Daily Gleaner

The Chester, Nova Scotia-based banjo-picker has entertained audiences around the world with his clawhammer playing style, engaging lyrics, and a rhythmic foot-stomp.

Local music fans will have the opportunity to see him perform songs from his latest release, My Hands Are On Fire and Other Love Songs, when he takes the stage at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre on Saturday evening.

The new album, which features collaborators like guitarist Steve Dawson, multi-instrumentalist Tim O'Brien, bassist Keith Lowe and drummer John Rahim, is attracting critical acclaim across the country.

Luedecke said he was able to expand on his trademark sound by inviting other musicians to join him in the recording process for his previous effort, the award-winning Proof of Love, and on this newest release.

"We started out for the last (album) with the idea of taking my solo thing and trying to find a bigger band context, since I get kind of lonely just playing by myself sometimes," he said.

"So I thought, for an album, why not try to present something different. I think we just got closer to what the ideal scenario was - to provide great, complimentary playing alongside these songs I'd written."

Story-songs like Mountain Plain, The Rear Guard and Woe Betide The Doer Of The Deed demonstrate Luedecke's ability to translate the natural beauty he encounters in his travels, the importance he places on doing one's best, and a unique perspective on the recent financial crisis.

He said he didn't set out to write about the times on the latter piece, but it evolved naturally from a phrase that sprung to his mind.

"I had this ridiculous phrase - this Biblical sounding phrase. But it's actually not Biblical," he said.

"Maybe it sounds lawyerly - like a phrase from a lawyer in the 1500s or something. It sounds very old. I thought it was quite ridiculous but I couldn't quite shake it. And it fit so nicely with the hook of the song. I knew I had to find subject matter that would kind of befit that expression. In the end, it turned out to be a pretty easy song to write."

For now, live performances involve only Luedecke and his banjo, a guitar and a mic for the beat he makes by stomping his foot.

He said he enjoys the challenge of connecting with audiences on his own, but he believes he'll add some fellow musicians to future tours.

"For now, I really enjoy the intimacy of (playing solo)," he said.