Arts

 Review for Heartland by Owen Pallett, Great Justice Records

4/5 stars.

When the violin makes an appearance in popular music, it’s used in the odd string arrangement, to get the jig going in a Celtic tune or to throw a curveball as in pop-punkers Yellowcard.

For Toronto’s Owen Pallett, the violin takes the forefront in his latest release. It’s a seamless blend of pop songwriting and classical music; a story of violence and greed over strings, trumpets and clarinets.

 Indie rock duo Tegan and Sara are not new to the music business. They’ve been releasing studio albums since 1999, and have collaborated with many big artists, including Against Me! and Tiësto.

In fact, their latest release, Sainthood, is their sixth studio album.  It also marks the twins’ first attempt at writing songs together.

 The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World

Wade Davis

House of Anansi Press, 2009

Stars: 3.5/5

Forty years after it’s opening, the National Arts Centre is showcasing the men and women who make the magic happen.

Faces Behind the Sceneshonours individuals who are seldom seen by the general public through a series of portraits photographed by orchestra violinist, Lev Berenshteyn.

A quote from Russian author Anton Chekhov acted as a means of insight for Berenshteyn, he said.

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald is certainly a jack of all trades.

The Calgary-born singer-songwriter will be featured at Algonquin College Jan. 13.

After winning several songwriting awards in Calgary, he has become a prominent member of Canada’s West Coast music scene, touring extensively through BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

He speaks highly of his hometown as a catalyst for Canadian content.