APRIL VERCH
Take Me Back
Rounder Records
BY JOE ROSS

Take Me Back gives April Verch plenty of room to strut her stuff as she journeys on both traditional and contemporary roads. Written by Julie Miller, the title cut allows April’s captivating vocals to speak to removing some of the weight from her shoulders. By track two - the nearly six-minute Grand Slaque - we hear an entire different side of April, that of lyrical fiddler in the finest French Canadian tradition with notes that bounce like ping pong balls. The set makes a contemporary turn with Claire Lynch and Missy Raines’ All In A Night that incorporates drums and electric guitar. Another instrumental, Monarch, is a jazz composition that wafts like a butterfly in a summer breeze. Thus, these four numbers alone show what we’re in for on the entire album - many adventurous jaunts. Musically moving hither and thitherward, April demonstrates great versatility and skill. Some listeners, however, may find the set’s flow a bit disjointed or lacking coherence due to the broad spectrum covered. April really likes to mix it up a bit. Her displays of virtuoso musicianship and pleasant vocalizing are best for those with eclectic musical preferences. I Still Cry is a remarkably powerful, slow love song. What large jumps we make to the aural experience of Eclipse - fiddle and piano bursting with pep - to Bride Of Jesus - slow mournful singing - to Loggers In The Short Grass - another very danceable instrumental. Texas fiddling styles are captured in Tennessee Wagoner that shares breaks with guitar, piano and even string bass. Cruel Moon is another slower song with dreamy electric guitar and the set’s transition to a more lilting instrumental, Seven Years, works well. Tom, Brad & Alice demonstrates old-time sensibilities as the fluid fiddle and frailing banjo speak to each other. This Ottawa Valley is a fun closer in 3/4 time that pays tribute to her home and incorporates the sounds of a party going on at the recording session. April Verch is a musician of many talents and interests. Her extensive interests and abilities make this a very impressive album. BMP

Nov-Dec 2006 Issue
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