Stone+Sand+Sea+Sky
[ Borealis Records / Koch Distribution / May 2006 ]
The much anticipated eighth recording of Canadian folk icon Penny Lang, entitled Stone+Sand+Sea+Sky, and produced with much-appreciated assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts and SODEC, will be released in May 2006 and supported with a month-long Ontario-Quebec-New York tour.
Lovingly produced over a period of two years by Grammy and Oscar-nominated producer Roma Baran (Laurie Anderson…) and Grammy-nominated engineer Vivian Stoll, it is Penny’s second release for Borealis Records, following the JUNO-nominated Gather Honey in 2001. It is Penny’s first studio recording since Somebody Else (1999) and features haunting and spacious accompaniment by Roma Baran, Vivian Stoll, Kate McGarrigle, Ken Pearson, Michael Jerome Browne, Dave Clarke, Gaston Bernard, Rachelle Garniez and Penny’s son Jason Lang, among others…
The recording features jewel-like settings for 13 hand-picked songs; some of which Penny has long had in her repertoire, little-known gems from contemporary songwriters, plus a song written especially for her. Throughout, Penny delivers stunning performances, squeezing every emotional nuance out of a collection that will surely prove to be timeless.
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"An incredible record! The arrangements are stunning. I really really really like it." Larry LeBlanc, Canadian Bureau Chief, Billboard Magazine
"Penny Lang has crafted her finest record in a career that has, itself, ebbed and flowed over its 40+ year span. Some 7 years in the incubator, Lang has returned from ill health with a rejuvenated appreciation for life and the world around her. S&S&S&S is a true epiphany. This largely unsung, Canadian folk/rock legend is deserving of world attention with this sophisticated production, relishing in the understated talents of fellow Montréalers Kate McGarrigle, Michael Jerome Browne, Gaston Bernard and son, Jason. Produced with Laurie Anderson collaborator, Roma Baran and percussionist Vivian Stoll, S&S&S&S wraps Lang in a warm, luxurious and highly intimate space as she uses every breath and beat of her heart to define her universe with brushstrokes that only come with wisdom and maturity. Her honey-on-burled-oak of a voice blends with deft and varied arrangements that accentuate, but never overpower, the song. From the neo-lullaby of the opener, "Sudden Waves", gently accompanied by vibraphone, lap steel and accordion, to the truly climactic Rose Vaughan-penned title track - easily a hauntingly worthy Canadian anthem-to-be. Lang’s own "Diamonds on the Water" continues the theme as it celebrates life while "Prairie Sky" is as close to an aural masterpiece as an artist could paint. This is a real accomplishment." Eric Thom, Exclaim, Toronto
Tracks
Sudden Waves (Barker/Jameison) - an atmospheric song based on Ronald Jameison’s (Shetland Islands) air and the usually droll Les Barker’s pensive lyrics; the vibes add a contemporary touch
Careless Love (traditional) - a favourite American folksong - this version is impossible not to sing along with. Bill Garrett adds some lovely picking.
It’s Not Easy (Pearson) - a blues written by Penny’s old friend (and Joplin’s former keyboardist) Ken Pearson, he had her in mind as the singer. His beautiful piano playing shines here.
Prairie Sky (Shizgal) - Montréaler Ellen Shizgal has been a Penny Lang fan for decades and wrote this lovely melody for her group Steel Rail.
You Fool (Does) - Another friend of Penny’s wrote this one, a deceptively simple type of song that Penny carries off better than almost anyone.
Diamonds on the Water (Lang) - Penny’s own bluesy ode to her new home on the Sunshine coast.
High Muddy Waters (Herald/Wakefield/Yellin) - Penny learned this from Frank Wakefield (one of the Greenbriar Boys); their paths crossed most likely at Caffe Lena in the late 60’s; it’s a song her son Jason often requested
Let Me Fly (tradtional) - This rousing Negro spiritual shows Penny at her uplifting best and adds a fine Cajun flavour to the mix - features the tasty accordion of Rachelle Garniez and Penny’s son Jason on slide.
One Too Many Mornings (Dylan) - Penny carries off Dylan in high style; the arrangement here is especially moving and elegant - plus it’s a song Penny and Roma performed ages ago
If I Could Be The Rain (Phillips) - By Penny’s old friend Utah Phillips, this country style ballad features gorgeous lapsteel by Roma
My Last Go Round (Sorrels) - Actually the title of Rosalie Sorrels’ last album, Roma suggested it to Penny and voila! A magic fit. Truly sublime
Room To Move - Linda Morrison, also a Montrealler and longtime Penny fan, penned this jazzy tune; Dave Clarke’s sensitive guitar stylings add sophistication and wit.
Stone + Sand + Sea + Sky (Vaughan) - Rose Vaughan’s paen to space, water and all of the stuff Penny has now found. it’s given a moody treatment here. The album ends as it began, in a Celtic mood.