Coming from a background steeped in music that was on the cusp of actually making a family band altogether, Heather Armstrong has passed on her own musical affiliation and joy to her own family. Today she manages Scotia Music, business that helps aspiring musicians learn their craft and also helps in promotion and more. On her debut album, Heather’s penned a record in honour of her contemporaries, of every musician who struggled during the pandemic and the risk it posed to the livelihoods of all those who chose this path. In the absence of performance, many musicians were severely impacted by the pandemics crash. It’s a record injected with soul, filled with warmth, and enamoured by Heather’s magnanimous vocal performance.
The half hour long record places Armstrong’s vocal performance front and centre of its ethos. The arrangement is minimal, with keys and guitar serving as background pleasantries while Heather sings with a warmth and glowing energy to serenade the listener. The opening track, an overdose of positivity that’s meant for a Sunday morning to cherish is particularly memorable. The acoustic work on some tracks, such as ‘Taking Chances’, is particularly impressive. Here, there’s more of a folk soundscape brought to life by Armstrong. The to and fro between her innately soulful and blues voice with instrumentation that’s reminiscent of folk arrangements makes for a particularly interesting combination.
‘Fearless Contribution’ is an album that’s almost a lullaby. Armstrong’s powerful vocal performance, radiating warmth and strength is loaded with emotion that passes over to you as a listener. With guitar work that’s equally impressive to revel at, it’s a fantastically well put together piece of soul folk.