Ruth Moody "The Garden"

Red House Records, 2012

Simple songs, exceptional musicianship and a little bit of magic

• Those with a Prairie Home Companion bent will know the name of Ruth Moody only too well. One of the founder members of Canadian Wailin’ Jennys, Moody has released her first full-length solo album and it couldn’t have been more hotly anticipated among ‘Jennys' aficionados.

• 'The Garden' doesn’t disappoint. Moody’s restrained vocals and are in place, although fans of the Jennys’ tight harmonies might be a little take aback. However, in their place is a nice range of duets (with Matt Peters of The Waking Eyes) and guest appearances (from the Wailin’ Jennys and Oh Susannah) so there’s not much reason to argue.

  The songs, all written by Moody, are a mix of delicate and wistful numbers ('Within Without You' is tender and divine and 'Winter Waltz' is too cute for words) and mid-level-happiness tracks. 'Never Said Goodbye' might be one of the saddest songs this writer has heard for a good while and, even though it’s only January and roundup season isn’t upon us by a long shot, is going straight to the top.

  None of them really breaks out of the sitting-in-the-window-with-tear-stained-cheeks beat. Which if you are a fan of that sort of thing (and I am) is completely fine. This is a great disc that will please Jennys fans as well as win a fair few new ones.