Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Country / Roots

Melissa McClelland

Victoria Day (Six Shooter)

In a departure from previous recordings Melissa McClelland is taking a trip back in time on Victoria Day, a wonderfully textured offering rooted in country, roots, blues, rock 'n' roll and even big band. McClelland's exceptional vocal dexterity displays the power of Patsy Cline combined with the sensuality of Peggy Lee. Her lyrics echo Tom Waits -- "He's got his hand right up her skirt / All the way to Arkansas" -- as does the production by her husband and guitarist Luke Doucet.

Although McClelland wrote almost everything here, her tunes sound as if they could have come from the Great American Songbook. It should also be mentioned that Doucet's expressive guitar work here, like Brian Setzer, influenced by Bill Haley and Carl Perkins, is nothing short of spectacular.

Victoria Day may be an annual holiday, but Melissa McClelland's Victoria Day is worthy of celebration all year round. 'Ö'Ö'Ö'Ö

-- Bruce Leperre

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 25, 2009 C4

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