Despite the seeming ease of categorizing a record that declares its genre in its title, Mae Moore’s Folklore is anything but straightforward folk music. In a way that’s reminiscent of Bruce Cockburn, Moore draws on many musical traditions, but fuses them so carefully as to make their origins indistinguishable. The result is so organic that to even speak of origins seems counterproductive. Moore has perfected an orchestral-jazz-soul-folk synthesis that floats effortlessly. Moore’s voice is unadorned and ethereal – somewhere between Norah Jones and Neko Case. The musicianship is first rate on all counts. The slow arrangements might easily have fallen flat in other hands, but Moore has clearly found a magic formula. The album is absolutely mellow and relaxing if it needs to be, but it also deserves an attentive listen. Moore has created a mature record and a must-have for the complete folk collection.

Published in Volume 65, Number 24 of The Uniter (March 24, 2011)