A longtime veteran of the folk circuit, Ontario-based Willie P. Bennett delivers his emotionally-charged music in a slightly down-and-out voice that reflects a performer who has lived what his songs are about. A talented songwriter whose early work has long been out of print, it's a pleasure to see some of the best of his early work gathered together in the retrospective CD, Collectibles--a mix of musical influences, highlighting Bennett's wide-ranging styles. There's a countryish quality to many of his early hits--songs like "Willie's Diamond Joe" and "Blackie and the Rodeo King." "Summer Dreams, Winter Sleep" is a strong bluegrass, instrumental track. A particular gem is "Music in Your Eyes," which Garnet Rogers covered on his debut album. Its unusual cadences and melody have remained fresh and captivating over the years. The Lucky Ones, a later album, features Bennett in a more country/blues vein with a full electric backup band. The songwriting is less inspired and, by folk standards, the album is over-produced and monotonous. Take My Own Advice features Bennett in another heavily produced album, but the musicians are more interesting and the backup vocals by Colleen Peterson are noteworthy. While the lyrics are not vintage Bennett, they carry the album reasonably well.

Collectibles *
1975-78, reissued 1991 Dark Light Music (DL 12001)

You; Lace and Pretty Flowers; Come on Train; Willie's Diamond Joe; Blackie and the Rodeo King; If You Have to Choose; Me and Molly; Summer Dreams, Winter Sleep; Storm Clouds; Country Squall; My Pie; Music in Your Eyes; Down to the Water; Hobo's Taunt; Pens and Paper 57:53

The Lucky Ones
1989 Duke Street (DSRD 31059)

Train Tracks; The Lucky Ones; Ain't Got No Notion; Cryin' the Blues; Goodbye, So Long, Hello; Tryin' to Start Out Clean; Reckless Baby; Don't Have Much to Say; Patience of a Working Man; Andrew's Waltz 33:02

Take My Own Advice
1993 Dark Light Music (DL 12003)

L.A.D.T. (Livin' in a Dirty Town); Jukebox; (If I Could) Take My Own Advice; Step Away; You Care; Sometimes It Comes So Easy; Katie's Tune; Breaking the Silence; Blood Brother; Push On; Red Dress; Why'd I Go Zydeco 47:59