Jake & the Leprechauns "Jake & the Leprechauns" (Independent 2007)

My Brother Jake’s Low-Fi debut oozes class

Jake & The Leprechauns revolve around C-Antoine Gosselin, multi instrumentalist, composer & lead singer plus Phillipe Custeau songwriter, guitar & pedal steel. The two friends have been making music together for over ten years but surprisingly only decided to make a record together in 2006. I say surprisingly, because this fine debut release clearly demonstrates that these guys have bundles of talent.

Gosselin earnt his musical spurs as a professional musician in Quebec & Montreal, while Custeau completed his Doctorate in Chiropractic in Iowa and a Master’s degree in creative writing. Influenced by Tom Waits, The Band & Neil Young (Expecting to Fly, Broken Arrow era), the two have produced and recorded this excellent record. They are joined by a host of Canada’s finest Americana musicians including Bob Egan (Wilco, Blue Rodeo) & Jim Bryson (Kathleen Edwards) plus numerous local musicians.

The record was voted the ‘best local’ record of 2006 by local magazine ‘Voir’. It should expand their fan base away from the locals!

The record starts off in an unassuming manner with the beautiful ‘Sleep’ – and it starts off very similar to Neil’s ‘Expecting to Fly’ but quickly diverts into its very own territory. It’s a collision of early Neil & Mercury Rev. Don’t let some of the cryptic song titles put you off. ‘Thoughts on a September Morning’ & ‘Concentric Circles’ – hang in there with these songs there’s plenty to reward you musically & lyrically, ‘the patter of rain in the empty schoolyard, the bell gone silent, yet the flowers grow through the cracks in the pavement’. Hang around for the mesmerising last track Sunday, ShelBrooke with its hypnotic closing chorus: ‘I’m a stranger, to the ocean’ closes the record on a strong and poignant note.

The record is steeped in country music with lyrics that bring the listener in; it’s an emotional ride and well worth finding this bunch of leprechauns.

Date review added:  Sunday, May 13, 2007
Reviewer:  andy riggs
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Related web link:  www.myspace.com/jakeandtheleprechauns