Tyler Grant: In the Light.(Sound recording review)
From: Sing Out! | Date: January 1, 2007 | Author: Ledgin, Stephanie P.

TYLER GRANT In the Light FGM 120

Flatpicking guitarist Tyler Grant is among a flood of hot young pickers who have surfaced on the acoustic music scene in recent years. He has toured and recorded with Adrienne Young's band and The Two-Stringers, and most recently went on the road with the Drew Emmitt Band.

In the Light is Grant's solo debut, and most of its 13 tracks are his compositions. He is joined by an outstanding supporting cast, the album having been recorded in two sessions with a shift of guests for the second. Both sets provide a comfortably intimate living room feel to their outcomes.

The first meeting brought together fiddler Casey Driessen, Andy Hall on Dobro, Chris Henry picking mandolin, banjo player Scott Vestal and Pat Enright lending tenor vocals. The second added veteran bassists Missy Raines and Mike Bub, Chris Pandolfi on banjo and Steve Sandifer providing very tasteful snare drumming.

The musicians and their playing are the strong suits here. Some interesting stories are told in Grant's original songs and they demonstrate his potential. Grant possesses a light, quick and clean touch on the guitar; execution is confident but not showy.

His solo treatment of Ed Haley's arrangement of the traditional "Half Past Four" is thoroughly engaging. "Azalea" exhibits a new-age, jazzy lilt, light and airy, and is an instrumental highlight of the album. At more than five-and-a-half minutes, the original focused some very nice spotlight moments on guitar, Dobro and fiddle.

Recommended for airplay are two originals, "Angela" and "In the Light," plus the traditional "Grey Eagle." "Angela" is a catchy Cajun-Tex-Mex-tinged keeper. The showpiece is "Grey Eagle." This jam cut elicits miles of smiles. The title cut brings the album home, reinforcing the strength of solid ensemble players who know how to put it all together cohesively. An admirable freshman release.

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