From the local “one to watch” category comes an introductory, five track e.p. from singer/songwriter Jenny Berkel. The southwestern Ontario-bred Berkel sings with a deep and rather resonant voice evoking an old soul-like veracity and with the sparse, all-acoustic accompaniment creates something a pleasant, albeit gloomy sound. The depths of Berkel’s lyrics are what really sell this piece. Her geographic displacement has taken its toll on her psyche and she tries to sing away her sadness with lyrics like “You come from far away / You come to give and take / Pull the city, she cannot stay”. Joining Ms. Berkel for the quiet ride are a few friends that add poignant musical filigree such as banjo, harmonica and slide guitar – just enough so you would almost notice, somehow necessary to the overall drift of this set. By the sound of it, Berkel may be just passing through and Winnipeg folk music fans should take note of this burgeoning talent before she again follows her muse to points beyond the Perimeter. (Independent, www.myspace.com/jennyberkel) Jeff Monk
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989