Undar the radar: Sarah Harmer

What is it about Canada and its ability to produce so many talented singer-songwriters? The list begins with Neil Young and the incomparable Joni Mitchell but it also includes k.d. lang, Sarah McLachlan, Nelly Furtado, Robbie Robertson, Kathleen Edwards, Leslie Feist...and Sarah Harmer.

Sarah is probably the least well known of the bunch but she writes and plays some fine music. I saw her in concert at the Aladdin Theater Thursday night with her band and, during a 90-minute set that covered two dozen songs, she alternated between rock, pop and folk. She reminds me of Sheryl Crow, both in style and appearance, and sounds like Feist.

I learned of her a couple years ago and told myself I'd keep an eye out if she ever came to Portland. Evidently, she hadn't been here in about five years. But with a new CD to promote -- "Oh Little Fire" is her fifth album -- she's touring the U.S. and Canada and no doubt garnering new fans.

If you don't know her music, give a listen to "Basement Apartment." It's 10 years old but it's the tune that caught my attention. Maybe it'll catch yours.



Photograph by Anita Doron