Heartstrings (album)

Heartstrings was the sixth and final solo album released by Canadian singer-songwriter Willie P. Bennett and was released on CD by Bnatural in 1998 (Bnatural 0998).

The album was something of a departure for Bennett from his earlier solo work, in that it featured several instrumentals (previous albums had one or none), and several of the remaining songs featured long instrumental passages. Also, reflecting his several years spent playing mandolin in Fred Eaglesmith's band, the songs were mostly written and performed by Bennett on mandolin, instead of guitar. The musical territory covered on this album is broader than earlier works. In addition to folk, country, bluegrass and blues, Bennett also incorporates elements of klezmer and gospel.

Willie's first and only music video was filmed for the song "Blue Valentine". Also featuring Keith Glass and Russell deCarle (of Prairie Oyster), the video was produced by Sean Danby and shot in Golden, British Columbia.

The album won a 1999 Juno Award for "best solo roots and traditional album".

Track listing

  1. "Sunset Pendulum"
  2. "High Park Feeders"
  3. "One Vessel"
  4. "Waltz Time Medley" (Traditional)
  5. "The Last Word"
  6. "Happy on the Moon"
  7. "Restless Wind"
  8. "Blue Valentine"
  9. "Azure"
  10. "Billy and Jenny"
  11. "Brave Wings"
  12. "Caney Fork River"
  13. "Dismantled Angel"
  14. "Heartstrings" (written by Tony Quarrington)

All words and music by Willie P. Bennett, except as noted.

Performers/Credits [partial]