

On the Wings of the Wind Fraser’s new album is a beautiful collection of introspective songs.

Songs like Ocean of Emotions, My Father’s Ashes and the title track bear likeable dependable changes and melodies.

Don’t Cry For Me featuring a great fiddle solo and fills from Chris Bartos would sound great on any roots radio format.

In addition Terlingua Night a gentle rolling song featuring Jimmy Bowskill on mandolin works magic.

Considering his many musical hats as a producer and engineer his productions and bass work have won 23 awards worldwide

However it’s no stretch to say the inclusion of any of these songs at a gig would be very welcome.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, Musician, Sun Media contributor, Juno Awards Judge and former radio and television host

john emms (@emmsreviews) / Twitter

LAYLA ZOE NOWHERE LEFT TO GO”EMOTIONAL AND DIRECT”REVIEW JOHN EMMS

LAYLA ZOE- NOWHERE LEFT TO GO- This is an album meant for the times we are living in.

I can’t say why but that’s the way it hits me on an emotional level.

There are many genres on this album which are common to the 2018 album Gemini.

Check out the thumping title track with lyrics about the fires in Australia including some killer guitar work with co-writer Jackie Venson, the soul of Sometimes We Fight written with Bob Fridzema and the church gospel of Pray the opening track.

Honestly Zoe is singing better than ever and with several co-writers easily at her best on this album.

Elsewhere I Might Need To Fly and Dear Mom are super charged and emotional, while the loping rock of this Love Will Last co written with Dimitri LeBel has a Joplin-Esque feel

This album features the rhythm section of Gregor Sonnenberg on bass and drummer Dirk Sengotta

John Emms is a veteran music journalist, musician, Juno Awards Judge and former television and radio host

john emms (@emmsreviews) / Twitter