Trail of Tales

This is the fifth album released by the award-winning Canadian acoustic roots quintet since 2000. Trail of Tales features a mix of shiny pop-laden singles, tranquil chamber folk pieces, jazzy easy-listening tunes and breezily swinging newgrass numbers, expertly performed on guitar, fiddle, double-bass, accordion, mandolin and vocals.

The vocal harmonies are tight and smoothly delivered, while the unbearable effervescence of being is ever-present. Each of the 14 tracks sparkles with a polished gleam imbued with an ineffably charming grace. Some listeners will find this eminently appealing while others, including this reviewer, will not.