Ian Tyson
Live at Longview

Review by Steven Stone
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  Some singers think they're cowboys, and some cowboys think they’re singers. Ian Tyson really can do both. For over twenty years he’s lived and worked on his ranch in Canada, only occasionally forsaking it for concert tours. As half of the influential and pioneering folk duo, Ian and Sylvia, Tyson's original songs and arrangements of traditional material influenced many musicians. His consuming interest in authentic western and cowboy songs began about the time he moved onto his ranch and has continued unabated for many years. On Live at Longview we can hear the results of this passion.

Tyson was joined by Gord Mathews on lead guitar, Gord Maxwell on bass, Myran Scott on fiddle, Al Muirhead on trumpet, and Thom Moon on drums. The CD was recorded live over a four-night stint at the East Longview hall. Engineer Geoff Rowland accurately captures the live sound of the concert, right down to Tyson's very percussive acoustic guitar piezo-pick-up. Tyson's deep baritone is in fine form as can be heard on his classic "Someday Soon" and the old standard "Blue Moon." On the latter, Gord Mathews contributes a swinging jazz-tinged solo.

If cowboys and cowboy music tickles your fancy, Live at Longview will grab you by the shoulders and toss you into the saddle. Have a great ride.

Enjoyment: 90

Sound Quality: 90