Accordion-fronted bands are normally either polka or
comedy, so Nova Scotia's Lewinskies stand out immediately. There's no
novelty factor here though, this is a modern, unique folk based around
the portable keys, voice and composing talents of Kristen Hatt Lewis and
her partner, guitar player Matthew Lewis. Thoughtful and compelling,
Kristen's words and delivery have an old-world feel with contemporary
approaches and attitudes.
The set was
recorded live off the floor of the Old Confidence Lodge in rural N.S. by
producer Charles Austin, along with some flown-in parts by folk pals in
England, and it has a fascinating aural quality. That starts with the
accordion of course, but also gets rich Euro-touches from the clarinet
of Phil Sedore, especially on the minor key klezmer of Icy So Long. Deep
acoustic bass and woody percussion from the dynamic Halifax duo of Tom
Easley and Geoff Arsenault is featured throughout, and guest violin from
the UK's Matt Steady help give the music everything from a Parisienne
cafe atmosphere to a beat poetry recital. Matthew Lewis flourishes
sometimes give the songs Gypsy touches, so it's a absolutely a blend of
their own.
With the slower tempos and dramatic
moments, there's a distinct power in each song, especially when Kristen
Lewis moves into crucial lines and a higher, forceful delivery. It's
highly effective and moody, and I'm betting even more so in a club
setting, the duo recently having return from a lengthy tour of England.
They do have a few upcoming Maritime shows, so catch details at www.thelewinskies.com.
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