Ian North

"Theory of Your Life" is a collection of eleven original songs, sewn together by the theory that "dying's easy, comedy is hard". While North is influenced by literary figures from William S. Burroughs to T.S. Eliot and musical heroes like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Leonard Cohen, he is inspired by the theories people live out every day and the strange tales that result. With empathy for, and insight into human frailty, North writes songs on a wide range of subjects: the life of a Vancouver bank robber in "The Ballad of Stephen Reid"; a hitchhiker North once picked up, in "Leaving Buffalo"; and a figure skater he once knew and married in "Skates". Unusually vivid first-person narratives, both confessional and pure confection, are probably his strongest suit, but Toronto songwriter Ian North - born and raised in Ottawa - has spent several years in Vancouver - also has a strong and distinctive voice, and a penchant for clever chord changes that keep his odd melodies in a state of ungrounded suspension somewhere between acoustic pop and jazzy folk. With little more than acoustic guitars, an occasional piano, dobro, cello or accordion, drums, bass and the odd vocal harmony, North creates a richly musical context for his complex yarns ("The Ballad of Stephen Reid" is typical) and ruminations ("Leaving Buffalo," outstanding) on this, his second independent CD. Greg Quill, The Toronto Star, May 2006This is North's follow-up album to his critically acclaimed debut CD "emptiful", "which gave us 12 well-written, well recorded and produced, melody-rich songs...Ian's music is a fusion of country, jazz and blues with deep, deep roots in traditional Canadian music and influences." (Deanna's Reviews, UK www.bonafidestudio.co.uk)"Theory of Your Life" was produced by Likewater's Eric Newby and recorded by Adam King. Musicians on the album include Eric Newby on guitar (Likewater, Sam Larkin, Priya Thomas), Adam King on drums (J's Garage), Paul Mathew on bass (Hidden Cameras), Michael Johnston on piano, Don Kerr on cello (Ron Sexsmith, Rheostatics), Bob Wiseman on accordion and Jennifer Claveau on background vocals (Likewater).font style="background-color:midnightblue; color:yellow; font-weight:bold; font-size:12;"