T. Buckley – Frame By Frame
Well, this is not the classic Tim Buckley from the 70s, but this guy is a rollicking good country-rock performer with technique. The songs are an introspective recount of what a community is all about. T. Buckley, whose name is actually Tim, writes songs that are a collection of moments looking back on family life, community, lovers & those closest to us.
He’s quite good with a commanding vocal style. While it’s nothing earth-shaking or different per se this Buckley is potent troubadour, sophisticated & gutsy.
Frame By Frame (Drops Nov 5–Fallen Tree) is Tim’s 2nd CD & has sensitivity. On “Settlers’ Town,” there’s an atmosphere, lots of atmosphere rooted in a Steve Earle-John Mellencamp style. Tim’s voice is wholly his own with subtle support from Jesse Dollimont (guitar/piano/vocals/mandolin/acoustic guitar).
Tim, a Canadian award-winning songwriter performs with a soulful voice, & while others create songs out of thin air, apply a righteous melody & hope it appeals, Buckley, focuses on things more specifically from touching moments to dark truths.
He’s not as intense, deep & tragically romantic as Canada’s Leonard Cohen or humorous as the late John Prine, but why should he be? He’s found a niche that few mine.
The well-arranged “Marilyn,” has fumes from near-forgotten singers as Rupert Holmes, Henry Gross, & Andrew Gold with the intensity of Jackson Browne & Lyle Lovett. Buckley’s words reach further to the heart than most average songwriters.
My Dad always told me if I was going to write a lyric make it something that strangers can relate to. Something they’re familiar with & believe only they suffer from. That’s the key. A song that doesn’t reach the heart – isn’t going to last.
The title cut “Frame by Frame,” is a poignant performance, well arranged with masterful lyrics.
The CD includes a lyric insert & songs, after all, good songs should mean something. It’s not always about a groove or dancing. If a melody whistled or hummed by some old man in the park perks your ears up as you pass by – that’s a magical song.
Buckley, I believe, knows this with his lyrics & melodies. Each is a little novella. This is excellence in an album. One of Buckley’s best vocals comes with “Solid Ground,” which is relatively simple, but it’s done with such finesse that it has an inner exhilaration. We understand what Buckley sings about, what he was feeling.
The final song “After You Got Back,” is plaintive & devilishly good. Bonus track 11 “My First Guitar” (I think — comes slow but let it run. What comes is a scorching rocker – vibrant & cool.
Musicians: Tim (acoustic guitar/harmonica), Keith Rempel (bass/vocals), Steve Fletcher (Hammond organ/Wurlitzer/piano/synths), Dan Stadnicki (drums/percussion), & Mitch Jay (electric/acoustic/pedal steel guitars/mandolin/dobro/banjo).
Color image courtesy of JMA Talent. Produced by Jeff Kynoch (Omnichord/percussion/high strung guitar/synths/mellotron) the 47-minute CD is available @ Amazon + http://www.tbuckley.ca/