Chris Ronald
Album: Timeline
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.chrisronald.com/

Sometimes you just never know what's going to land on your desk, the album cover suggests Chris is trying over a song before a gig to make sure it's polished, I put the CD in the player and then bam !! I realise straight from the outset this Singer / Songwriter is very polished and accomplished both with his lyrics and the message contained within.

The first track " Chaperone " slickly introduces you to the well thought out percussive touches and instrument arrangements that will follow, the story in song and the beautifully arranged harmonies also set the tone for what's to come. This Vancouver based, UK born song master is a revelation on tracks such as " Freedom To Flourish " and " The Busker " , comparison's to Neil Young, Paul Simon ( who he directly names in the song " The Busker " ) and Dylan came into my head as the opening bars resonated through the speakers, his warmly toned vocals hooked me into the message conveyed. " Cold Light Of Day " cleverly put together will be a favourite with radio stations I'm certain.

Ronald has to be congratulated on the team put together to bring out the very best in this album, producer John Ellis, who adds his fabulous guitars, dobro, banjo, and mandolin to tunes very tastefully . There's even an amazing instrumental " Entr-acte (The Sneeze) " that opens with a recorded sneeze, it starts of gently easing you into a Bluegrass style wild musical ride of ever increasing tempo, plus Mike Sanyshyn's fiddle, along with Rob Becker on upright bass and drummer Pat Steward's brilliant brush work.

I believe that an album cover makes a difference to my perception before a track is even heard, a good job has been done on Timeline setting me up for a fantastic 11 track listening experience. I listened to this album three times straight off the hop, and have tucked it away in my " wherever I go, that goes with me " corner.

Essential listening from an artist the needs to be more widely heard, hence the new push on the album.

Justin Stone