Ron Sexsmith Exit Strategy of the Soul

A true artist's artist, Ron Sexsmith has been writing and performing his earnest, soulful songs for nearly thirty years now, engendering praise from a litany of artists too influential and many to name. On his latest album Exit Strategy of the Soul, Sexsmith expands his musical canon with vaulted yet direct string arrangements and sweeping horn sections, resulting in a work equal in musical breadth and emotional depth. Recorded in both the cold of classical London and the sweaty flamboyance of Havana, Cuba, Exit Strategy... is a study of the beauty that can come from the heartfelt melding of seemingly contrary ideas, be they musical, cultural or emotional. Delving deep into Cuban music, Sexsmith recruited legendary Cuban musicians Amaury Perez and Alexander Abreu as well as experienced arranger Joaquin Betancourt to lend latin punch and style to his sweeping, yearnful melodies. Also appearing on Exit Strategy of the Soul is standout track 'Brandy Alexander,' co-written with fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Feist. After the two met at a party where Ron was drinking the concoction, the two entered into a long-distance collaboration with both artists eventually recording their own version of the song for their respective albums. In the career of Ron Sexsmith Exit Strategy of the Soul is at once a culmination and a precipice, a work that feels as complete as it does an artistic jumping-off point. Only the mind of the artist knows his intention and knowing Sexsmith, he's not telling.