Adrian Sutherland Precious Diamonds AdrianSutherlandMusic.com
Has anyone had a chance to dig into Adrian Sutherland’s Precious Diamonds?
I can’t say I’ve spent a lot of time with Sutherland’s music prior to this, but I’ve been aware of him for some years. Midnight Shine, his previous band, released a handful of albums, but he became a ‘household’ name within the roots community when we all heard his version of “Heart of Gold” sung in Omushkegowuk Cree, the language of the Attawapiskat First Nation along James Bay.
On this new album, everything seems to come together—the songs are meaningful if you allow them to be, but they are also simply pleasing to listen to if one is not fully engaged. Therefore, it works on a number of levels.
Produced by Colin Linden in Nashville, this is a very compelling folk roots rock album.
Several of the songs are inspirational a la Julian Taylor—“Diamonds,” “Precious,” and “Let It Shine” which opens with Sutherland sharing his connection to his home and land:
“Sitting on my doorsteps
Looking out on the mudflats below
Feel a little closer,
Something in the delta I know
Like a riptide coming in
Will my dreams be washing up on the shore
But there’s all sorts of treasure found
On the weeneebaygo.”
A pair of songs, including the successful lead single “Notawe (Father)” are sung in Omushkegowuk Cree, a language with which I have no connection. But, as did Kashtin a couple generations ago, Sutherland communicates emotion so clearly that a full understanding of the songs’ meanings is unnecessary.
Several songs including “Feeling of Love” are more ‘throwback’ rock tracks whose sound we Olders may associate with heritage acts like Barney Bentall and Tom Cochrane. These are highway songs, potential sing-a-long party songs whose lyrics have heft, but are truly satisfying in any context. “My Rebel Spirit” is the masterpiece, the ebb and flow of its building (and then repeatedly renewing) instrumental tension and what I can only describe as David Coverdale/Whitesnake vocal exultations impressing:
“My rebel spirit don’t
Feel like there’s a place for me here
I’d rather be lonely
Than be something phony.”
“You Are Left Behind” is especially moving and timely. Sutherland explores the experiences of residential school children within “Boogeyman.” Each word is well positioned for maximum impact:
“Watch out the boogeyman is coming
He’s dressed in black.
You can’t hide from an evil holy man
Standing at your bed…
I tried so hard
To keep my spirit strong
They came with strap in hands
To teach me wrong from right.”
I notice the placement of the words “teach me wrong from right.” What was actually being taught? Sutherland and co-writer Chris Gormley are precise—the actions of church and state were deliberate, and could only teach their victims—young children—that the evils perpetrated upon them were ‘normal.’ Children can only learn ‘wrong’ through such abuse.
As was the previous “Politician Man,” several songs including the very slick and catchy “Diamonds” are co-written with Chris Gormley (Trews, Big Sugar, His Own Damn Self) and brother Matt (Daylight for Deadeyes, Freedom Train, and also His Own Damn Self.) Linden plays electric guitar and some bass while also harmonizing in a few places. Other familiar session names include Gary Craig (drums), Jerry Roe (drums), John Dymond (bass), and even freakin’ Mickey Raphael (harmonica). Janice Powers contributes welcome Hammond B3 to select songs.
This is a very impressive collection of songs. Precious Diamonds is battling for a place in my Polaris Music Prize ‘24 top five (a list which is currently sitting at about 15 titles). Given the strength of songwriting, singing, and instrumental arrangements, Precious Diamonds has a strong chance of shouldering its way to the top.
Fervor Coulee- roots music opinion 