The Anthracite Shuffle
Tom Flannery
Kikomusic
2000
16 tracks
You read the lyrics and you wonder how they can ever be made to it a tune. These are tightly written little stories that read like prose, with a rhythm more conversational than musical. The words at first appear to be not so much poetry as simple folk storytelling. Yet these tales are finely crafted, with no wasted words, and Tom Flannery's music carries them effortlessly along. In Flannery's writing there is the sort of alchemy that turns the blackest coal into shining diamonds.
With today's accessible technology, far too often artists who should stick to what they do best instead try to do everything. Some singers simply are not songwriters. Some songwriters should not or even can not sing. Some are very good songwriters but not so good producers or instrumentalists. None of this can be said of Tom Flannery. His accomplished songwriting skills are at least equalled by his performance.
The Anthracite Shuffle is a brilliant and eclectic tapestry of American folk music drawn from the hearts of the men who work in the depths to bring coal out of the earth. Although the songs are contemporary, all but one written by Flannery, most have a strong traditional feel to them. Yet there's a range of styles on this release that's impressive. Some songs are simple, reflecting the folk traditions that originated in the British Isles and morphed into something uniquely American as the nation grew. Others have a large feel that evokes Copland in their scope and musical range. Yet others approach rock and roll while still retaining their folk-music core.
A fine songwriter and performer, Flannery has the good sense not to attempt doing everything himself. Producer George Graham has given this release the professional polish that makes it shine like anthracite in the summer sun. Flannery's choice of musicians only serves to complement his own fine performance. This is a band that will stand up against any in the land. Flannery has also chosen not to be the only singer on this release, a rare event indeed among today's ego-ridden singer-songwriters.
Besides Flannery, lead vocalists on The Anthracite Shuffle include Lisa Moscatiello ("My Little Boy in the Mines"), Kate Jordan ("Miner Boy"), Eddie Appnel ("Why Do You Blame Me" and "We'll Burn With the Anthracite"), and Lorne Clarke ("The Breaker"). As well, these and other singers provide superb backup vocals on many of the songs.
These songs are too well-done over all to single out any one as a favourite or to say that any one is the weak link, yet there are some that stand out as exceptional.
"Miner Boy" with it's restrained instrumental and a lovely vocal by Kate Jordan is a sweet, sad love song that tugs at the heart. Another female vocal. "My Little Boy in the Mines" is also a sad tale of love, this time of a mother's love for her son and her sense of loss now that he's gone to work in the depths of the mines. Again the instrumental is restrained, emphasizing Lisa Mosciatello's vocal and the story it tells.
"Why Do You Blame Me" is a sharp indictment of the mine owners stated plain and simple and sung soulfully by Eddy Appnel. The strong tone of accusation in this lyric comes through without sounding like it was drawn from a political pamphlet. This is an excellent piece of songwriting.
"Bob Tailed Check" is a cool blues with a beat that rocks out with a joyful sound yet manages to underline the dark "Sixteen Tons" theme that pervades the lyric. Flannery is at his finest here, not just singing the words but telling the tale with feeling.
"Back in the Valley" is perhaps the most traditional sounding song on this release, echoing bluegrass or the music of Appalachia. The organ ornaments (B3?) both sound out of place yet fit the music as well, creating a kind of tension in the song. Tom Flannery's vocal is as usual a very effective vehicle to tell the story.
The Anthracite Shuffle is a bright, well-written, well-performed, and well-produced release with a genuine folk feel to it. The dark that fills the lyrics is as deep as the mines they reflect, speaking for and honouring the men who work those mines. I believe this is an important release of contempory folk music in the old tradition.
For more information on Tom Flannery, visit kikomusic.com. If you're interested, also read a Sound Bytes Review of Flannery's earlier release, Song About a Train.
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