CD: Solidago
Artist: Chris Velan
Label: New Song Recordings



Reviewed by Lionel Rault,
Host of Nine to Noon

Listen to samples from Solidago:

Wobbly Bones
Out of Range
Pauper in a Palace

Chris Velan and his brothers built a large fan base in Montreal with the reggae inflected band Equalizer, but it was his love of songwriting that inspired his solo career. Chris.Velan's third solo CD, Solidago, is our CD of the Week.

From 80's British alternative to Delta Blues, Velan took it all in, but it was the music of the storyteller songwriters like Dylan, Waits, Knopfler and Neil Young that made the real impact upon him. That, and his uncle's vast collection of reggae.

On Solidago, Velan has very successfully blended these elements. There are so many instantly accessible tunes among the 11 tracks that the challenge was to choose a few favorites. Highlights include 'Wobbly Bones' 'Pauper in a Palace' and 'Out of Range'.

On Solidago, Chris Velan makes music that is intelligent and accessible and a whole lot of fun. Highly recommended to fans of Jeremy Fisher, or Joel Plaskett.