Scene Magazine

In the tradition of Woody Guthrie, Nova Scotia troubadour Chris Ludecke’s third release is a joyous set of folk stories, featuring simple but solid banjo playing and his warm down home vocals. His past recordings have been pretty much a one-man show, but this time the old man is joined by various members of the Be Good Tanyas and The Bills for a fuller, slicker sound. As indicated by the title, the theme of love runs throughout the 11 originals and two traditional folk tunes here. Highlights include the originals “Sad As A Forest,” “Proof of Love” and “The Drawing Near” and Ludecke’s arrangement of the traditional “Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier.” Proof of Love is a fi ne addition to the Old Man Ludecke catalogue.

- Dave Clarke