“Bang Bang” by Tim Carter
May 14, 2008 by lonesomeroadreview
Tim Carter
Bang Bang
Self-released
2.5 stars (out of 5)
On “Bang Bang,” Tim Carter (The Carter Brothers) explores new acoustic music and Americana, making his debut solo effort one of considerable stylistic range.
Long-time fans will be pleased with two new-acoustic instrumentals: the third recording of “Cracks In the Floor,” and the audience favorite, “Chronicle.” On “Dogpatch,” co-writer Alison Brown helps Carter give the banjo a chromatic workout, while guest guitarist, Jim Hurst contributes a fiery break.
The Celtic-flavored bluegrass of “I Can’t Settle Down” (with guest vocalist, Tim O’Brien, sets the stage for two numbers that Carter wrote about his experiences touring Ireland. “Into Carrowkeel” is a new acoustic instrumental track with Carter’s banjo prominently featured. Carter’s brother and musical partner, Danny, lends harmonies to the wistful “Where I Belong.”
Danny also guests on the sinuous, lowdown blues of “I’m King of the Hill.” His slide guitar positively sizzles, while Tim’s banjo supplies a steady, smoking riff.
On “Vassillie’s Lullaby,” Carter matches musical wits with a slide guitarist of a different sort. Dobroist Rob Ickes, the only other musician on this track, helps create a fascinating sonic texture.
“The Signs” was co-written by Tim Carter and Tim Stafford (who guests on guitar.) Its minor-key melody provides a hair-raising complement to a vivid lyric that puts the listener smack in the middle of a group of churching snake handlers.
If there’s emotional depth on this record, it lives in the lyrics. That’s due both to the reliance on new acoustic music with its limited dynamic range, and Carter’s indifferent vocals. He’s a versatile player and songwriter, and “Bang Bang” would have had the impact its title suggests if Carter had simply played to his strengths.
by Maria Morgan Davis
