Ottawa Citizen
Wednesday, March 21, 2001
by Wes Smiderle

Nothing to Fear but Doubt
Singer's dream is delayed, not dead

Ottawa folk singer Chris MacLean figures she's just about tamed all those nagging self-doubts about her decision to pursue a music career.

"It's all just shadow boxing," she says. "There are obstacles sometimes, but they're not necessarily as insurmountable as we might think."

MacLean has overcome her share of very tangible obstacles, including a lengthy struggle with Crohn’s disease. These days she’s hard at work balancing a full-time job as a Web designer for Mitel with efforts to build momentum on her budding music career.

Last year, MacLean released a full-length debut album call Learn to Be Loved, produced by Ian Tamblyn and featuring guest vocals by Mae Moore. MacLean showcased her talent at the Vancouver Folk Alliance last month and now performs several gigs a month, including a show Saturday night on the NAC’s Fourth Stage.