James Gordon

This veteran bard of Guelph wants to be a hellraiser, but is he too nice? When Gordon sings “Why can’t we all just agree?” in “We’re on the Same Side,” he is the least cynical person alive. The late NDP leader Jack Layton’s farewell letter has been adapted into “Jack’s Dream,” which may strike some as preaching to the choir. Sons Evan and Geordie are huge assets, enriching the backing on a dozen instruments. There is less humour than usual, though “Hey Amanda” has details and character befitting a short film. Close to nature with a view to the future, Gordon continues to engagingly embody Canada’s noblest intentions.