Album Notes

\" \'Simplicity\' it may be in musical terms, just Lynn\'s pure voice and her guitar, but these songs carry complex themes and messages that stop you in your tracks--particularly if you happen to exhibit some of the traits she examines in human behavior. A mature achievement.\" - Tony Copple, \"Window of Opportunity\", CKCU 93.1 fm, Ottawa

In \"Simplicity\", her 4th album of original songs (following \"Lynoleum\" in 2001, \"Learning Curve\" in 2003 and \"Broadview\" in 2006) Toronto singer-songwriter Lynn Harrison continues to look at the beauty and meaning of everyday life--to ask, essentially, what can we make of this beautiful mess? (\"Lynn\'s music speaks to the essence of what life is all about,\" Charles Adler, Global TV)

In keeping with its title, \"Simplicity\" is a consciously stripped-down, vocal-and-guitar, acoustic recording. The approach aligns with the inspiration for many of the songs, while showcasing the catchy melodies and insightful lyrics that Lynn is known for. Many songs on \"Simplicity\" speak to universal themes of impermanence and loss, and several respond to environmental concerns, doing so with gentle warmth, hope and humour.

The songs include the hymns for modern times \"Wind of Change\" and \"Bicycle Bell\" (\"...the turn of the wheel, the release of the chain, the journey revealed, all the miles that remain...\") poignant songs of love and loss such as \"You Rhyme with Me\", \"People Come and Go\" and \"Pile of Leaves\" (\"...jump right in child, know this day smiled upon you in its way\") and an eloquent tribute to the late Canadian social activist June Callwood, \"A Little More Like June\". \"The Thistles\", a new contribution to the Canadian hockey canon, is here too, because what could be simpler than the joy of winning a hockey game?

The new release is made up of 13 solo performances featuring Lynn Harrison on solo vocal and guitar. Select instrumental additions are contributed by David Woodhead (Lynn\'s longtime producer and collaborator) and Lisa Patterson (Imaginit Music).

Six songs on \"Simplicity\" were inspired by stories on \"Take5\", the daily current events program on CIUT 89.5 fm in Toronto, where Lynn has held the position of songwriter-in-residence since October, 2006, writing and performing a new song each week.