Jessica Jalbert Returns as Faith Healer

Jessica Jalbert Faith HealerEdmonton’s Jessica Jalbert released one of my favorite under-the-radar LPs of 2011, Brother Loyola, and now she’s back with a new record. Jalbert goes by Faith Healer these days, teaming up once again with René Wilson for a 12-track set titled Cosmic Troubles, due via Mint Records in March. There’s a colorful collage of nods to the ’60s infused here (sunny harmonies, handclaps, indelible melody, et al.), but — as with her previous work — something completely present persists, too. Among Jalbert’s many talents, the interwoven electric guitar work remains a standout. Here are two cuts from the record: