Chad Tetford
With Between Us
Independent (2007)
Chad Tetford can clearly be added to the growing list of east coast artists who have the ability to weave a great story into song. With Between Us, Tetford pulls together a series of originals spanning four years of writing. His sound is roots personified—distinctive in its delivery, this album is a pleasure straight from the opening chords.
Things get off to an acoustically pleasant start with “Kickin’ Tiny Stones”. Its unique lyrical arrangement tells the listener they are in for something great if this is any indication. “But I Never Did” continues Tetford’s ability to take you as close to the origins of the spark that lit the song as possible. “Between Us”, certainly one of the most vibrant songs on the album, is a great ode to friendship, with the most magnificent instrumental accompaniment driving the vocals. “California Morning” is just plain sweet.
Struggling musicians, or anyone putting in long hours just to make a living, will surely relate to “It Wasn’t You”, a whimsical look at life in the big city for a lot of folks trying to make a go of it. “I Don’t Mind At All” basically talks about the good and the bad times of any relationships. Everything’s not always perfect and it’s the give and take that keeps people together.
Take an arrangement by Allister MacGillivray, the haunting background vocals and musical accompaniment of the Cottars, and a great Chad Tetford tale of working and raising a family on the east coast, and call it “Nothing Here Will Grow”. If ever I have heard a beautifully mastered collaboration, this one is it—a stand-out among a stellar songlist.
If these are but a few of the gems tucked away in Tetford’s catalogue, we can all look forward to much more in the future. Definitely a great debut!
