Small Source of Comfort

Canadian folksinger and cultural icon Bruce Cockburn is an accomplished guitarist who has never let that get in the way of his political and private reflections and a great song. He teams up with with jazz violinist Jenny Scheinman and co-writes two tracks with Annabelle Chvostek, who appears on both. “Iris of the World” is a chilling portrait of world events and life in the 21st century, while “Gifts” is an old concert closer from 1968 that’s finally made its way to an album. “Comets of Kandahar” with Scheinman, is a great piece between guitar, violin and Cockburn’s crafty rhythm section. “Each One Lost” recalls his days in Afghanistan witnessing the Canadian Army and its toil. “Lois On the Autobahn” remembers his mother. Sadness and forlorn reflection remains Cockburn’s strong suit. However, the guitarwork on “Bohemian 3-Step” and “Ancestors” creates atmospheres that go beyond mere words.