Those were noteworthy evenings from the audience’s perspective, too. The first, dubbed “Songwriters’ Circle,” featured Linda on stage with Stephen Fearing and Katherine Wheatley. The following year, she shared “Songs and Stories” at the Algonquin Theatre with Jian Ghomeshi and Valdy.
Whether harmonizing with other musicians, performing solo or leading her own band, singer-songwriter Linda earns fans at every venue. The reviews of her two CDs, Betty’s Room and No Language, and her shows in Canada and abroad would certainly prove that.
The Port Sydney resident has just returned from a solo tour of the UK and is eager to hit the local stage. Likewise, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and the Hideaway nightclub are happy to host a performance for her friends and neighbors on Thursday, June 28. She’ll light up the Hideaway stage at 8 p.m., backed by her band All the Hanks – the current line-up features her hubby Andy McLean (The Tenants, Doubledare, NXNE Managing Director) on electric guitar, John Switzer (Jane Siberry, Nathan, Brothers Cosmoline) on bass and Gary Craig (Bruce Cockburn, Anne Murray, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings) on drums.
She’ll showcase songs from her forthcoming CD, scheduled for release later this year, as well as selections from her previous discs. Linda says her biggest hits are, from Betty's Room, “Mandolin” – which earned her a “Best Songwriter” award at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards in 2003 – and “Almost Alien,” from No Language. They are also among her personal favorites, along with “Who Will Say” (from Betty's Room), “Calling” and “Amsterdam Canals” (both from No Language). As well, she counts all her new songs among her favorites, since she’s very excited about them!
In the short time since she’s “come out” as a singer-songwriter, she’s quickly earned the respect of her musical peers and the acclaim of critics far and wide. She has been referred to, on CBC Radio, as part of the “holy trinity” of female Canadian singer-songwriters, along with Sarah Harmer and Kathleen Edwards, and she has been ranked among the best of her North American contemporaries.
Her clear, resonant voice is perfectly in tune with her soulful lyrics and finely crafted tunes. And, when combined with her strong sense of presence on stage, it’s easy to understand why Linda McLean creates memorable performances every time she appears. This show, at the Hideaway on June 28, is an opportunity you should not miss.
See you there!
Jenny
