Artist: Jimmy Rankin
Album: Harvest Highway
Release Date: October 13, 2023
Genre: Folk
Cape Breton, NS’s Jimmy Rankin has unveiled his eighth solo album, Harvest Highway.
The eleven-track album is a continuation of Rankin’s last record, Moving East – an homage to the coast. These are the first full-length records that he recorded in his home province with fellow Nova Scotian, Joel Plaskett. On Harvest Highway, they rounded out the fantastic crew of musicians including JP Cormier, Ronald Hynes, Dale Murray, and Jordan Murphy – an all-East Coast cast.
The album kicks off with its title track and single, “Harvest Highway,” offering a powerful portrayal of the road’s ever-changing journey through seasons and landscapes. The recurring refrain, “You and me we ride together, we roll through any kind of weather, just another day on the Harvest Highway,” emphasizes the significance of companionship in making life’s journey more manageable. This well-crafted and evocative song truly embodies the essence of folk music and the beauty of life’s voyage.
“Peggy Gordon” screams traditional Cape Breton music, and beautifully captures the themes of unrequited love and longing. It opens with the singer addressing Peggy Gordon, expressing their deep affection. The heartfelt request for understanding sets the tone, “Come sit down beside me, and tell to me the very reason I am slighted so by thee.” The singer’s refuge in alcohol is a traditional theme in heartache as they “lay [their] head on a cask of brandy.” The repeated refrain, “Oh Peggy Gordon, you are my darling,” reinforces the singer’s yearning for Peggy. With timeless lyrics and profound emotion, this enduring folk gem remains a cherished treasure in various traditions.
Overall, Harvest Highway is a captivating showcase of Jimmy Rankin’s versatility as a songwriter, weaving a tapestry of tales and emotions that range from profound love and yearning to introspection and unwavering strength.