Artist: Rose Morrison
Album: The River She Knows
Release Date: June 28, 2024
Genre: Traditional Folk
An artist embodying the roar of the sea with a pure and delicate voice, Rose Morrison has seen, and done, a lot in her almost 25 years as a professional musician. The versatile fiddler from Baddeck, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has recorded and toured with Oscar and Grammy Award winner Glen Hansard, Irish folk legend Breanndán O Beaglaoich (Breanndán Begley), and celebrated Scottish-Canadian tenor John McDermott. She’s performed twice at Carnegie Hall, recorded three albums, and won three East Coast Music Awards.
On her latest album, The River She Knows, Rose explores new territory, and after living away from Cape Breton for more than a decade, discovers a new connection to the land and how it shapes her music. While she has firmly established herself as a fiddler drawing from a deep well of fierce, untamed wildness, Rose has also been writing songs for years, though rarely singing or playing them for many people – until now.
“The River She Knows” opens the album with timeless wisdom and reassurance. It encourages resilience and hope with lines like “Quit crying, you’re fine / You’re gonna make it this time,” urging perseverance and self-belief. The refrain “To the wind how she blows” echoes acceptance of life’s uncertainties, offering a comforting reminder of resilience and the enduring wisdom of nature. It’s a soothing, reflective journey through challenges, resonating with themes of hope and inner peace.
“Let Our Love,” featuring Dave Gunning, is a heartfelt ode to enduring love and shared aspirations. With lyrics that express deep commitment and longing, the song embraces themes of growth and resilience in relationships. Lines like “all that I have I want to give, let our love grow” underscore dedication and optimism, resonating throughout the track. Musically, its gentle arrangement complements lyrical depth, providing a serene backdrop that allows emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics to shine. The interplay between Dave Gunning and the main vocalist adds harmony and intimacy, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
Overall, The River She Knows is a brilliant album that seamlessly bridges traditional folk with contemporary themes. Each track resonates with timeless themes of love, resilience, and the beauty of nature, making it a poignant addition to today’s folk music scene.