Live at Longview

Calling an artist a living legend is a loaded proposition. Sometimes, it's a nice way of saying that one still respects an artist -- even though his or her best days are far behind. Ian Tyson is a living legend, but one wouldn't want to assign him or his music to the dustbin. While Live at Longview returns to classics like "Navajo Rug" and "Fifty Years Ago," he also continues to explore Western terrain with new material. He's joined by a small group of musicians, featuring guitarist Gord Matthews, bassist Gord Maxwell, and fiddler Myran Szott. An intimate mix of hot licks and good harmony leaves lots of space -- like an open range -- for this music to breathe. In many ways, Live at Longview resembles Guy Clarks' Keepers: a solid set nicely delivered to a friendly audience. There are good versions of "M.C. Horses" and "Magpie," and a relaxed, jazzy take on the '50s standard "Blue Moon." It's particularly interesting to hear Tyson sing "Someday Soon," especially if one is only familiar with the Suzy Bogguss or Judy Collins version. His rough-hewed pipes give the song a down to earth quality, as though it really had something to do with a wild rodeo man. "Jerry Ambler" is probably the oddest and most enjoyable piece on the album, combining the drums of Thom Moon with Tyson's cowboy rap. Of course, no matter how good, Live at Longview could never reach the heights of catching a Tyson show. Nonetheless, it's easy to play the disc and imagine being in one's favorite watering hole, drinking one's favorite beverage, and listening to one's favorite Canadian folky. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.