Tony Furtado - These Chains

As a first-time singer/songwriter, Tony Furtado is spectacular. It's more than about time this seasoned musician and sometime vocalist put it all together with his own music and lyrics. An Americana legend-in-the-making.

Tony Furtado is no stranger to a recording booth. As an instrumentalist, his work has been heard many times before, on his own albums and backing others; but this time, Tony takes his deeply rootsy voice to the mic to sing, as well as play, his own music. The transformation is extraordinary.

Furtado's voice is a sweet tenor, his lyrics masterful and warm, and he proves to be a superior Americana singer/songwriter, his music a gentle merging of folk, country, and blues, traditional with a contemporary edge, both subtle and deeply profound. Backed with some tremendous musicians, including drummer Jim Christie, keyboardist Skip Edwards (Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams), guitarist Doug Pettibone (Lucinda), percussionist Michael Tempo of Bonedaddies, and backing vocals by Gia Ciambotti of Badly Drawn Boy, the disc was mostly recorded live in the studio with the full band.

Eclectic, powerful roots music seems to be popping up everywhere these days. "These Chains" is a disc that puts all Americana in good company. Furtado's definitely one to listen to, wrap up in, and enjoy.