Cam Penner - Trouble and Mercy

[The Medicine Show]

Cam Penner - Trouble and Mercy - self release http://www.campenner.com

Cam Penner hails from a Mennonite community in Southern Manitoba, where his parents, the town rebels, ran an illegal roadhouse and his grandfather, a bootlegger, delivered his goods to the rural community bringing much needed remedy. In Thirteen year he has produced 5 albums and has worked with and for the homeless. Thirteen seems to be his lucky number, (as you can hear from "Thirteen" featured on the player below,) because he's come up with a gem of an album here .

His is a well lived in voice and rye but insightful take on all thing emotional. His relaxed style and spacious instrumentation always offers up a right good listen, in the same way as a JJ Cale/John Prine collaboration might. Penner like Prine is repeatedly able to reach into your private thoughts, grab that question you have been mulling over and cast more light on it, all be it from, more often than not, a surprising angle.

These are uncommon stories about common people. Cam true to say has a very interesting take on life. A life imbued with and forged from years spent on the road playing the bars, theatres, cafes, house concerts, and honkytonks, that are progressive enough to want to book him. These experiences sparkle through every note and trembling timber on Trouble and Mercy. (check "Roam" from the player below) This album is a story of struggle infused with hope, his is a glass half full and a yearning unfulfilled. He's the complete indie artist, putting out his own records, booking his own tours, manning his own web sites, and a voice worth turning a lingering ear to.
Rob Ellen

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