REVIEW: Tony Turner — Blackwater Shine (SINGLE)
He doesn’t make a big deal about it, naturally, but no one can convince me Tony Turner’s multiple years serving in the United States Military enriches his singing. His single “Blackwater Shine” has vocals that feel like life instead of performance. You hear him living with each line, locking in with the musical backing, and the naturalness of his phrasing elevates an already fine lyric. There’s a Southern accent in his voice, it might be a turn-off for some. I don’t believe it is as strong as some, however, and any “regional” flavor present in the track is light, at best.
Turner and songwriters Jesse Brogdon, Eddie Wilson, and Mike Hilliard are interested in reaching the widest possible audience. There’s a familiar array of instruments working in this song and the track checks off the customary boxes, but inspiration is what makes the difference. The song benefits from several musical high points — its guitar is especially memorable. The playing spends much of its time fleshing out “Blackwater Shine” with various ornamental touches during the verses and hits an emotional peak with the solo during its second-half.
Less significant parts have a positive effect on the song as well. The synthesizer presence during “Blackwater Shine” is never pronounced but, nonetheless, influences its sound. It underlines the gravitas Turner and the songwriters are aiming for with this track. It consciously occupies a wide stage, there’s no question, but the drama is personal. It has the convincing ring of truth from its first line through the last.
It’s a testament to his interpretive powers. Tony Turner doesn’t have any vocal training I am aware of, yet he takes over another writer’s words as if he lived every experience himself. It isn’t difficult to expect that future songs from Turner will boast the same characteristic. This is a singer ready for prime time despite his lack of experience.
He’s only a few years removed from an extended tenure in the United States Navy, a father, and husband. This single, however, makes it abundantly obvious that the talented singer has a passion for this that, I am willing to bet, enriches every other area of his life. No matter what emotions are expressed or touched on during this song, you ultimately feel like you’re hearing a great singer unleashed.
The pulsing rhythmic heart of the song gives it a swampy feel as well. It’s a credit to Turner and the others involved that they temper this portion of his presentation with the same sensibilities pervading different areas of the song. It’s difficult to imagine a more complete single for Turner at this point in his journey and equally difficult to imagine it won’t generate tremendous momentum for him. “Blackwater Shine” has a different quality, it bears the mark of something individual, and we need that more than ever in uncertain days like this. Tony Turner has the sort of voice you hear one time and remain interested in thereafter. We’ll be hearing a lot from him in years to come.
Colin Jordan
