The Punters - Fishermans Blues (2003)
I have always believed that Newfoundland Music is a celebration of life, even if in the face of adversity. There is a standing (If Unwritten) rule that Newfoundland Music is best experienced Live. But any record producer will tell you that it is no easy task to capture the energy of a live performance in a studio CD.
The Punters are an excellent live act, that also happen to put out a CD every couple of years. Their latest effort is "Fishermans Blues", a lively selection of tunes, both personal favorites and original material, taken directly from The Punters Live Show. If you've seen the Punters on stage, you have probably heard these songs performed, and know the energy, the pure joy of life, that the boys put into every performance.
Don't get me wrong, this isn't a live CD. In fact, it is one of the better studio CD's I have heard in a long while. In many cases, studio albums fall short of capturing the raw energy of a live performance. This is not the case with "Fishermans Blues", which when you look at it, is no easy feat. How does one translate the intimacy of a band's live performance to a studio setting?
How indeed? By getting the Band to Produce!
Producers Larry Foley and Patrick Moran (With a little help from Lyle Drake) took a collection of energetic 'live' songs, and translating them into one very fine Studio album, not in any small part because of their love of the music, and playing it live. When you play this CD, close your eye's, and you are in the heart of George Street, in a friendly pub, with the Punters belting out your favorite tunes.
The CD features covers of Steve Earle, Chuck Berry and the Water Boys, to name a few, with a smattering of Traditional tunes thrown in for good measure. As usual, Larry Foley's contribution to the CD is three fold. Not only is he a fine singer/musician, As well as Producer, he is also one of the best young songwriters in Newfoundland Today, as witnessed by the original material he provided to this album. Even Patty Moran gets into the act, with his performance of "If I had But 50 Cents".
If you can't get out to see the Punters Live, then grab a copy of "Fishermans Blues". To coin an old phrase... It's the next best thing to being there.
If you would like to pick up a copy of this, or any other great Newfoundland Artist CD's, (In person or online), just visit Fred's Records. They have the best selection of Newfoundland music you're likely to find, along with all your favorites!
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