Cape Breton Post 10 August 2007  Devon Strang Writer.

Bruce Aitken is In for a Pound

 

Bruce Aitken, local performer, clinician, founder of the Cape Breton International Drumfest, educator and recording musician could not have chosen a more appropriate title for his  recent album, In for a Penny, In for a Pound.  Not only did the fully engaged drummer find the time to lay down the percussive foundation for his solo debut but also to write, sing lead and backup and play rhythm guitar on the album's ten tracks. Joined by friends Jamie Fouds, Brian DeGaust, Keith Burton, Blaine Aitkens, Hannah Buhariwallah, Sara Beth Harrison, Joey MacLeod, John Campbelljohn, Peter Coomber, and Moncton's Chris Colepaugh and Lynn Daigle, the collaborative album is a solid collection of laid back pop rock. While the drumming is expectedly solid, the album is more of a songwriter's showcase.  Songs like the debut single "Don't Take My Monkey" display Bruce's easy going sense of humor while ballads like "I'll be There" and "Foolish Thing" reveal a more serious side.  Stylistically the album gives a nod to Wings era McCartney with slick but not indulgent production and is spiced up stylistically with hints of reggae horns, over driven blues guitar and harmonica, contemplative piano chords and folk guitar strums.  All in all In for a Penny, In For a Pound is an ambitious and well executed project from an man fully immersed in enhancing the local music scene.