The notion of the silent partner is not new. A recent example is Dave Rawlings, key other half to Gillian Welch. Canadian singer Catherine MacLellan is similarly indebted to guitarist Chris Gauthier, who lights up her ballads of love and loss, creating a sound that is intense and yet full of interest. MacLellan was born into Canadian folk, but her songs and her singing are more soulful. On the brooding Don't Call Me Stranger and Jack's Song, Gauthier's playing colours a foreboding air. But there are warmer shades, such as Andy Leftwich's violin on Beneath the Lindens and the shimmering Left On My Own. catherinemaclelland.com