MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: JOHN WORT HANNAM - ACRES OF ELBOW ROOM

Sometimes its hard to describe certain musicians, and other times, it's pretty obvious. Veteran Alberta folk singer John Wort Hannam makes it really easy. He took the time to explain himself on his latest album, in the cut I Believe. He rattles off a few things, saying he believes in a good pair of boots, post and beam construction, love at first sight, words on a page. "That's me in a nutshell. Really not a whole lot to tell."

Well, that's a modest statement, pretty simple. But simple is often the best when it comes to songwriting, especially in the folk genre. Make your case, make it plain, get out. Of course, it takes ages to get to that point for a writer, if they ever get there. Hannam gets there over and over on his latest. Part of that is the recognition he's hit 50, and he pauses to take stock in the song That's Life: "Lessons I should have learned. New leaves I should have overturned, and oh all the money I have burned." But age also helps him recognize the good things more clearly, such as the positive effects of his relationship with his child in Song For A Young Son. And in Acres Of Elbow Room, he sings the praises of nightlife before admitting the whole time he misses family and rural life.

Effective writing is often at its most powerful in a live setting, and lucky Maritimers, Mr. Hannam is on his way for a lengthy stay. Check him out at the following:

September 21 - Canning, NS - Sea-Esta
September 22 - Mount Stewart, PEI - Trailside Cafe
September 26 - Halifax - The Carleton
September 27 - Fredericton - Wilser's Room
September 28 - Fredericton - Landsdowne Concert Series
September 29 - Saint John, NB - Dancing Tree Concert Series
September 30 - Annapolis Royal, NS - Strong Will Barn