Eleanor McCain: Intimate
Music, Emotion and Memories

© 2001 A Review by Roxane Gilbert
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

In visual art, the word "intimate" is used to describe a piece, usually small, that draws in the viewer for a closer look. There is nothing small about Eleanor McCain's debut CD, Intimate, which was released in Canada in 2001. The beauty and clarity of Ms. McCain's voice draw in the listener as the music makes a compelling emotional connection.

The songs included here cover a broad spectrum of styles from Christine McVie's pop ballad Songbird, to Robert Schumann's Du Ring an meinem Finger. In the mix are traditional folk songs of Canada, America and Scotland. Ms. McCain says that she prefers songs that are "soft, ballad-like, warm, intimate, where the emotion comes out of the music." Of course, intimacy is the theme of this CD, and each selection succeeds in this regard.

Terry Sawchuk deserves kudos for the excellent production on Intimate. The strings which perfectly complement Ms. McCain's vocal style are masterfully arranged by Aaron Davis. Natalie MacMaster is just right as the featured fiddle player on Green Hills of Home, Ms. McCain's bright tribute to her childhood home in Eastern Canada.

She's Like the Swallow, a traditional Newfoundland folksong, and American folksong Shenandoah, were recorded in Toronto's St. Anne's Church with the Elmer Iseler Singers providing vocal accompaniment. Both songs share a haunting resonance.

There is one song with particularly sentimental meaning for Ms. McCain. "Eriskay Love Lilt is special for me because of my mother," says Ms. McCain. "There is a connection of memories." Just as she provided piano accompaniment for her daughter when Eleanor was a child, Margaret McCain plays piano on this final track of Intimate.

Another song reaches back to Ms. McCain's childhood. When she was growing up, Ms. McCain sang at school, church and community events. "I've been singing Ave Maria since I was a young girl," says Ms. McCain. She includes the song on her debut CD. "It rings emotionally for a lot of people."

Eleanor McCain: Intimate should also ring emotionally for a lot of people.