April 2011 \ Reviews \ Media Review \ CD Review: Bruce Cockburn - "Small Source of Comfort"

CD Review: Bruce Cockburn - "Small Source of Comfort"

 Premier Guitar April 2011
Bruce Cockburn
Small Source of Comfort
True North


Fans of Bruce Cockburn’s extraordinary acoustic fingerpicking will be thrilled with Small Source of Comfort, his 31st studio album. Cockburn’s shimmering arpeggios, syncopated riffs, and hypnotic single-note lines blend elements of Mississippi John Hurt, Jerry Garcia, Leo Kottke, and Brazilian greats Luiz Bonfa and Oscar Castro- Neves, yet remain entirely his own. Of the album’s 12 tunes, five are instrumentals, so there’s plenty of crisp, ringing fretwork to keep guitar aficionados happy. Yet Cockburn’s poetic—and passionately political—lyrics and burnished, world-wise vocals take center stage, supported by earthy, clattering percussion, dub-thick bass, and occasional jangling resonator slide guitar (ably played by producer Colin Linden). Jenny Scheinman’s soaring violin adds a sensuous touch to the music, which sounds like it was recorded right in your living room by old friends who truly enjoy rubbing musical shoulders. The Zen meditation bells that periodically chime accentuate the wisdom, sadness, humor, and beauty inherent in Cockburn’s songs and shamanistic playing.

     

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Comments

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UsernameComment
Pat Stewart
on 04/02/2011 		It yet is another of the many Bruce Cockburn albums that I enjoy. I am particularly glad he included "Gifts." It is so sweet. For 41 years, I have accepted Bruce's music as his expression of himself and while I don't love all of it all the time, I love most of it all the time. He continues to be the most amazing artist of all time to me since the first album when I was in High School. Each album has its own flavor to embrace I love that. I love him! I was so honored to meet him last night in Edmonton. Ah, he's a lefty too.
Joseph Strider
on 03/31/2011 		I haven't heard this just yet. But i will say that even though i can't say that i like everything Bruce composes, he is still a great inspiration to me and my guitar instrumentals. Thanks again Bruce !
Shawn W.
on 03/29/2011 		I've seen Bruce nine times since 1978 and he has never seized to amaze me. Can't wait to hear his latest!
Lopakasboat
on 03/29/2011 		Still has a "drive" to it that dates it to later works. Not as dark as "You haven't seen everything" but not "Further adventures of...." either. Still though, it's nice to hear the strings.. HOOP DANCER!!!
Robert Thail
on 03/29/2011 		Great guitar. Lousy and sophomoric lyrics with strained singing.
Pete Parise
on 03/29/2011 		I love this album. It embodies what I like most about Bruce's music. At the risk of seeming commercial, check Bruce out live, he's on tour!
Fox Jericho
on 03/29/2011 		Marco, you dont know what your talking about. Small Source of Comfort was immaculate!
Marco
on 03/28/2011 		This is not a review, it's a commercial.



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