A'Court, CharlieColor Me Gone2002IndependentCA-1000

A'Court, Charlie - Color Me Gone - 2002 - Independent - CA-1000

Written by Tim Holek

Charlie A'Court believes you do not have to be old to feel the blues; you just have to feel.

Rarely does a new artist demonstrate maturity in songwriting and musical arranging. In the case of this 24-year-old, Halifax, Nova Scotia-based musician, however, maturity is exhibited in chilling-enough fashion that you will seriously ponder the possibility of reincarnation.

Ironically, Colour Me Gone - his smashing debut disc - does not contain a lot of blues. It is a diverse, eclectic mix founded on the following influences: B.B. King; Eric Clapton; Colin James; Melissa Etheridge; Keb' Mo; and SRV. A'Court combines soul and southern rock into 65 sexy minutes of the finest, richly-textured music you will hear. He handles vocals and electric/acoustic guitars on all 12 original tracks (including one hidden tune). His cogent rhythm section features Scott Ferguson (drums) and Bruce Jacobs (bass).

A'Court has exceptional tone, both electrically and acoustically, as evidenced on All I Need. He doesn't rely on cranking and screeching guitars. However, he knows when to shriek at the precise moment for the strongest impact, as exhibited on the title track.

You've Got A Friend In Me, featuring Lisa MacDougall's impressive backing vocals throughout, incorporates an arrangement that is attractive to fans of all roots music and adult oriented rock. As a result, it has garnished a ton of radio play.

Carolina is reminiscent of 1990s Clapton, but it is sexier and funkier than EC has been of late. A'Court's stylistic guitar solo and Paul Simons' manic keyboards create an atmosphere of lounge jazz. On When the Night Comes, you will experience the emotions that can only be stirred by the power of song.

Ross Billard's haunting organ adds a sense of mysticism to the mix, especially on the track Alone.

A'Court is polished, both musically and lyrically. Each tune contains a pattern capable of unlocking your soul and unleashing its' deepest emotions. He possesses a solid, southern-rock voice that would make Warren Haynes envious. It is the kind of voice Jonny Lang could have if he knew how to harness it.

The CD attracted special guest appearances by Michael Pickett and Travis Furlong of Glamour Puss. You will enjoy this recording from the first time you hear it, though some may argue the material on this A'Court/Ferguson-produced disc is too mainstream.

However, like a couple on their wedding day, the songs are beaming and radiant and the future for A'Court is full of opportunity. With enhanced distribution and promotion, Canada's newest star could be an international sensation in the vein of Ana Popovic or Susan Tedeschi.

In January 2003, Charlie placed second at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He was also named Best Blues Artist at the 15th East Coast Music Awards. No doubt, he feels the music, blues or otherwise.

Copyright 2004. Review by Tim Holek.

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