Old Timey But Fit For Our Times

In simpler times it would have been folk or country. Now things need rebranding so is it Americana or Old Timey ? I would label it simply as homely, honest and sincere. What I am talking about is a disk by Kim Beggs called Wanderer's Paean. Kim Beggs hails from the Yukon region of Canada and there is that feel of wide open spaces and the urge to travel, with the bittersweet melancholy that often carries. She has an affecting and unusual voice, a world weary and wise sounding little girl. Most of the material on the disk is self written with a couple of bluegrass standards. The instrumental lineup is largely acoustic with a few tasteful amplifications to slide and pedal steel guitar on a couple of tracks. Important to the project is producer and multi-instrumentalist Bob Hamilton. Banjo, dobro, mandolin and violin are also prominent. The title track is a standout as is Lips Stained Red. Lay It All Down is more poppy with a great hook, Heartache Shoes is bluesy and moving. The bonus track Shipyards' Song is politically and environmentally motivated decrying big business and globalisation. You'll get a good warm feeling from giving the disk a try.