SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STEPHEN FEARING – THE EMPATHIST

STEPHEN FEARING
THE EMPATHIST
GING RECORDS

Stephen Fearing’s latest recording, The Empathist, is simply a stunning album. Looking down through his career, audiences have watched Fearing through all his changes: as a solo troubadour, as one third of Blackie And The Rodeo Kings, and in his acclaimed collaboration with Andy White. Getting back to his ‘solo performer’ roots as it were, The Empathist is exactly the type of mature offering that one would expect from this veteran singer, songwriter and guitarist.

Produced by Fearing and Ken Coomer (Nashville-based producer, late of Uncle Tupelo and Wilco), The Empathist takes the listener on a wild and varied ride. From the first few bars of the intro track, “Bring This Song” it is clear that the bar has been set high. With a flowing melody, gospel-style changes, and a full horn section, Fearing and company waste no time hooking the listener. Next up, things take a heavier turn with “Far From The Middle”, an incendiary mid-tempo rocker which takes an honest look at life in first nations and indigenous communities. Listen for the blistering electric guitar work of Canadian blues legend Sue Foley. Wicked.

In addition to the aforementioned Foley, The Empathist features many stellar performances by the musicians involved. Producer Coomer plays drums and percussion, and multi-instrumentalist Jim Hoke’s brilliant performances are all over the album. Additional vocal support comes from Kelly Prescott, and Ontario-based folk artists Dala (Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine). The band is rounded out by Fearing’s compadres from Blackie And The Rodeo Kings, John Dymond on bass, and Colin Linden on guitar.

Without exaggeration, there is something in The Empathist for everyone. Songs range from the smooth coming-of-age flow of “Above The Water”, the finger-picked Kristoffersonesque title track that is both straightforward and imagery-laden, and Fearing’s cover of Daniel Lanois’ “Where Will I Be”, with its glorious, anthemic swell. One would be hard-pressed to find a contemporary album that is so stylistically diverse. Holding it all together is Stephen Fearing, with his rich, versatile baritone, masterful guitar chops, and skill and creativity as a songwriter. One of Fearing’s best, this album is damn near perfect.

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