Ian Tyson ★★★1/2
All The Good ‘Uns Vol. 2
Stony Plain
As he nears his 80th birthday in September, the legendary
Ian Tyson looks back with All The Good ‘Uns Vol. 2, a
generous selection of 19 songs from five albums recorded
between 1999 and 2012.
A Canadian native and rancher whose work has influenced
such artists as Neil Young and Tom Russell, Tyson
draws inspiration from the open land and the people who
worked it. “Jerry Ambler” and “Bob Fudge” are tributes to a
real-life rodeo champion and trail rider, respectively, a reflection
of his longtime interest in Cowboy culture. “Elko Blues –
The Roan Mare” is a shuffle with a loping beat that’s rooted
in the West. “Little High Plains Town” examines the collision
of tradition versus progress as change ultimately wins out.
Tyson blends country and folk in his music and has continued
to challenge himself. “Yellowhead to Yellowstone” recalls
a miniature symphony with its changes in musical
movements. Tyson’s version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,”
is wistful and stripped down with just a guitar and
bass, a fitting conclusion for this collection.
Review from Icon Magazine
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