Opening with his own composition, "The Sun Won't Shine on Virginia," Tim May kicks off an album of 11 tracks that are each and every one a joy to hear.

May displays his instrumental dexterity on the traditional tune "Bill Cheatam," playing guitar, Dobro, mandolin, banjo and bass. He maintains this musical virtuosity on a great arrangement of "Streets of Laredo" with just guitar and Al Goll on Dobro.

His songwriting and vocal abilities are amply displayed on wonderful tracks like "Find My Way Back" and "I've Got a Feeling." He moves away from the country sound and into traditional Celtic on a good version of "Paddy on the Turnpike." As if to compound matters, he then jumps right into bluegrass to great effect on "Sitting on Top of the World." The feeling continues into "Limehouse Blues."

He slows things down for the closing track as he gives us yet another new arrangement. This time we are treated to a trip "Down by the Sally Garden."

The mixture on this CD is just about right with new works, traditional and re-worked standards giving a full appreciation of May's abilities.

by Nicky Rossiter
Rambles.NET
27 January 2007