Ty Curtis

Water Under The Bridge
Self Produced

When Ty Curtis left his home in Salem this past year to make the move to Austin, Texas, it was certainly a hard loss locally to say goodbye to an up-and-rising young musician with his future easily sitting out for all of us to see. Fortunately for us, he does make several trips back home every so often. But it sure was nice to have him around as we watched his talent gel. Water Under The Bridge continues the songwriting and musical path that his last release, the fantastic self-titled Ty Curtis, began to take us into. But it also takes a turn-around to his original bluesy roots. Solid lyrics, sizzling guitar and blues rock patterns that belie his mid-twenties age surely making for a winning formula in the hands of Ty Curtis.

Water Under The Bridge is Curtis’ fifth album and was recorded in Austin, Texas, with the direction of his friend Jacob Petersen as producer. Petersen is a guitarist with the Steve Miller Band and has toured with Curtis Salgado. He also leads his own outfit in Austin called The Harvey Kartel which Ty Curtis is also a member, and the band was on hand to help lay down the tracks for Curtis’ new album. Aside from Petersen adding his guitar touches, Harvey Kartel members present are Brian Ferguson holding down the drums, bassist Keith “Kiko” Hanna and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Bryant. Also along for the recordings are Mingo Fish Trap’s Dan Farnsworth on keys, Glen Fukunaga on bass and harmonica player Gregg McManus.

Water Under The Bridge showcases the young bluesman’s expansion on his personal concept of the blues. Impressive and complex songwriting prevails, whether a fast-paced rocker like the opening numbers “Key To My Heart” and “Bad Break” or a heartfelt, tender ballad like “True Love.” Strong selections from this disc have to include the slow-blues heartbreaker “Seen My Chance” with its smooth guitar, the catchy lyrics and quick pace of “Your Desire,” and both the acoustic tracks closing the album, “Loveless Time” and “Shame O Me.” Actually, the more I listen to Water Under The Bridge, the more I find myself enjoying every song included.

With a voice and guitar tenacity that goes along perfectly, Ty Curtis is proving that he is a modern day bluesman that is going to bring it home every time out. And he certainly did this time.

Total Time: 42:04

Key To My Heart / Bad Break / Water Under The Bridge / True Love / Your Desire / Thief Of Hearts / Seen My Chance / Alright Now / All It Took / Loveless Time / Shame On Me