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Created as a souvenir of the "Alberta At The Smithsonian" program at the Institute's 2006 Folklife Festival, this upbeat compilation showcases 19 tracks by natives of that Canadian province. The region, located far to the west and named for one of Queen Victoria's daughters, is known as "Wild Rose Country." It is sparsely populated and boasts one of the nation's most beautiful and diverse landscapes. Judging by the set list, local musicians have a lot in common with America's bluegrass, country, and topical folk traditions. Fiddles, guitars, and harmonicas abound, accompanying twangy, rough-hewn voices that still contain echoes of Alberta's not-too-distant pioneer past. The lyrics deal with geographical isolation; proud individuality and its darker twin, lonesomeness; rural romance; and making a living by any means necessary. The roster ranges from household names like k.d. lang and Ian Tyson (of "Ian and Sylvia" fame) and Lé Twés, a jauntily danceable French-speaking band, to a polished Celtic neo-traditionalist quintet known as the McDades and an amazing all-female Native American ensemble called Asanni. Despite certain rustic commonalities such as a tendency toward thumpingly literal time signatures, the album is full of surprises and offers a veritable gold-mine of riches. --
Christina Roden
Product Description
The music of Alberta is as beautiful, dynamic, and varied as its scenery. From Alberta’s majestic Rocky Mountains to its prairies, foothills, badlands, forests, lakes, and cities, this 19-track CD introduces listeners to the some of the very best contemporary singer/songwriters and musicians from Wild Rose Country. Join k.d. lang, Ian Tyson, Corb Lund, and their fellow Albertans and capture the energy, excitement, and can-do spirit of their beloved province in sound. 19 tracks, 69 minutes of music, 36-page booklet with extensive liner notes & photos.
