Adrian Sutherland – Precious Diamonds
There are some horns applied at times in this interesting showcase & Adrian Sutherland (acoustic guitar/keys) possesses a good expressive vocal style. Hailing from Canada’s Far North & he offers several tight exceptional varieties of songs with a tint of haunting undercurrents.
“My Rebel Spirit,” has a special catchiness that a pop tune requires but it’s presented in a sophisticated groove. Very little here to even suggest any prior artist’s influence – despite the advantages threads of the standard foray of rock, roots, folk & blues. What’s cool is the blend of alternate styles he whips up to demonstrate that music still has room to emanate from a place of originality.
Produced by Colin Linden (dobro/bass/vocals/acoustic, electric & 12-string & Resonator guitars/harmonies) & recorded in Nashville, TN the tunes are accessible. Sutherland uses splendid, detailed imagery on Precious Diamonds (Drops March 15-Midnight Shine/37:00) & abandons Formula for instinct. There are 10 explorations of soul-stirring melodies. Two Cree songs (Adrian’s mother tongue) that flow with an appealing thrust that even if one doesn’t understand the lyrics can still appreciate the inherent message. (“Notawe” – (Father) & “Kiyash” – (Before).
Why can’t a “foreign” sounding tune catch American ears? “Volare,” by Domenico Modugno did, “Time To Say Goodbye,” by Andrea Bocelli did & “Guantanamera,” by The Sandpipers did. The first 2 (Italian) & the last (Spanish) were all international hits. A Native American song hit? How cool would that be?
Maybe it’s not for everyone since some listeners need everything spelled out. But if you have the patience, it’s unequivocally some of the best Americana in its truest form. You’ll find yourself dancing in your living room. I wager it. Still not sure if this is for you? Skip to “Diamonds,” one of the catchiest tracks in the collection. It has an infectious melody, catchy hook & impeccable musicianship. I have this on repeat. The playing is exciting & never overbearing.
More in a pop vein are “Feeling of Love,” & “Let It Shine,” both with a Brazilian singer Morris Albert (“Feelings”) & Andrew Gold (“Lonely Boy”) touch. Far better than Barry Manilow’s pop sweet clichés with lots of garnish & musical sauce. Then comes the rockier “Precious,” — energetic & smooth like driving on a wet pavement with expensive steel belted radials. The album has lots of traction.
Highlights – “My Rebel Spirit,” “Diamonds,” “Kiyash” – (Before), “The Storm,” “Feeling of Love,” “Let It Shine” & “Precious.”
Musicians – Janice Powers (B3 organ), John Dymond (bass), Gary Craig (drums/percussion), Jerry Roe (drums), Jeff Taylor (accordion/dulceola), Jim Hoke (saxes), Mickey Raphael (harmonicas) & Brandon Robert Young (harmonies).
Color image courtesy of Adrian’s Bandcamp & website. 8pp lyrical insert included. Music samples + CD @ Bandcamp & https://adriansutherlandmusic.com/
