Robbie Tucker

Robbie Tucker, from Miramichi, was first exposed to the guitar by his father. Growing up in the north-east New Brunswick town, he was taught some chords and a few songs. The final result is an acoustic-based rock album that often shows that talent can come from places other than central Canada. It's also clear that the album is influenced by Robbie's early and extensive love of Elvis Presley's music. That's not to say that the music and vocals sound like Elvis, but there is a certain earnest and honest quality to this music that shines through. Roy Orbison figures in here too, with some of the vocal inflections and quality of the songwriting.

The 12 track album seems to be one of the most personal accounts of life's journeys that I have ever heard. From songs of lost love and family and friends, Tucker can make you feel his hurt and emotional turmoil. This is not to say that all the songs are about loss. Some like "It Doesn't Matter" are upbeat and hopeful. In addition, "Daniel" is probably one of the happier and more positive songs, which celebrates an important relationship. A duet with his father is probably the stand-out track here, although I don't know why it was tacked onto the very end of the compact disk. It deserves a more prominent place in the running order. "The Queen Says To Sing Another" rocks out, and the senior Tucker is no slouch on vocals either.

This is a truly independent outing, with all the instruments and songwriting by the artist. The quality of the songwriting is not only the important note here. Robbie recorded this in a rented house, and the drums and bass were learned as the recording process went along during a six-month period. Of all the instruments, the piano-playing is the best. In addition to the acoustic guitar, the songs are driven along with power and honesty. A sort of early 70s vibe happens, and the songs would be at home in a coffee-house or smoky bar. Rufus Wainright needs to get him to open some shows.

Tucker describes this album as a "very upbeat fun, driving album." I'm not sure I always agree with this. It as a lot of the elements of a Ben Folds album, as shares the same kind of piano-based rock with high calibre lyrics. The ballad "Yesterdays Passed Away" is a highlight. Oh, don't forget to check out the hidden track at the end. It's most likely to become a highlight of an album that gets better with each play.

Somebody get this man an ECMA!

- Ray Violette, Moncton, NB