Suzanne Langille started her recording career as a vocalist alongside
Loren Mazzacane Connors on a string of rare LPs in the mid-
1980s acclaimed for their startling transformation of the blues.
Since, Langille has added vocals and lyrics to many Connors
albums, including the landmark ''Hell's Kitchen Park,'' collaborated
with San Agustin and issued a conceptual full-length on
Secretly Canadian in 1998. But all along a proper solo album has
never surfaced - until now.
''Wild & Foolish Heart'' joins Langille with Indian classical musician
Neel Murgai - a long-time collaborator and leader of his own
ensemble. Langille's blues-filled moans are perfectly matched to
the dazzling drone and subtle melodic rhythm of Murgai's tanpura
and daf (Persian frame drum). Their reworking of popular/traditional
songs and Langille's own dramatic compositions draw out
redemption, sorrow and celebration in a way that makes listening
to these sides feel like uncovering a lost field recording of otherworldly
haunts or spirituals. Langille's pervading melancholic tone
flares in the tradition of Patti Smith and Thalia Zedek at times. The
LP ends with a scorching blowout from the Haunted House band,
the legendary/defunct downtown 'blues rock' improv-combo
fronted by Langille, with Murgai, Connors and San Augstin guitarist
Andrew Burnes.
This 550-edition LP features cover art from Loren Connors, a selection
of his rarely seen photography/collage work, and is pressed in
an edition of 550 copies.
Tracks:
1. Invocation 1:31
2. Child 1:55
3. Story of Isaac 4:38
4. Young Waters
5. White Rabbit 4:11
6. Strong & Foolish Heart 4:51
7. Turn Away 8:18