Recorded live in a church in Ottawa, Jim Bryson and his band don’t
stray far from the path set down for these songs drawn from all three
of his studio albums. There are the odd flourishes, such as the dual
guitars playing extended melodies to close out “Fallen Leaves” and “The
Wishes Pile Up.” Another, “Impaler,” a raucous tune from 2000’s Jim
Bryson and the Occasionals, sounds wistful and sad when delivered
by Bryson alone. The last two songs, from a show in Wakefield, Quebec,
recall the ragged rock glory of Bryson’s early days. A little more of
this spirit could’ve made this good live recording great.
This article appears in May 7-13, 2009.