Donovan Woods and the Opposition

Donovan Woods’ new album is a study in contrasts, as one would expect from its name: Both Ways. That push-and-pull, especially in relationships, has long been Woods’ stock in trade. As the lead track of Both Ways, “Good Lover” unfolds with acoustic instruments and Woods’ quietly compelling delivery --not what a listener might expect from the title alone. That masterful perspective has led to nominations for the Polaris Prize and the Juno Awards. In addition, his single “What Kind of Love Is That?” climbed to No. 1 on the CBC Top 20 Chart, while his catalog has accrued nearly 45 million streams. Presented by Inside the Music. Opener Katie Pruitt is the girl next door with a guitar in her lap writing songs in her bedroom until sunrise. Pruitt is a has-to-live-it-to-write-it kind of songwriter that achieves the kind of lyrical simplicity that even the best songwriters strive for. Her unique guitar picking accompanied by her very personal lyrics and truth-questioning spirit is a throwback to the classical sounds of Joni Mitchell, John Prine, and Brandi Carlile.