Lara Herscovitch is a true troubadour and keeps alive the essential essence of what a folk musician should be -- especially in this modern age of repetitive lyrics and overpowering music backing.

Highway Philosophers, her latest album, is well worth giving your aural attention. All but one of the 14 tracks on offer come from her own pen and heart, and the performances reflect a love of the music.

She opens with an interesting track titled "Now Hear This" and draws the listener into a hypnotic collection of intriguing songs. "Angels" is a song that she performs expertly from its sparse guitar opening.

I must confess as ever to a favourite track that bears repeated playing, and in this case it's the beautiful "Sailing to Newfoundland." It combines a great piece of storytelling with a spare but effective musical backing.

Herscovitch's voice is ideally suited to the song "Castle Walls," and once again it is not submerged in overproduction. The lyrics again bear close listening.

On "From a Dream" she shows that she can mesmerise on a more stratified piece, including a very familiar refrain that will intrigue the listener and keep your attention to find out how it ends.

Sadly that track ends the album, but as in all good CDs it leaves us waiting eagerly for her next offering.

[ visit Lara Herscovitch online ]