Label: True North. Release Date: 8 March 2010

Lynn Miles is one of Canada’s most accomplished singer/songwriters with five albums released, including the award-winning UNRAVEL and LOVE SWEET LOVE. BLACK FLOWERS Volume 1-2 is a double album of both old and new songs recorded in a stripped-down acoustic style (accompanied ony by a guitar or piano).

For me, 20 songs of folk is very slightly overkill, but for fans it’s a veritable treasure trove. CD1 opens with the softly flowing, super-melodic and quite beautiful ‘A Thousand Lovers.’ Having not heard Miles before I have to say this song and the way it is performed won me over big-time. ‘I Give Up’ goes marginally upbeat with a more expressive and adventurous vocal performance from Miles. ‘Map Of My Heart’ is a love song (still using her guitar) where she ventures into pop territory with a delicate and sincere performance of heartbreaking lyrics, driven by another powerful melody. ‘Night Drive’ is another standout track here that offers everything that a fan could be possibly want: a soaring vocal, massive melody, moving lyrics. Miles reverts to the piano for ‘You’re Not Coming Back’, a contemplative song performed at almost talking pace with chorus vocal passages that hit the highest notes with absolute perfection. Superb! It’s then back to her guitar with the country tinged ‘I’m The Moon’, the glacially paced ‘Surrender Dorothy’, and bittersweet ‘Over You’ that includes her most expressive vocal on the album.

CD2 doesn’t quite match the quality of the first CD but only because her opening salvo is so very strong. This album represents an ideal introduction to this wonderful singer/songwriter. Miles is naturally talented with a voice that travels the scale with ease and authority. She is visiting the UK in the Spring, and after listening to this song collection I am looking forward to covering one of those live shows. Highly recommended.

4/5