At The End Of The Day
Stony Plain, 2023
9/10
Listen to At The End Of The Day
The veteran folk artist Sylvia Tyson has been a fixture since the late ‘50s, and all these decades later she’s still making great music, as evidenced by these 12 songs that span a life that’s been fully lived.
“Sweet Agony” opens the listen with a stirring love song that uses graceful keys alongside Tyson’s expressive pipes, and “I Never Got Over You” follows with crisp drums and Drew Jurecka’s emotive violin complementing the dreamy climate.
Half way through, the upbeat delivery of “Now Tell Me That You’ve Got The Blues” benefits much from John Sheard’s frisky keys and Tyson’s playful vocals, while “Generous Heart” tugs on the heartstrings with its flowing balladry amid Davide DiRenzo’s calm drums and Charles James’ well timed bass plucking.
Approaching the end, “Angels In Troubled Times” takes nods to melody from Porter’s Dream and radiates much sincerity and beauty via Tyson’s thoughtful craft, and “Janet’s Garden” exits with soothing accordion and charming mandolin populating the instrumental finish.
This will be Tyson’s last album, and it’s a perfect way to end her lengthy and esteemed career, where folk songs that will always be relevant and appreciated more than hold our attention.
Travels well with: Sue Foley- Live In Austin Vol. 1; Eric Bibb- Ridin’