Saskatoon, SK - January 29, 2007 - TCU Place

Rankin Reunion Hits Right Note - By Jeanette Stewart - Saskatoon Star-Phoenix

TCU Place

While "some things stay and some things go" the Rankin Family proved Saturday they still possess the timeless talent that brought them success more than a decade ago.

As the siblings sang the lyrics to Jimmy Rankin's Orangedale Whistle, the audience was reminded of just how much has changed for the family.

In their first tour in eight years, the recurring themes of longing and loss written into their songs seem more relevant now than ever before.

Fans of the group are well aware of the death of brother John Morris in 2000. Sister Geraldine passed away suddenly earlier this month before the first scheduled tour stops in Nanaimo. Those shows were cancelled and the siblings picked up in Victoria.

The Rankin Family's stop in Saskatoon was greeted by a packed house and enthusiastic fans, but it took a few songs before they provided evidence of their former Celtic fire.

Mid-show, Raylene Rankin took the stage and spoke about their departed siblings. "There are no words to describe this sorrow," she said and left pianist Mac Morin to play a pretty ballad composed by John Morris.

After this sadness was addressed, it was time to have fun.

With her aunts watching proudly, Molly Rankin, the 19-year-old daughter of John Morris, came onstage to sing Sunsets, her contribution to the new Rankin Family album. Molly also displayed her talent on the fiddle alongside long-time band member Howie MacDonald.

The best moments happened when the old songs came out. Crisp and tight, the energy they brought to the stage made the live performance stronger than any recording of the group.

Each sibling took turns leading with vocals. Though both Cookie and Raylene's voices lapsed at times, their overall performance was magical.

It was Heather's voice, with its childish, innocent quality intact, that lifted the sisters' ethereal three-part harmonies.

The band really shone in the encore. Molly joined Heather and Raylene in an Irish step dance and proved that while the Irish dance craze has long faded, it still brings a crowd to its feet.

The four siblings possess a gift that should be shared with audiences. They are at their best together, and proved their skill as professional musicians that can bring an audience through perfectly timed emotional highs and lows.

Opening act Dawn Langstroth was a good fit for the show. The daughter of Canadian sweetheart Anne Murray, and a self-proclaimed "Maritimer at heart," Langstroth provided a mix of covers and new material that showcased her powerful folk-pop voice.