Collette Savard: Press

“Zen Boyfriend offers neo-folk fans and stringed-instrument afficionados a breezy batch of winsome tunes. As with her previous outing, Zen Boyfriend finds Savard leaning primarily on producer and multi-instrumentalist John Zytaruk as a musical foil, but this time around, the duo adds a few new wrinkles to the mix — you get some sax, some extra bits of percussion, some added backing vocals, and most notably, a few terrific cameos from violist Saskia Tomkins, whose sawing adds the perfect touch to the uptempo album opener, “Let’s Go.”

“The lighter, more uptempo tracks are where she really shines, but ballads such as “The Back of My Hand” show she can slow things down and retain a modicum of restraint. Zytaruk, as before, contributes solid backing and appropriately low-key production, but the album’s most pleasant musical surprise is Savard’s forays into new instrumental territory — on a number of tracks, she puts down her guitar and plays a dulcimer or ukulele, offering a pleasant counterpoint to Zytaruk’s mandolin, banjo, or lap steel.”

COLLETTE SAVARD -- ZEN BOYFRIEND (COCOSONGS)

Collette Savard, who landed in Toronto via North Bay, brings a scent of the north woods with her on her sophomore album Zen Boyfriend.

She's a captivating songwriter who paints with a broad acoustic palette on guitar, dulcimer, banjo and ukulele. Spanning pop, blues, light jazz, country and various folk idioms, she receives sympathetic production from longtime musical collaborator and multi-instrumentalist John Zytaruk (Buck 65) who produced Savard's 2005 debut Most Improved Cheerleader.

There's a little bit of Sarah Harmer in Savard, but comparisons are superfluous. She and Zytaruk make their own, sweet music together.

The debut release from Canadian songwriter Collette Savard is a poignant and reflective folk album with pop and jazz sensibilities. Entitled Most Improved Cheerleader, the release was recorded in Savard's Toronto apartment and includes contributions from a variety of Canadian musicians including Juno award winning flugelhorn player Guido Basso. Savard mixes sweet pop melodies with a touch of irony to produce a clever and intriguing collection of contemporary folk songs.

Collette Savard is blessed with a soothing make you feel at home vibe, and she uses it with great flourish. Demonstrating this talent with the intelligent, moving piece "Hey Baby", Collette embellishes the true emotions of the seduction in motion. Collette Savard is a unique and extremely talented songwriter, boasting musical medleys that are simultaneously upbeat and calming. Her simple approach to lyrics are on point and beat right to the soul. A truly gifted singer-songwriter Collette Savard is force in the Folk/Pop genre and you'd only be doing yourself a favor by giving this jewel your full attention.

If folk is your thing then this is a good solid CD to add to your collection.