It�s nice to know that not all ghosts are frightening. Despite the painful experiences chronicled in some of the songs (particularly those mourning a past lover�s addiction to cocaine), there are other songs that tell of compassionate, wistful memories, making for a balanced approach in the songwriting. Mr. Murray�s determination to empathize, rather than condemn, makes this d�but recording that much more admirable.
His hard-won peace of mind is kept on an even keel through his softly chiming strum-and-pick alternations on 12-string guitar. The music ultimately triumphs over the suppressed anger and disappointment inherent in the lyrics. Topping the bittersweet refrains is a soothing, angelic voice that will in turn haunt the listener long after the last of these memorable songs has finished.
If you are a fan of Ron Sexsmith, one of Marty�s many musical heroes and whose 1991 �Trains� is nailed superbly here, you will include Ghosts among your favourite CDs. The only other song that is not entirely Marty�s own is �Desert Winds�. Shelley Goodacre is credited with the lyrics, and the instrumentation was a collaborative effort with Rich Morton, who alternates on guitar on this track as well as on �Heroes�. Selected tracks have the equally talented Jay Reed accompanying Marty on his otherwise solo guitar work.
If you�ve ever visited Niagara Falls or St. Catharines, Ontario, you may have already heard Marty perform some of these original compositions live, unadorned by any accompaniment. His 2004 solo performance at a SIDS benefit at Healey�s in Toronto was, in fact, very well received.
I have to admit, though, that the synthesized string sections on the opening �Fantasy Girl� and �Truck Driving Man� (provided by Dean Malton, who co-produced the CD along with Marty and guitarist Gil Hicks of The Pace) were welcome additions, adding an extra layer of fullness without being melodramatic. It is both a flawless and tasteful performance and production by all involved in the project.
I�m hard-put to name one favourite track among so many, but I have to admit I kept going back to �As You Lie Sleeping�, not just for its Blue Rodeo and even Bob Dylan influences, however subconscious, but because of the subject matter, i.e. long-distance separation. Frankly, that one hit me in the gut.
This CD may not succeed in banishing everyone�s ghosts, but it just might provide the inspiration and courage to give it a concerted effort. Bravo. |
