This week's Roots releases reviewed by JOE BREEN

CATHERINE MACLELLAND

Water in the Ground

True North Records ****

There is something beautifully simple and honest about Catherine MacLelland's music, as if in its understated crafted cadences it reflects the rich pastoral backwater of her native Prince Edward Island. And yet with this hugely engaging third release, MacLelland stretches into new territories, lighter, looser. Like Take a Break, the opening blast of smokey country swing. Or Hotel Stairs, an easy-paced soft blues straight out of a 1950s southern bar. Or even the soft-pedal gospel of Set This Heart on Fire. She still writes intriguing country folk songs, such as the title track and Isabel's Song, the silky ode to her baby daughter. The album is graced with fine playing, particularly by guitarist Nick Cobham. There is no disguising MacLelland's intensity, although her unhurried delivery is a pleasure. www.catherine maclelland.com

Download tracks: Set This Heart on Fire, Take a Break


CHARLIE WOOD

Flutter and Wow

Archer ***

Possibly too jazzy for serious rhythm 'n' blues folks but definitely too rockist for serious jazzers, Charlie Wood has a struggle on his hands to find his true métier. This noteable Memphis piano and organ whiz is not just good at skinning the keys; he also possesses a smoldering southern white soul voice that sometimes goes under cover as a late-night cocktail bar balladeer. And he has plenty of opportunity to showcase both sides on these 12 tracks, including Elvis Costello's title track, covers of Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen songs, and a fine version of Tom Waits's Johnsburg, Illinois. Most of the songs, however, are Wood's own. The best of a variable bunch are the Latin ballad What You Will, the stomping Doin' the Blah Blah Blahand a neat pop tune, Last Dance. Add to that some mart playing and you've got an interesting if uneven set. www.charliewood.us

Download tracks: Johnsburg, Illinois, Doin' the Blah Blah Blah