Impressionistic by Ferron (CD, Dec-2000, 2 Discs, Cherrywood Station)

Ferron is an independent, no-apologies singer-songwriter, who has reached legendary status in Canada and the United States. At 15 years old, she left home saying nothing to anyone, and thereby "faced her truth." This rocky beginning and attempt to make sense of it has evolved into a gift to us all. I first heard her in New York City when she played Gerdes Folk City. It was very close to the beginning of her career. It was a time in my life where I apologized for the type of music I played, since the industry had moved on years before. I am not sure she would characterize her music as folk, or progressive folk, but back in the 70s and 80s, that's what I would have called it. Her music is for thinking people, people excited by life's journey in all its variety, people who really want to hear the words. But the music is also moving and haunting, her long-time association with DB Benedictson and other musicians can be heard in her sound. To me, there is a longing in her earlier stuff that absolutely breaks my heart wide open. (Hear "Sunshine" and "A Girl on a Road.") Her later stuff has a wisdom borne of adversity (Hear "Shady Gate" and "Life is a Brook") and I just have to say, I could listen to this compilation CD forever. Everytime I listen, I hear something new. Her music adds to my life in a way I cannot quite verbalize. This CD is like dipping my hands into that well of beauty so many people forget and splashing it all over my face. It is real life, heartfelt and sublime.