Toronto vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jason Collett is member of Broken Social Scene, but thats not really so special Im pretty sure at least half of Canadas population has rotated in and out of that band over the years. Whats pretty special is Colletts solo output since 2001 five albums, including his new Rat a Tat Tat, of savory roots-rock, indie-folk, and 70s Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter fare that fans of early Josh Rouse, Freedy Johnston, and the Jayhawks can happily latch onto. Collett was a woodworker before his music career took off, and in many ways Rat a Tat Tat reflects that early passion lovingly constructed, edges sanded smooth yet still rustic, and built to last a long time. MICHAEL ALAN GOLDBERG
Thu., March 25, 9 p.m., 2010
