Catherine MacLellan

Church Bell Blues (True North)

Joining the recent influx of accomplished female singer-songwriters from Canada like Kathleen Edwards and Julie Doiron, Catherine MacLellan’s sophomore LP unfolds with a simple, comforting beauty. Precise and pure, MacLellan’s voice envelopes with graceful ease, touches of Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch flowing into a permeating influence of Joni Mitchell. “Emily’s Song” and “River Valley Plains” snapshot memories both aching and joyous, while “There You Are” melts with a Cowboy Junkies longing. The album courses in confessional tones, mirrored by the imagistic flicker of passing landscapes and seasons that never dramatize (“Snow Day,” “January Song”). The title track burns a bluesy apprehension, balanced by the electric guitar-inflected determination of “Brave Love.” “Long Time” closes in memory and tribute to MacLellan’s father, songwriter Gene MacLellan, culminating Church Bell Blues‘ ambivalent pull of loss and love. Though lulling in its familiarity, MacLellan’s voice is stunning, welcome, and new.

***.5

This article appears in July 18 • 2008.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.