Starting out as a Toronto sax sessionist. Ian Sherwood has progressed to become an in demand songwriter – providing music for theatre, film and TV and other artists, as well as being named Contemporary Singer of the Year at last year’s Canadian Folk Music Awards. Everywhere to Go is a mix of upbeat and ballad material that marries folk influences with a strong pop sensibility manifested in catchy melodies and hooks.
That’s certainly the case with uptempo acoustic opening on the road number, Everywhere To Go, that strums its way to a massed voices and handclaps singalong finale, a trick repeated on the following, slower, Non Believer, a love song built to be sung by a swaying gospel choir. He’s certainly fond of handclaps, because they’re back again, providing the propulsive rhythm for the bluesy folk pop Me Or Your Money.
While acknowledging their infectiousness, I prefer the slower, more introspective numbers, at their best with the consecutive Stop, Don’t Fall In Love With Me with its soulful warm horns and Paul Simon echoes, and the fuller sounding Fireman’s Ball, a lyrically clever piano ballad that recalls Randy Edelman. It’s not going to change the world, but if you have a few spare moments for some well crafted, highly listenable songs, it will be time well spent.
Review by: Mike Davies