“You’re gonna meet someday at the garden of truth / You’re gonna be somebody when the loving is through.”
Just a couple of weeks ago, we were out driving on the PA backroads, with the stereo tuned in to Sarah Burke’s “Sunday Service” show on SXM. The focus of our attention was to hear the advance airing of “If I Didn’t Know You,” the latest single from Hamilton, ON alt-country group, The Redhill Valleys – but as we’ve come to expect from Sarah’s playlists, other hidden gems would be aired too. Spinning this latest release from Chinese-Canadian artist Tennyson King, we were quickly drawn into the quirky post-apocalyptic folk sounds being offered, and made a note to find out more about this amazing single.
Born in Hong Kong, and now calling Toronto, ON home, Tennyson King has been earning his stripes on the roots-Americana scene all over North America and beyond, touring with big-name acts such as Sloan, Elliott BROOD, and Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. Quite the resume over a short professional career, and more than enough to pique my curiosity – we’re always happy to spread the word about great new talent bursting onto the scene, no matter how late we may be to the party.
Released back on November 12th, “Garden Of Truth” follows Tennyson’s highly-acclaimed hit, “Wild Rose,” and provides a light, breezy track that is perfectly timed to help keep the coming colder temperatures and wintry weather at bay. “Try to smile / Be your hero / Write another song / Pass another gloomy day,” he offers, his laid-back vocal style creating an illusion of being here in the room with you, not unlike an intimate house concert vibe. “Try to start over / Be one family / Write another song / Pass another sunny day.”
Recorded with Daniel Rougeau (Emily Rockarts, Kaia Kater), and mixed at Threshold Recording Studios in Hamilton, ON, “Garden Of Truth” is a charming, whimsical journey from an artist who seemingly connects both easily and naturally with his audience. His soft vocals and mellow instrumentation paint a picture, for me, of being in the company of a good friend, connecting over a casual coffee and catching up after time apart. “If you’re looking for the place where your soul can be wild and your heavy-heart assuaged, follow the sound of Tennyson’s crisp, round voice,” reads his official bio, “as he plucks an electric-chord and hammers out a beat on the kick-drum; a true indie-folk nomad.”
I happened to hear this one a few times this last week on SXM, and really appreciate Tennyson’s laid-back nature and endearing lyrics transporting me to a place where momentary solitude and relaxation are guaranteed. All I need now is some Chamomile tea to shed the burdens of ‘the work day’ for a few short minutes – care to come enjoy a cup with me and listen along? “You’re gonna meet someday at the garden of truth / You’re gonna be somebody when the loving is through.”
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
