I enjoyed one of those rare evenings last weekend: a concert that had me smiling and singing all the way through. The Canadian trio Finest Kind (Ian Robb, Ann Downey and Shelly Posen)were terrific at the uNi Coffeehouse in Springfield, MA. They're justly famous for their harmonies, and their scope of musical interests is mind boggling: they presented a Sussex drinking song, a Marty Robbins "hurting song", a Peter Bellamy setting of a Kipling poem, a Bruce Phillips cowboy song, a Dylan anthem, original material and so on and on for two very full sets. Tasteful instrumentation, skin-tightening harmonies, appropriate background and introductions -- geez, I guess it was a perfect show.

If they are coming to a venue near you, and you like your folk music impeccably presented, then run, don't walk, to get your tickets. They are one of those acts which make me scratch my head and wonder why our culture is so warped that the likes of Janet Jackson makes millions for purveying dreck while Finest Kind keeps their day jobs so they can afford to tour twice a year.

Jerry

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Finest Kind Website