Tierney Sutton Band - On The Other Side
Artist: Tierney Sutton Band
Title: On The Other Side
Label: Telarc
Reviewed by Eddie Becton
Vocalist Tierney Sutton has done it again. Her latest release, On The Other Side, is resplendent with positive, encouraging lyrics on tracks such as Make Someone Happy, Happy Days Are Here Again, and Smile. The band, which consists of Christian Jacob (piano), Kevin Axt and Trey Henry (bass), Ray Brinker (drums), and special guest Jack Sheldon (trumpet vocals) provide the perfect backdrop.
Sutton pours her lyrical soul out on Smile,a song that reminds listeners to take life in stride, whether our experiences are doleful or joyous. Jacob's piano notes complement Sutton's impassioned pleas, each creating a serene mural of aural delight. Equally, guest vocalist/trumpeter Jack Sheldon joins Sutton in a lyrical duel, each trying to one-up the other by saying they couldn't be happy without the other. Sheldon's deep voice is later supplanted, compliments of his trumpet that serves as a surrogate voice. Before Sutton and Sheldon end the song in a rousing array of scat notes, she admonishes the elder Sheldon, who queries Sutton about her age, "It's not how old I am, it's how young I make you feel." This cut moves!
The most emotionally charged track on the disc, Glad To Be Unhappy, exemplifies how Sutton has astute command of executing gut-wrenching lyrics in a manner that sound like a soft, nurturing story. Sheldon's trumpet notes are impassioned, each a musical tear pouring out of his register, but Sutton shines in her ability to cull every emotion from each lyric.
On The Other Side does a fine job of combining outstanding lyrics, excellent musicianship, and life lessons in one package. Each track espouses a more positive perspective of life, but, fortunately, don't exude banality. Sutton fans will be pleased and those unfamiliar with her work are sure to become fans.
Track Listing: Get Happy (version 1)/ Happy Days Are Here Again (version 1)/ You Are My Sunshine/ Glad To Be Unhappy/ Sometimes I'm Happy/ Happy Talk/ Haunted Heart/ I Want To Be Happy/ Make Someone Happy/ Great Day/ Happy Day s Are Here Again (version 2)/ Get Happy (version 2)/ Smile.
Personnel: Tierney Sutton – vocals; Christian Jacob – piano; Kevin Axt and Trey Henry –bass; Ray Brinker – drums; Jack Sheldon – trumpet and vocals.