It’s wholly obvious that an album with such a contemplative title as "Exit Strategy Of The Soul" should be book ended with an instrumental prologue and epilogue that neatly binds the content like any good movie title sequence. The fact is, that the two songs in question ("Spiritude" and "Dawn Anna") snapshot Martin Terefe’s broad minded attempt to produce a resonantly fuller sound whilst retaining the resolute intimacy of Sexsmith’s ornate vocal and succinct Piano performance. The resultant recording works deliciously and Terefe must take a great deal of credit for this. For having recorded the basic tracks at his London studio, he decided to travel to Cuba to enlist the support of arranger Joaquin Betancourt, trombonist Amaury Perez and trumpeter Alexander Abreu who add a soulful backing, which the Producer describes as "Shadow Gospel". The horn enhancement comes to fruition immediately on the classy Soul/Pop love song "This Is How I Know", a gushing celebration of the arrival of Divine Right guitarist Colleen Hixenbaugh in Sexsmith’s life. The collaboration with fellow Canadian Leslie Feist on "Brandy Alexander" is a gentle revelation, the affecting frivolity of the lyric and the simplicity of the melody leaves the listener hoping for further bar-room creativity from the duo. Feist had originally recorded the song on her "Reminder" album from last year, and this addition is an undoubted delight.
The air of spontaneity that flows throughout "Exit Strategy Of The Soul" is partly down to Terefe’s confidence in Sexsmith’s abilities. Many of the basic tracks were recorded with just piano and guide vocal, with other instrumental accompaniment added in whichever studio (London, New York, or Havana) they chose to complete their work. In anticipation for the Cuban sessions Sexsmith wrote the climactic "Brighter Still" on the outbound flight which eventually would be recorded in one take, and the instinctive performance makes the listener feel like he/she is witness to an exciting musical discovery as the musicians intuitively construct the song before us. There’s a deep sense that Sexsmith knows his audience and their expectations and throughout the remainder of the album he delivers erstwhile tales of love and life in his unique unassuming vocal burr (which incidentally is getting better as he grows older).
Many may regard "Exit Strategy Of The Soul" as the highlight of Sexsmith’s long career. It’s certainly one of 2008’s rare heart-stoppers, but with such a high quality back catalogue the real question should be "Why is it that Ron Sexsmith is not phenomenally successful?" There’s little justice in this cruel world.
8/10
"Brighter Still"
My Trusted MOGs
Thanks for this. I have all of Ron's previous albums, yet I still am not crazy about his music. It sounds contradictory, but each time I think - well, that's enough. Then I hear a track or two off of the new one and the next thing I know it's in my hands. You may've just done it - again.
My Trusted MOGs
Dermahrk has it just right. I have most, if not all, of the back catalogue and was going to pass on this one until I heard the clips. Ron Sexsmith has been flying under the radar from a long time. Like Joe Henry, he sticks in my heart and mind even if the cruel world ignores him.
BerkeleyBob
My Trusted MOGs
a name I have heard a million times, yet never picked up an album. Liking the video and song enough to give it a listen
My Trusted MOGs
Dermahrk - Thanks for the comment. His back catalogue is generally very consistent IMO, but this one is a real winner...well worth a shot.
Berkeley Bob - Couldn't agree more ;o)
Kiddoh - Good stuff, it's definitely worth a listen and thanks for the comment.
My Trusted MOGs
Ben - thanks for the review... this album has been bouncing around my skull for a couple of weeks now, and to be honest with you....the music is cheesy as hell...but it'll end up on my best-of 2008 list.