M.C. Hansen
Album: Live At The Brewery
Label: Sentimental
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.mchansen.com

Just as the word folk is appended to related genres, folk blues, folk rock, Scottish Folk, traditional folk etc., cana is starting to be used as a suffix for music that whilst from Americana genres is beginning to transmute as it gets played in other regions of the world. Scandicana is a term that has been used to describe the music of Denmark's M.C. Hansen.

"Live At The Brewery" is very much a counterpoint to his last release, "3", which was a triple album that saw him reinterpreting the same songs. It was, not only a good album, but a really interesting insight into the recording process and how songs can change and evolve, this album on the other hand is instant, the song coming at you as they happened.

M.C. Hansen has that story telling approach to his songs, one that reminds me of the likes of Tom Russell and Tom Pacheco. He sings short vignettes that are accompanied by an easy going country, old timey sound, that feels very relaxed and laidback.

"Live At The Brewery" was recorded in his native Denmark and whilst the songs are in English, his between song banter is all in his native language, which was very unexpected the first time I heard it because, until this point I'd only heard him use English, maybe at some point he'll have a song or two in Danish on the album.

I detract, "Live At The Brewery" is a strong album, solid narrative combines with good, underpinning, melodies that make for songs that not only do you want to listen to, you find yourself almost compelled to do so. M.C. Hansen has shown that he is pretty much at home in every recording environment, his relaxed approach really is endearing, Scandicana has it's reference point and it's well worth navigating to.

Neil King