Jared Tyler CD Review
Jared Tyler
Blue Alleluia
***1/2
Singer-songwriter Jared Tyler is one of those acts who may defy your normal category pigeon holing, apart from that is, he fits into a box as naturally as frost lays on grass on a cold winter’s night—GOOD!
There are not many relatively unheard acts that can boast such guests on their debut album as Emmylou Harris, Mac McAnally and actress/singer-songwriter Mary Kay Place who is on harmony vocals. Apart from being a first class vocalist and songwriter, Jared is an accomplished musician who has a long list of recordings which he has lent his acoustic guitar, lap steel and Dobro too.
Within the album, Tyler’s rumbling banjo and the gentle vocal harmonies of Harris, Place and McAnally lift the standard and leave the listener yearning for more of the same. But, Tyler isn’t the kind of guy who places all his eggs into one basket or genre, but when he does edge towards that ever-welcome line and style I love, my heart skips a beat. Like when, though still vying towards r&b he tenders the excellent Stone Is Stone and Reggabilly Hill that has not only the usual fine instrumental presentation of mandolin, organ and lap steel, but the fine harmony vocals of Annie Garrett. While with a wonderful lilting dance shuffle and more splendid Dobro, coupled with an inviting accordion, a genuine feel of Louisiana emerges on Jozie Bleu. A co-write with songwriter Michael Garrett, who also stars on washboard and keyboards, the fabulous groove created is good enough for Cajun acts Steve Riley and Balfa Toujours to eat their hearts out. Maurice Hope