Clay Tyson - Reviews

Clay Tyson is stepping into the spotlight. As a singer, guitarist and songwriter from a strong musical background, Clay's natural feel resonates with ease through his songs. Style A soulful, expressive singer and songwriter with a subtle sense of phrasing and a deep, rich tone. Biography As the son of notable folk duo Ian & Sylvia, Clay Tyson was raised in a highly creative environment, and was immersed in music from a very early age. That creativity rubbed off on Clay as he began studying piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music and later attended the Humber College Music Program. Clay spent 7 years as a writer, orchestrator, bassist and pivotal member of the Look People, with whom he toured extensively throughout Canada, America and Europe. While recording KICK IT DOWN, Clay played hundreds of gigs -- literally -- both solo and with his band, at home and abroad. He has occasionally opened shows for Quartette and Colin Linden, among others. All his experience falls under the canopy of his current style which is filled with rhythm 'n roots.
Audience - Adult		Ensemble Solo (vocal, guitar) Full Band (5 pieces)

Billboard Interview March 20, 1999

Another Tyson Aims To Make Mark In Canada

BY LARRY LeBLANC

TORONTO--Being the son of Ian Tyson, half of Canada's prominent folk/country duo Ian & Sylvia, Clay Tyson will likely draw quick attention here with his album "Kick It Down. But the tastefully considered roots-based debut marks him as a significant talent in his own right.

"As it stands right now, the album is mixed, but we haven't mastered it or approached labels yet," says Tyson, 32. "I'm hoping to secure a decent deal. I've already crawled back and forth [touring] across Canada on my hands and knees with a [previous] band. I could easily do that ~ again if I don't play my cards right. I know, through my parents, to look for a good [record] deal."

Although he may be viewed as a neophyte performer in some quarters, Tyson has, in fact, been playing professionally since he was 15. He was first bassist with the campy Toronto group Bee People, followed by a 1984-91 stint with the critically acclaimed Look People.

"My earliest musical memories are of the Great Speckled Bird [Ian & Sylvia's backup band] playing and the great harmony rehearsals in our kitchen with [singer] Ed Wideman," says Tyson. "I was probably only 3 when my old man showed me D and G [chords] on guitar, but my hands weren't big enough to do a G yet. I'm totally self-taught. I learned by listening."

Following Look People, Tyson - who also apprenticed as a stained-glass artist and worked as a bike courier--performed with numerous one-off groups. Eventually, he decided to be a solo act.

"I never saw myself as front man because there's a bit of a tall shadow [of both parents] there," says Tyson. "I imagined myself in the shadows doing songwriting and arrangements. Then I began to think,'I should be writing for myself.' Now, I've done hundreds of solo performances, and I'm confident being a front man."

Produced by Danny Greenspoon, "Kick It Down" features Tyson on acoustic guitar, with backup support from Kevin Breit (slide guitar, mandolin, acoustic guitar), Gary Breit (keyboards), Cord Fynes (drums), and Chris Gartner (bass). Tracks were recorded at Brock Sound, Number Nine, and Canterbury Sound studios here. Recording began in August and finished in December. All 12 songs were written by Tyson.

"This record only cost a small amount of money [to record]," Tyson jokes. "I called in a lot of favours." Tyson had initially intended to make a more intimate, acoustic-based recording, but the album's scope broadened once recording commenced. "Danny indicated the songs could handle a bigger treatment, so he called in Kevin and Gary," Tyson says. "It just kind of grew."

Tyson acknowledges that the songs' arrangements are based on a foundation of his acoustic guitar parts. "When I play live, I don't usually have a band," he says. "[The arrangements are] a campfire treatment. Then when I add a band, it just gets better."