Being snowed-in at a log cabin in the woods, with frost on the windows and Nipigon nylons steaming on the stovepipe, snug in a bear rug by a crackling fire, is the perfect place to put on the warm mellow tones of local singer-songwriter Andrew Laviolette. For the real effect, one should have been at the Apollo last Saturday night for the release of this independent Canadian’s self-composed self-titled album, his third, recorded live at the same venue a month ago. However, there was a blizzard.
The music consists of thoughtful, reflective lyrics, like “dreamers get stronger when the dreaming gets tough,” and is supported by well-crafted guitar work and tasteful instrumental accompaniment in the traditional folk vein reminiscent of early Cockburn or Miles. Lynn, that is, not Davis. Indeed the wistful and soft raspy voice conjures up musical memories of a young Harry Manx. With chords warm enough to roast your toes sticking out of the bearskin, Laviolette’s album imparts a feeling of listening to the songs of a long lost road-weary friend finally home. Out of the blizzard.
