Cindy Church has Caressing Vocal Touch

Publication: Waterloo Region Record
Reporter/Byline:Robert Reid, Record staff

Sad Songs Make Me Happy (Indie/Outside Music)

Sad Songs Make Me Happy is Cindy Church’s first release in 16 years. Although far too long between releases, it’s a magical offering, by turns sweet, poignant and tender.

Produced by Danny Greenspoon, it’s an elegant, bare-bones collection of 12 songs that accurately reflect the album’s title. With the exception of Autumn Leaves Are Blue, a co-write with longtime musical friend Susan Crowe, all the tracks are covers including Fred Rose’s Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne’s I Fall in Love Too Easily, Hank Cochran’s Is It Raining in Your House, among others.

Whether singing country, roots or jazz, Church is a sensitive interpreter with a caressing vocal touch. She’s accompanied by a talented quartet of guitarists (Rob Piltch, Steve Briggs, Don Rooke and
Elora’s Kevin Breit), along with Vinyl Cafe pianist John Sheard, John Dymond on bass, Doug Riley on drums and Drew Jurecka on violin and viola. Piltch’s solo nylon string guitar is especially lovely.

Church says the album is the most introspective and personal of her four solo offerings. It’s a serene, quiet album of reflection and contemplation.