Tandem – CD Review

The vast majority of CDs received by this scribe are clearly designed to entertain or titillate. Not so Ours And The Shepherds, the brilliant new disc from local songsmith Brooks. He aims to educate us, via a collection of songs that examine Canada’s war experience, from the Second World War to the current and likely ill-fated Afghanistan mission. Given the continued blurring of the truth from our politicians and military leadership, his timing is impeccable. Brooks personalizes the stories of the soldiers in a poetic and compassionate way. His 2005 album, No Mean City, probed the dark side of urban life, and Ours And The Shepherds is an even stronger effort. Such musicians as SUZIE VINNICK, JAMES GRAY (BLUE RODEO) and co-producer PAT SIMMONDS add subtle and effective accompaniment. Brooks recently launched the CD with a Hugh’s Room gig. 

-Kerry Doole 

May, 2007