Massy Ferguson – You Can’t Tell Me I’m Not What I Used To Be
This Seattle band has a relaxing showcase. Mindful of the kind of bright Americana that was once the forte of The Fifth Avenue Band (“Fast Freight”). What’s exciting about the lead-off “Early In the Morning” is its bolero-like build. It’s captivating & different for this kind of music – except for maybe Elvis’ cover of the Ernest Tubb-Johnny Bond classic “Tomorrow Never Comes” which is an astonishing bolero-like piece of work.
This is produced with a wonderful brightness. Bass guitarist & lead vocalist Ethan Andersen’s sound is impeccable. They’re quite good together & probably better than many groups we consider the best. Even the more mediocre fare is so well arranged & performed that it’s hardly noticeable. Their “just good” songs are equally delightful strong pieces of music paced excellently.
There are 11 ebullient numbers to their 7th album You Can’t Tell Me I’m Not What I Used To Be (Drops Feb 4/North & Left Records/41:56) produced in Everett, Washington by Damien Jurado (percussion). The music’s basically country rock but not rooted in commercial mainstream soil. There is no country hokum to this repertoire.
There’s a cool collective drive as they stir things up with “When You’re Not Around” & then proceed to an atmospheric jaunty number like “Seaside Town.” It all has the kind of progressive country hot glow versatility that Goose Creek Symphony with Charlie Gearhart (“Saturday Night At the Grange” medley) was known & respected for. They also had album titles similar to Massy – “Do Your Thing But Don’t Touch Mine” (1974).
There’s just enough tradition mixed with country, rock & creativity to keep each tune tickling the ears. What I particularly like is their ability to sing about things that aren’t usually covered by others. When they arrive at “So Long, Carry On,” its balladry is driven by a melodic piano, handclapping vitality & zestful voices. Almost spiritual & with a lovely Zan Fiskum vocal. The picking is colorful & Ethan’s vocals are distinct. This is a great song.
Ethan pushes his voice on “I’m Almost There” & it’s charming. He tries for a higher register & also sands it with a raspy vocal that’s also well applied.
A good showcase performed by exceptional musicians.
Highlights: “Early In the Morning,” “When You’re Not Around,” “Seaside Town,” “So Long, Carry On,” “I’m Almost There” & “Shrunken Head.”
Musicians: Adam Monda (guitars/vocals), Fred Slater (piano/keys), Dave Goedde (drums/percussion) with Micha Hulscher (piano/keys), Craig Curran (bass/electric guitar), Alex Johnson (tubular bells/vibes) & Bradley Hawkins (cello).
Color image courtesy of the band’s website. CD@ Bandcamp & https://www.massyfergusonband.com/home
Interview: Key to the Highway: Ethan Anderson of Massy Ferguson
Video Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2024/11/20/video-premiere-massy-ferguson-when-youre-not-around/
