Lethbridge singer/ songwriter Andrew Scott has released a brand new CD, “My Time In The Empire” which shows off his knack for melody, songwriting and guitar but doesn’t show off his powerful vocals.
There is a lot of catchy guitar playing in a variety of styles inlcuding blues, folk and even more exotic fare, even some steel drums.
But this CD has is the essence of some really excellent songs like the acoustic blues of “Liquor Pig” and catchy “I Need Someone To Sing With Me” which should be and usually is a show ending, gospel influenced anthem. But it would be served better with more vocal power.
Plus all of the three Odes to Bernadette songs ( ‘It Just Happened’, ‘I Used to be A Locomotive Man’ and ‘Looking Back’ are excellent. And he does an interesting take on Fred Eaglesmith’s “ I Like Trains.”
Unfortunately, the CD doesn’t capture the power of Scott’s live sound. The vocals are way too low, almost whispered, so the CD sounds like he recorded it in a basement at about 4 in the morning and was afraid of waking up the neighbours.
“Crooked Heart” stands out as the song which captures Andrew Scott the best — the quirky sense of humour, the yodeling, harmonica and the ukulele. It shows he knows a catchy melody. I find myself humming that song and wondering where I heard it.
The three hidden tracks are also highlights, especially the final live track with Paul Holden on fretless bass which I think is called “Scuba Diving on the Ocean of Sin.”
Cd: My Life in the Empire
Artist: Andrew Scott
Genre: country/ folk
Record Company: none
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