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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
New music / Country
Justin Rutledge
The Early Widows (Six Shooter)
ACCLAIMED Toronto songsmith Justin Rutledge burst onto the scene in 2005 with No, Never Alone, an alt-country masterpiece. On his fourth album, Rutledge takes a more aggressive musical stance, trading in his trusty acoustic guitar for an electric with positive results.
Burke Carroll's divine pedal steel floats effortlessly in and out like swans on a glistening lake. Double drummers create a primal undercurrent that pushes Rutledge's performance to heights not realized on his last two outings. The presence of a gospel choir on several tracks, including the gorgeous The Heart of a River and Snowmen, produces an almost ethereal vibe. Canadian author Michael Ondaatje even helps out with a co-write on the captivating opener Be The Man.
Produced by the ever-quirky Hawksley Workman, The Early Widows realizes the promise of his exceptional debut, as it lovingly caresses both your ears and your soul. 4 stars
-- Bruce Leperre
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 1, 2010 C4
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