She’s a three-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner. Her rich, expressive voice has been compared to Natalie Merchant’s. Now Abigail Lapell is preparing to launch her fifth album, Anniversary.
She’s on her way to Alberta for two April concert dates. Although she has been through the province as a solo act a few times, she’s happy that her Western Canadian shows will be with a four-piece band. “It can be fun to travel light and open for other acts, but I also like touring with a bigger band.”
Anniversary is a soulful, gentle album, full of emotion and tender lyrics. “Some of the songs are sweet and some are bitter,” she says, “but they’re all love songs.”
The title track, “Anniversary Song,” reflects on the passage of time. “It’s about marking the rhythm of life with someone. Anniversary gifts are a theme in the song, and so is the Periodic Table of the Elements,” she says. “I liked the idea of physical and metaphorical togetherness. Being bound together ways that are mundane, and also abstract.”
When asked what aspects of her musical life are the most rewarding, Lapell finds it difficult to choose. “Writing songs and singing are the first motivation for me. Everything flows from that. From there, I’ve become more comfortable playing live. Writing and singing are first, but I also enjoy performing and collaborating.”
Abigail Lapell plays the Ironwood Stage & Grill in Calgary on April 16, and The Aviary in Edmonton on April 17. Both shows will be opened by Alberta singer-songwriter Rebecca Lappa. Find tickets and info at abigaillapell.com
