Short stories deliver brief but indelible journeys. A single mouthful of
sublime textures, or a window cracked -- fresh and sparkling images peeking
through. "Short Stories" is also the title of Oh Susanna’s latest release,
an intimate series of portraits and journeys that echo the haunting sound of
her debut EP. "Short Stories" s is a dramatic and compelling collection of
songs inspired by both the lives of people in Oh Susanna’s family and by
those recorded in 20th Century American writing. It shares personal fables
of heroes and antiheroes as if through the lens of a documentary film.
"Short Stories" will seduce new listeners and reward the returning. For
those who have traveled with her from one album touchstone to the next,
there is both continuity and surprise. Literary and cinematic as much as
musical, "Short Stories" has a natural beauty that both entertains and gives
the listener room to roam. Over the last 10 years, Oh Susanna has garnered
critical acclaim and loyal audiences around the world with "Oh Susanna"
(2003), "Sleepy Little Sailor" (2001), "Johnstown" (1999), and EP (1997).
She grew up a Canadian with an American passport, staring at the ocean,
mountains and railroad tracks through sheets of rain. She sought refuge with
song under burnt-out warehouses and in darkened clubs with the promise of
guitar twang and a lonesome cry. Along the way she found inspiration in the
music of the likes of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, as well as peers Jim
Bryson, Sarah Harmer, Neko Case, Ron Sexsmith, Fred Eaglesmith, Eliza
Gilkyson, Patti Griffin, and Iris Dement. Short Stories reunites Suzie with
long time band-mates Bazil Donovan (Blue Rodeo) on bass, Cam Giroux (Weeping
Tile, By Divine Right) on drums, Bob Packwood (Blue Rodeo) on piano as well
as the explosive talents of Luke Doucet, Justin Rutledge and Burke Carroll.
Two of the album’s key tracks are the tender ‘Pretty Face’, which is a story
about soul-mates and enduring love and ‘Greyhound Bus’ which reflects upon
the motherly instincts that prevail in the wake of difficult life choices.
Another obvious stand out track is the epic ‘Miss Liberty’. You can almost
see the credits roll up the screen as this track begs for inclusion on a
soundtrack. Suzie’s story about making a new start after a period of
darkness is layered over a touching string arrangement by Kevin Fox. ‘Miss
Liberty’ tells the tale of one soul’s new found freedom after living someone
else’s life for such a long time.
Upon the release of "Short Stories", Oh Susanna will be embarking on a
cross-Canada promo tour so that she can tell you more about the album in
person. She will also perform an intimate show in each of the cities that
she will be visiting. More details to follow. In the meantime, we hope you
enjoy "Short Stories".
Thanks Susanna for responding so quickly to my friend request. Thoroughly enjoyed you and friends at Hugh's Room December 10th. It was a great night. Suzanne Doyle
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