THE HENRYS
Joyous Porous (Trainrec)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Much has been made of elusive diva Mary Margaret O'Hara's participation on this record, but don't expect a fastball when a sneaky change is what the pitcher really has in mind. Yes Miss America lends her golden throat to the proceedings, but she is but one of the many Henrys participating. There are nine co-conspirators here, and the music sways from heartaching slide guitar to jazz interludes, with only six of sixteen tracks being of the vocal variety. But sir, when Mary sings, or whispers, or "verbals," it is true bliss. The mix is a nice balance too, providing head Henry Don Rooke plenty of room to stretch in various directions without ever reaching a breaking point. This is a quiet record, one to be savoured, caressed and carefully digested. Thank me later.

[Pick this up at www.irus.rri.on.ca.]

© 2002 - John Sekerka