If you think Corb Lund is catchy, you might want to try Little Miss Higgins & The Winnipeg Five. I thoroughly enjoyed the authentic country blues sound of Bison Ranch Recording Sessions, the fifth album from Little Miss Higgins — also known as Jolene Higgins — who has been recording since 2005.
She is joined on this album by a five-piece band called the Winnipeg Five, who have released three previous albums as the F-Holes. The album was recorded live off the floor of the recording studio that they built in an old barn on the Renaissance Bison Ranch.
My favourite song is “I Was At An Auction” because it has a catchy, upbeat twang, and makes an auction sound like an intriguing place, even though there will be nothing but junk. “Your House Tonight” is another endearing song about getting to know a new love. “Chateau Poulet” had me using some of my poor French skills and while I couldn’t figure out the whole song — the lyrics switch between French and English — I could get the basics. If you don’t understand French at all, the blending of the instruments is still fun to listen to. “Dead Cow Hill” was another gem with a great use of banjo, trumpet and harmonies. I wonder if such a place exists.
Higgins wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, except “Keep A Song in Your Soul” which highlights her songwriting talent along with her clear singing and guitar playing — she always plays the baritone ukulele.
While I had never heard of her before I found this album, I’m looking forward to sharing this album and maybe even seeing her live. She will be playing at Ironwood Stage & Grill on Oct. 6.