The only thing low-fidelity about Treasa Levasseur's "Low Fidelity," her follow-up to the well-received "Not A Straight Line" from 2006, is the no-good man who's messing around on the title track.  Everything else is carefully crafted, impeccably produced, and utterly delightful from beginning to end.  

Raised in Winnipeg and currently calling Toronto home, Levasseur's possessed of an absolute marvel of a voice, clear and powerful yet conveying an uncanny warmth.  Here she applies it to a primarily self-penned collection (with assistance on a couple from band mates), blending influences as diverse as Brill Building-era Carole King and the Stax Records sound with remarkable assurance and seemingly effortless aplomb. 

Standouts include the admittedly autobiographical and disarmingly candid "Me And My Big Fat Mouth," a horn-fuelled slice of sassy soul complete with "blah blah blah" choruses (no, really!) that works on every level and then some.  "Give Me Just One" builds from down ‘n' dirty blues to a horn-fueled frenzy of gospel intensity, while both "Talk To Me Babe" and "Rest Of The Ride" are mature, exceptionally candid ballads of aching beauty, Levasseur achieving a rare intimacy, her unadorned delivery all the more affecting for its direct and unassuming simplicity.   The title track features an irresistibly catchy harmonica work from guest Paul Reddick, "Stuck In SoulsVille" is both travelogue and homage to Stax, while "Truth Will Set You Free" is jazzy pop in the vein of Sade's "Sweetest Taboo."  Closer "Amen" is a heartfelt plea for peace and understanding that builds to magnificent and soul-stirring climax. 

In truth, though, there's not a bad track here - every song is tightly focused and expertly arranged.  The cast is huge but producer/guitarist David Gavin Baxter marshals forces with unerring ease, providing a richly layered, densely textured background that's never intrusive - Levasseur's stunning voice is always front and centre where it belongs. 

Smart, sexy, sassy and sultry, this is an absolutely stellar outing.  Very highly recommended!