October 2022 – Suzie Vinnick
Suzie Vinnick Fall Back Home
In the world of music, Suzie Vinnick is among the best. The gifted songwriter, guitarist, bassist and vocalist is at the top of her game and her new release, Fall Back Home, further cements her place on the Canadian music landscape.
Fall Back Home is a stunning mix of blues and roots originals along with a few choice covers. The album could just as easily be called “the many colours of Suzie Vinnick,” for its range of styles and feels is wide and abundant. Suzie is in fine form here, her delivery easy, guitar work sparkling and her songwriting creative and enticing.
A who’s who of Canadian musicians help to bring these songs to life, with Colin Linden, Matt Andersen, Jesse O’Brien, Kevin Breit and a host of others making their mark. Award winning producer Danny Greenspoon lends his golden ears and audio vision.
Kicking off with “Lift You Up,” this track is an earworm destined for oodles of airplay for its funky rhythm and stunning vocals. Colin Linden is showcased on both electric and acoustic guitars while Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar provide divine harmonies. “Talk to Me” is a gentle, coaxing ballad with Matt Andersen’s voice matching Vinnick’s for a smooth and melodic delivery, while Kevin Breit’s guitar work creates a rolling feel that is soft and gentle. “Salt & Pepper” brings a more strident, beefy sound to the album, with Colin Linden’s electric guitar work carving deep groove for this straight ahead rock song. “The Pie My Baby Makes” is a bass/voice outing that shines – Russ Boswell opening with an upright bass intro before launching into a jazz swing feel. Suzie lays down a great vocal track, complete with a scat solo. “City & Skies” has Vinnick reminiscing about childhood memories in her home of Saskatoon, the colourful imagery vivid and a little melancholic. There are a couple of notable covers on the album, with the solid country rock offering by John Fogerty, “Big Train (From Memphis)”, featuring Steve Dawson’s pedal steel. The Chilliwack hit, “Raino” (John Fogerty) a guitar delight with Bill Henderson and Paul Pigat, while Mark Lalama fills out the sound with his keyboards.
From blues to roots, jazz to rock, country to Latin, Suzie Vinnick has created another gem to soothe the ears. Fall Back Home is scheduled to hit the market September 23, 2022. Highly recommended. ****** (Cindy McLeod)