Contemporary Folk, "cinematic" singer-songwriter

9 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Modern Folk, FOLK: Traditional Folk



Details:
Review in Sing Out! (Rich Warren)

This recording opens with an opus: the powerful, poetic song "Not For The Love Of The Money". The title says it all. Its fine lyrics build from a soft, Celtic sound to a crescendo of passion in the course of its almost eight minutes. Tim Harrison offers up all of life above and beyond monetary wealth. His own guitar playing, and that of lead player Nick Naffin provide a solid backing for the one traditional-Irish and eight original songs. To these, Harrison layers cello, bass, percussion, drums, banjo, mandolin, flutes, whistles, keyboards and background vocals, in various combinations and en masse where appropriate. Each song benefits from unique arrangements and textures that add to a sonic variety. Harrison turns what might be pedestrian images in lesser hands into a series of misty, dream-like visions. Similarly, the production rises above cliche, although most songs maintain a certain beat. The cello provides particularly effective accents in "Lord Hear Our Prayer", a song about the failures of our society. Almost regimental drums conclude the song. Other than a few love songs, the compositions lean toward a lament for the ones left behind by the wealth in our society and a call for healing. He sings a lovely interpretation of the traditional
"Carrickfergus", as convincing as if he had lived it and written it. "Ship To Come In" makes a great companion piece to Dylan's "When The Ship Comes In". By the end, Harrison advises cutting the anchor chain and casting off from the past. Harrison sings with a pleasant effective voice that always gives the material a flattering performance.