Mammoth Times
March 1, 2006

Third time's the charm for Ten Mile Tide
Bay Area band's new album echoes sounds of the South

By Andy Geisel
Mammoth Times Staff

I still can't get over it. I've just played Ten Mile Tide's upcoming self-titled CD for the fourth time and, well, it just amazes me that a band from San Francisco can throw down southern and Blue Ridge arrangements so convincingly you'd swear they were out of Alabama or Kentucky. Still, the proof's right there on a shiny plastic and aluminum disc, which goes to show that music may originate from a certain region, but that doesn't mean it always has to emanate from there.

Following their first two albums, 2001's debut "Flow" and 2003's "Midnight Is Early," Ten Mile Tide (Jason Munning on vocals and lead electric guitar, brother Justin on vocals and rhythm and acoustic guitar, Steve Kessler on fiddle, Jeff Clemetson on bass and John Morales on drums) has slowly built a solid following, but is still looking for that breakout album. With any luck, and if there's any justice, this one should do the trick.

Building on a solid base of traditional bluegrass and folk, the record's ten tracks (eleven including the very funny bonus track hidden at the end) feature arrangements that take the genres into new places. The songs are written and constructed in a way that echoes sounds of the South-not the whisky-soaked rock and roll of Lynyrd Skynyrd, but the more traditional flavors of Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels and (most prominently) the Allmann Brothers Band. Oddly enough, the Munning brothers' vocal delivery, while channeling those greats more often than not, also occasionally reminds me of the late, great Harry Chapin.

Producer Jack Gauthier lets the adventurous blend of acoustic and electric folk and bluegrass and the tight, accomplished band speak for themselves, but judiciously and effectively adjusts the instrumentation to suit the tone of each song. He also keeps the tunes moving consistently forward, protecting them from becoming too clunky or clumsy. The mix is crisp and clean throughout, affording lots of clarity, which is important since there's a lot of great playing going on behind the vocals to study.

Standout tracks on the album include the two opening numbers, "River, Sun and Rain" and "Bad Girls," which effectively kick start the set with a one-two punch.

The album also serves up some great ballads in "Time Is Right," "Miss Those Days" and the pretty "63" that lays down a good groove, yet is tinged with regret.

Don't think for a second that they've put their roots on the shelf. One listen to "Find Your Own Way Home" will cure you of that notion. This is bluegrass straight up, with a wonderful lyric about a guy determined to enjoy a fishing trip despite his complaining spouse.

One thing I always look for is a good closing track, and this record has one of the best I've run across recently in the honest, emotional "Briar Rose," which among other things has a very Bob Dylan feel to it that I found particularly interesting.

The CD pays homage to the band's last two and a half years of touring, which included more than 350 shows, and many of the lyrics stem from stories accumulated during that time. Ten Mile Tide's latest is a great album for the car, iPod or home stereo, whether you're taking in the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Golden Gate Bridge.

Ten Mile Tide plays next Wednesday at Sherwin's. Call (760) 924-7222 for more information. For more information on the band and how to pick up their new CD and first two releases, visit www.tenmiletide.com.

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