A hit at this past July’s Winnipeg Folk Fest, Dominique Reynolds is a former member of acclaimed world music group Madrigaia. On Tiny Burden, she delivers a delightful blend of French and English lyrics and aboriginal chanting (alluding to her Metis roots). The result is a lighthearted social commentary. She sings of the war that exists between so many facets of society – “the rich and poor, the black and white” – and she playfully suggests that the solution is that we be more like the bonobos: We should “settle our differences by making love.” She creates a mood perfect for a relaxing sunny day – soft vocals with a little bit of oomph, reminiscent of Natalie Merchant. Overall, the album is a pleasing, confidently-presented homegrown contribution.

Note: Streaming MP3 not available at this time.

Published in Volume 64, Number 2 of The Uniter (September 10, 2009)