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From Island Bluegrass Newsletter
March 2005
CD Review - Salt Over My Shoulder Tony Latimer
Ringtail Records RR010
Produced at The Millstream, Toronto by Paul Mills
Tony Latimer is a prolific songwriter, a smooth
performer and storyteller. There are hints of
brilliance in his writing style; a reflection of his
natural humour and harmless impudence. Tony calls upon
his vast experience and vivid imagination when putting
pen to paper. It is a good mix. When he added to the
ladle's turn a measure of sea salt, a hint of purloined
poi and the sound of the open road, this wonderful
recording began to emerge.
It is hard to talk about favorite cuts on this CD. Tony
Latimer has a Stan Rogers quality to his voice, he is an
accomplished guitarist and his timing is enviable. The
professional musicians and singers providing backup make
every cut interesting. But it is Tony's use of first-person
storytelling that allows a modicum of intimacy to the
listener thus creating a "need " to hear the tale through
to the conclusion.
From the powerful Kings of the Western Ocean to the catchy
tune Reservations, Tony and his gang flirt with several
musical styles not limited to Folk, Swing, Country. Blues,
Gypsy, and Jazz. Particularly interesting is the fine steel
guitar playing of Alan Law on Wish and Watch the Steamers
Sail By. Patterned after the Hawaiian style accompaniment,
the National steel guitar solo and back-up rifs are
extraordinarily sweet. To set the proper mood, Curly Boy
Stubs and Rick Van Krugel strummed soprano and tenor
ukuleles. Pat Thompson and Eve Goldberg sang the answering
call, typical to Hawaiian performing groups.
Salt Over My Shoulder is a roller coaster of song and
instrumentation you won't want to miss. Tony's songs could
become addictive to some people. Perhaps the CD case should
come wrapped in a red warning tag. This is a recording for
your collection.
Jack Townsend
Island Bluegrass Newsletter (IBN)
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