Terry K 3TL
Henry Bought a Gun
Shout out to all the Gen X and Boomers that are still releasing new music (and writing blogs). Terry Kozachenko from Ontario is the perfect example of this. He’s a prolific storyteller and troubadour who’s in the middle of releasing a trilogy of album’s entitled “Songs for Old Men.” The second, Promised Land, was released this month and contains 10 tracks that relish in the perspective of an experienced life. The songs are joyful, heart wrenching, indecisive, and brutally honest - just like life. Here’s our review of “Henry Bought a Gun.”
First off, love the fact that this tracks in at over seven minutes. When you see that you know you’re in for a tale where nothing is held back. Instrumentation is straight forward and well produced - two acoustic parts, banjo, electric slide, B3, bass and drums - nothing fancy, keeping the focus where it should be, on the story. If you’re a fan of true, older country, this is going to be right up your alley. This is Kris Kristofferson, with a big of Gordon Lightfoot and George Jones.
Lyrically, it’s a compelling story that is timely. The topic of owning a gun, gun rights, gun safety - all of it - is front and center in so much of the news. Many American’s consider it part of their DNA. Most people outside of the States scratch their heads at the thought. It’s a topic that’s been covered by everyone from The Beatles to The Clash, and Bob Marley to Aerosmith. In a perfect world, you’ll leave your personal feelings at the door and listen to his point. Whether you agree with it or not, another perspective should always be listened to - that’s the sign of a healthy society and one of the great things about what art does for all of us. Kudos to Terry for writing and releasing this.
It’s a mellow start, around 55 BPM, with plenty of space in the mix. Terry sets up the tale with a strong tenor that you can tell has years of experience. Love that gritty voice, and all the interplay between the instruments. First chord of the chorus is a great choice, love going to that flat seven to create some tension. Lyrically, Terry creates a solid sing-along opportunity with the hook. Whomever is on that B3 does a great job with the Leslie, slowing it down as the chorus comes to a close. Second verse creates a great amount of lyrical tension as the story takes a decisive turn as the track builds just enough to keep it all moving. Second chorus hits well and we’re singing along with the hook. With the bridge, there’s a great choice in chord changes that coincide with how the story ominously changes. That’s followed up by a tasty solo in the right speaker, with some great interplay in the right - picked versus slide. Terry buttons it all up with a solid third verse and final chorus that questions Henry’s choices. We’re left with images of “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town” as the track closes.
Other highlights from the project include “The Way You Kiss,” “Choices” and “Tell Me a Story.” Here’s a listing of musicians from the project, which is dedicated to his friend and producer Peter Nelson who recently passed away. Alan Ash – Bass. Rayburn Blake – Guitar, Lap Steel, Keyboards, Bedroom Drums. Jim Hill – Banjo, Back-up vocals, Harmonica . Ray Hurley – Button Accordion . Terry Kozachenko – Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica . Louis Roy – Bass, Back-up vocals . Kirk Smith – Violin.
Love what you’re doing Terry. Best of luck with this record and the one coming out next year. It would be great to see you play these down in Nashville at a showcase someday.