Tony Turner’s fourth album, Survivor Tree, allows the voice of a confident singer-songwriter in his prime to emerge. We travel with Turner on a musical journey as he presents songs of heartbreak, hope, loss and resilience, with humour illuminating the path.
Turner is perhaps best known for writing the folk anthem “Circle of Song”, which was featured in Rise Again, a sequel to the popular Rise Up Singing folk songbook widely used in the United States and Canada for group folk singing. Others remember him as a federal government scientist with a social conscience who retired early after his protest song “Harperman” went viral on YouTube in 2015 and was featured in rallies across Canada.
His family moved to Ottawa from Scarborough when he was 12 and Turner honed his musical abilities here.
“I developed my songwriting skills by paying attention to the work of Canadian songwriters and especially the nurturing environment of the rich Ottawa folk music scene,” Turner says. “The songwriting group Ottawa Writers’ Bloc and the legendary Rasputin’s Folk Café were also crucial to my growth as a songwriter and performer.”
Photo provided by Tony Turner.
Although Turner moved to Nanaimo, B.C. in 2017, he is back in Ottawa frequently to appear at venues such as the Grassroots Festival, CityFolk, and the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage.
Survivor Tree is dedicated to Turner’s beloved wife Sharon Reeves. She had a long career at Library and Archives Canada and was a social activist who died of cancer in 2021. Turner can be seen as a survivor tree of sorts who has suffered profound personal loss and recovered with dignity and grace.
Turner’s strengths are on full display: poignant and sometimes amusing lyrics paired with accessible tunes, a charming baritone voice, and impressive guitar chops. He also has the ability to pick excellent musicians and producers to support him.
“I chose James Stephens of Chelsea, Quebec as producer of Survivor Tree,” Turner says. “I really love his way of enhancing the lyrical content of songs with his choice of supporting instruments and voices. The swells of Fred Guignion’s electric guitar, the majestic piano work of Brian Sanderson and heartfelt vocal support of Chris MacLean lifted my songs to a level I had not imagined.”
Survivor Tree includes themes on love — both sad and transcendent — sociological and humanitarian concerns, and upbeat comedic tunes that pack a punch. Musical influences range from folk to country to blues and a nostalgic big band sound.
“I am proud of the collection of songs on Survivor Tree,” Turner says. “These songs reflect my interest in social and political issues of past and current times, and personal learning and growth from love and loss and embracing change, however difficult that may be. These rather serious real-life themes are countered by a healthy dose of humour, which is always a good tonic for getting through any situation.”
“Perfect Strangers” tells the tale of a couple who have grown apart, while “Under the Overpass” is seen through the eyes of a homeless man who recalls lost love. “Pine Beach” is a biographical song of his early relationship with the woman he later married. It is reminiscent of Ian Tamblyn’s anthemic folk song “Tiger Lily Road.”
“Lift You Up” is a warm and reassuring song that expresses steadfast loyalty and has the makings of a singalong campfire classic. “New Day” and “Waiting” speak of potential and hope in love and life.
Turner describes the title track “Survivor Tree” in this way: a single tree surviving a catastrophic event can give hope to humanity.
“Buffalo Bone” is a mournful recollection of the slaughter of the buffalo on the homesteader prairies in the 1870s and 1880s from the perspective of a settler’s son. “Me and the Mountain” reflects Turner’s reverence for nature and living in the present moment.
There was also plenty of room for fun on this album. “Bob Loblaw Blahs” has a big band sound and satirical lyrics with a cute shout out to Michael Bublé. “Not in Kansas Anymore” references political realities and emphasizes the need to work together, while “Old Dogs Like Us” gently pokes fun at advancing age. My favourite humorous ditty is the catchy “Stuff”, probably because it resonates with me and my tendency to collect far too much of it!
In 2016 Turner’s friend Chris White created the Spirit of Tony Turner Award in his honour. It is awarded annually to an individual “for the selfless giving of their time and talent to the local music community.” This year the award will be presented to Marilyn Stratton-Zimmer.
Turner is appearing in Ottawa on Friday, Oct. 17 at the annual Spirit of Tony Turner Award Concert.
Other opportunities to see Turner perform in the area include:
- Oct. 19: Motel Chelsea, in Chelsea, Que. at 3:30pm, where Turner will perform with James Stephens, Chris MacLean, and Chris Breitner.
- Nov. 2: Red Bird Live in Ottawa at 8pm, where Turner will perform with his band.
Visit Bandcamp to hear Turner’s music, or visit his website.
