In a world where fires rage across California, political turmoil brews on both sides of the border, and the cost of living threatens the middle class, the noise of daily life seems to grow ever louder. Mental health services struggle to meet the soaring demand, leaving many of us wondering if we’re all losing our minds.
Amidst this chaos, the arts emerge as a beacon of hope. They offer artists a platform for expression and liberation, while providing listeners with an alternate perspective and a much-needed escape from the madness. Enter Neil Little, a Stratford-based singer-songwriter, who delivers precisely this with his third album, “Little Light.” After all, isn’t a “little light” exactly what we crave?
Released on January 17th, this self-produced album embraces a minimalist approach, allowing Little’s voice and lyrics to shine, accompanied by delicately layered guitar. The occasional grounding hum that accompanies the guitar is far from a flaw; it enhances the listener’s connection with the music. In a world where trust is the foundation of any good relationship, this grounding hum serves as a reminder that Little has nothing to hide.
Unlike the overly polished tracks dominating contemporary radio, these eight songs are authentic. Listening to the album on an anxiety-ridden day, I found solace as its grounding quality eased my tension and the beautiful melodies had me humming along. Thank you, Neil, for that much-needed respite.
Personal highlights on this album include the self-titled track as well as “Quiet Stars” and “October Evening.” Little’s guitar work evokes the warmth and softness reminiscent of jazz great Bill Frisell. The way the layers are arranged to complement each other perfectly invites listeners to follow Neil’s journey and sparks curiosity about how these songs translate to a live setting. Does he loop tracks, or does he carefully select the ones that best serve the song? While I could easily find the answer on YouTube, I believe it’s best discovered in the moment, in a dimly lit room with a favourite beverage in hand.
Photo Credit: Artist website
Ollie LeBlanc, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered his love for music in his parents' basement with a box of classic rock LPs. A lifelong fan, his fascination with music has only grown over the past three decades as a musician. Ollie has worn many hats, including bassist, producer, engineer, and photographer. As he matures, his journey has become more about contributing to the musical community and sharing its richness. What better way to give back to the medium that has given him so much!
