In the notes to Small Source of Comfort, Bruce Cockburn's first studio recording in five years, he claims that after the musically ambitious Life Short Call Now, he wanted to make something very different: "...music, electric and noisy, with gongs and jackhammers, and fiercely distorted guitars." (Perhaps he'd been listening to Scott Walker's The Drift.) It would have been compelling to hear that from Cockburn, because Small Source of Comfort is anything but. Instead, it is a small-scale, intimate collection of 14 ...
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In the notes to Small Source of Comfort, Bruce Cockburn's first studio recording in five years, he claims that after the musically ambitious Life Short Call Now, he wanted to make something very different: "...music, electric and noisy, with gongs and jackhammers, and fiercely distorted guitars." (Perhaps he'd been listening to Scott Walker's The Drift.) It would have been compelling to hear that from Cockburn, because Small Source of Comfort is anything but. Instead, it is a small-scale, intimate collection of 14 acoustically based songs. Cockburn enlisted Colin Linden to produce and play occasional slide guitar, as well as his seasoned comrades John Dymond (bass) and Gary Craig (drums) as a rhythm section. In addition, he enlisted violinist and singer/songwriter Jenny Scheinman to adorn many of these tracks, while Annabelle Chvostek co-wrote two selections and appears on both. These songs are steeped in intimacy balanced by Cockburn's acute -- sometimes bitingly ironic and self-effacing -- observations on spiritual, emotional, and political questions and reflections on the natural world that surrounds them. "The Iris of the World," with Scheinman's lilting violin and harmony vocal, languidly meditates on life in the process of being fully experienced -- past and present. "Call Me Rose" is a biting satire about Richard Nixon reincarnated in the body of a woman. He's no longer "king of the world," but a mom on the skids. "Driving Away," with Chvostek, is nearly a Buddhist meditation on transience and passage; the same feeling permeates their other collaboration, "Boundless," which sets longing and confusion in a skittering poignant minor-key folk-blues. It observes that "we love our blindness and we love our pain" and that we "look for stillness in the womb of space." Topics of forgiveness, empathy, and ego-puncturing range freely throughout this recording. Cockburn's words have always held keen insight when pointed at the world, but these cut away the outside and look in the mirror first. There are some fine instrumentals here, too. His jazz chops are juxtaposed with Scheinman's violin: they swing in "Lois on the Autobahn," drive one another in "Comets of Kandahar," and sway in "Parnassus and Fog" (with some knotty counterpoint). The set closes with "Gifts," an old song and audience favorite finally recorded here. It is a brief expression of gratitude that borders on prayer. It is a fitting close to Small Source of Comfort, which -- for all its economy -- is abundant in wisdom, empathy, and acceptance; further, it is illuminated beautifully in a deeply personal, even iconic, musical language. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
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Add this copy of Small Source of Comfort to cart. $3.38, good condition, Sold by Idaho Youth Ranch Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Boise, ID, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by True North Records.
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Good. CD/DVD is in good conidtion, but is untested. Lliner notes are included, where applicable, jewel case is not cracked. Shopping with us changes lives. Idaho Youth Ranch sales support therapeutic programs for youth that have been traumatized, victimized, abused, or are homeless. Thank you for your support!
Add this copy of Small Source of Comfort to cart. $3.39, good condition, Sold by Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brooklyn Park, MN, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by True North Records.
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Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork. Disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Small Source of Comfort to cart. $18.65, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by True North Records.
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Chvostek/Cockburn; Cockburn. New. New in new packaging. USA Orders only! Brand New product! please allow delivery times of 3-7 business days within the USA. US orders only please.
Add this copy of Small Source of Comfort to cart. $23.75, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by TRUE NORTH.
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