Ruth Moody (from the album Wanderer

Ruth Moody (from the album Wanderer

Ruth Moody (from the album Wanderer as a self-release) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
On first encounter, the most striking thing about Ruth Moody is her remarkably beautiful voice. It literally illuminates every song on the album and contributes to its tender tapestry. It’s hardly surprising; her two previous solo albums, The Garden and These Wilder Things, as well as longtime association with the Canadian folk combo The Wailin’ Jennys — not to mention her series of collaborations with Mark Knopfler — have confirmed the fact that she’s one of the Folk world’s leading lights.  Her two Juno Awards confirmed that fact, but nevertheless, it’s the lush arrangements and Moody’s sweeter sentiments which make Wanderer the wonderful record it is.

To her credit, Moody managed to recruit a formidable array of musicians to help her fulfill her mission, among them, coproducer Dan Knobler, Tucker Martine (who did the mixing), Joey Landreth (courtesy of a duet on “The Spell of the Lilac Bloom”), Nicki Bluhm (background vocals), Anthony Da Costa (guitars), Kai Welch (keys), and any number of others who add the subtle instrumental shadings found on each of the album’s ten tracks. Nevertheless, Moody is never far from center stage, and given the personal perspective that informs the subjects of these songs — topics ranging from the realities of motherhood, the push and pull of love and romance, the ultimate lure of home and hearth, and the ups and downs of life’s journey in general — the music creates an intimate connection.
 
‘Something happens when it feels so right’ Moody insists at one point, and indeed, given the emotional tug of these songs, she proves the point succinctly. From the pensive, well-considered pacing of “Already Free”, through the cautious tale of “Twilight”, the reassured serendipity of “Michigan”, and the soothing sounds of “The Way Lovers Move”. With “Coyotes”, and the title track, Ruth Moody expresses her feelings through both sensuality and suggestion. The effect is nothing less than mesmerizing.

Wanderer, then, is a high point in a career that’s already reaped its creator a remarkable reputation, putting her on the same plateau as Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Norah Jones, Lorena McKennitt, and other seductive sirens that share their music through intimacy, authenticity, and a kind of divine delicacy. With Wanderer, Moody’s journey becomes absorbing and no less affecting.
(by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Ruth Moody from AMAZON
 
Please go to the Ruth Moody website for more purchase and artist information