(Track used with express permission of Tyler Ramsey)
Asheville’s Tyler Ramsey is a local treasure. This was his third visit to The Bohemian, and not only is he an amazing, evocative guitarist and singer/songwriter, but he is also one of the nicest people I’ve done sound for. This does make a difference. There does appear to be a inverse principle that the nicer, more talented artists cause the least trouble and very much vice versa. He is the proof of that rule.
Since departing Band Of Horses in 2017, Tyler has produced the impressive For The Morning LP, and his short set was loaded with material from this fine new record. His guitar playing is sad and precise, and his economic use of words on songs like ‘The Valley Wind’ is spectacular. He played Gibson and Guild Hollow-body electric guitars through a dark-sounding Matchless amplifier, and wasn’t afraid to use the harmonica holder a la Dylan.
‘Cheap Summer Dress’ from the new LP was an astoundingly good song, full of longing and heartache. It somehow reminded me of Don McLean at his best. ‘Your Whole Life’ had a Nick Drake feel, so fragile and beautiful. This is an artist that plays and sings so well, you don’t miss any band elements. His stripped down approach is all these songs need. ‘The Nightbird’ continued in this vein, a beautiful piece of lacework disguised as a song.
The end of the set featured a stunning song from his A Long Dream LP called ‘No One Goes Out.’
And I fell in love/with the girl from a dream/It was after a show
And she sat on the bar/I had been drinking/And wanted to talk to her
It took me a while/Just to get through the crowd
No one goes out anymore
No one goes out anymore