Pick of the Week- Halifax Herald

Sometimes the best ideas are the simple ones, so combining the rich, sonorous voice of Max MacDonald and the work of a dozen of his favourite Cape Breton composers on Songs of Home is a brilliant no-brainer.

Known for his work with Buddy and the Boys and The Cape Breton Summertime Revue, MacDonald has been busiest behind the scenes in recent years with Rave Entertainment and the Celtic Colours International Festival, but here he makes a welcome return to the microphone.

Working with producer J.P. Cormier, who also plays "damn near all the instruments," MacDonald essays the work of old pros like Leon Dubinsky and Matt Minglewood as well as young bucks Gordie Sampson and Steven MacDougall, all deeply rooted in the Cape Breton experience. His voice's unique character brings layers of meaning to a song like Sam Moon's Girls of Neils Harbour, while a duet with Rita MacNeil on Old Man makes one wish the island's grand dame of song would consider a similar project with Cormier's expert hand at the wheel.

Copyright © 2008 The Chronicle Herald All rights reserved.