Jim Byrnes - My Walking Stick (Black Hen Music) The old timer’s done good. Working with producer Steve Dawson (Kelly Joe Phelps, Jenny Whiteley, Deep Dark Woods, etc.), Byrnes has come up with a splendid album of Canadian Americana (Canadiana?). Folk-blues provides the core, both in structure and rural atmosphere, but it’s Byrnes’ country and soul influences which single out My Walking Stick from the strumming herd. Opening track “Ol’ Rattler” sets the tone; Byrnes’ soulful vocal rides over a chug-a-long roots tune and big Hammond vibe. He takes on The Band’s “Ophelia” with slow-burn restraint and revives the treatment on “Drown In My Own Tears”. It’s an absolute stunner of a record, which seems to reveal more with every spin. Here’s hoping it gets the recognition it deserves. Head over to Byrnes’ MySpace page and check it out for yourself. www.myspace.com/jimbyrnes Rob F. Next