Ruth Minnikin @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: Seeing Ruth Minnikin at the Annex Wreck Room seemed sacreligious somehow. It just seemed wrong. Sweet, simple, lilting country tunes, our Canadiana to their Americana, the always pleasant former Guthrie deserved a warmer, more intimate and more relaxed atmosphere.

Grade: 78

Comment: Minnikin's set seemed oddly out of place following Friendly Rich and Mark Bragg, but she held her own with her brand of authentically charming and honest folk-country. Plus she wasn't wearing a bra. She told us. That's hot.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: G
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Like any good stripped-down, intimate folk artist, Minnikin became the requisite storyteller, trying to lure us all nearer to the campfire to listen to her tales.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: G
Composition: E
Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: There's something infinitely charming about Minnikin's voice. Though it doesn't always seem to meet her where she'd like it to, that's all a part of her charm. Her near monotone delivery worked wonders amidst the acoustic-style set, and her lyrical imagery has brought reviewers to hesitantly refer to her as the female Leonard Cohen. There's no real need to make that connection though, as Minnikin is in a class of her own.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: S
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: From the Booming Airplanes at the age of 17 to the Guthries, the Heavy Blinkers and a whole barrage of others looking for Minnikin's guest vocals (Buck 65, Kris Kristofferson), her solo work is simple, pleasing and undoubtedly wonderful to listen to in the spring while sitting out on your patio.