Ty Ford – Watermelon Time

Ty Ford – Watermelon Time

URL: https://www.tyford.com/Watermelon_Time.html

How would I describe Ty Ford? I get the impression Ford (who hails from Maryland) writes songs about the people, places and things that he loves, with a healthy combination of humor, skepticism, and honesty. He probably admits to what he doesn’t understand, questions what he already knows, and asks his listeners to join him in viewing life from a different angle. Melding a unique yet accessible blend of bluesy guitars, hot harmonica and tasty melodies, tasty electric piano, groove-ridden bass lines and an infectious vocal front, the Ford sound is a testament to how he insists on shifting the face of rock. Enter the mind musing, comical trip of his latest work “Watermelon Time” and we begin to see a very colorful musical personality emerge.

This life’s opus skirts the lines of life from the causal observer’s point of view. Watermelon Time is a very human blend of Ford’s spin on life through his music and possesses a very accessible signature sound. Indeed intelligent lyrics and catchy melody lines are the heart of the Ford formula – who is a good Acoustic guitar player. He also brings painfully simple thoughts and subject matter, heartfelt rhythms and melodies. Also present is an easy going element of street-wise wisdom via this very relaxing 5 track line-up that’s sure to provoke a positive reaction from every listener that gives him just a minute of their time. The whole album is an exciting listen and can be listened to virtually in any situation. The songs on the album are a mixture of themes and catchy rhymes that encourage you to tap your foot, but also offer a mixture of sounds and musical landscape that will keep you guessing or wondering what’s around the next corner.

From the amazing “Existential Boogie” to comical “Swing Low” to more intense “Billy” to the more Folkish “How Dear You Are to Me” to barebones “Look Ma I’m Flyin’ virtually any music fan can find something they would enjoy in this mixture of songs. “Watermelon time” offers a unique opportunity to sit back and see where the journey takes you vi a interesting and entertaining sound that will remind you of Johnny Cash, John Prine, Dr. John, Todd Snider and Guy Clark. I can also hear Leonard Cohen, Three Dog Night, Bachmann Turner Overdrive, and Jerry Jeff Walker.

My only criticism: Ford needs to release 2 CD’s that brings the best of both worlds together – but in separate formats. Maybe 1 CD full of rocking blues and 1 that features just his amazing unplugged acoustic playing and singing virtuoso.

The musicianship is top shelf and the songwriting: equally as impressive. In close Ty Ford is an impressive “under the radar” artist definitely worth checking out as his soulful sound and unique perspective on life can be appreciated by virtually any music fans – young or old.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B0013ROBJ0?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Ty%20Ford&index=digital-music&search-type=ss

Rating: 7/10

Luis Pasqual. Approved by Cyrus Rhodes.