There must be something in those canola fields of Alberta that makes good songwriters. Matt Patershuk is the third singer-songwriter this writer has covered in just the past two months. Those who read reviews know that this writer is especially fond of Black Hen Records, and virtually anything its owner, producer, and all-around artist Steve Dawson touches. Patershuk fits in nicely with the Black Hen singer-songwriter sound. He is unpretentious, detailed but mostly direct, singing mostly in character sketches. The title speaks to the theme as his stories are about people trying. Sometimes they overcome the odds but more often they do not. Nonetheless, there is value in trying and they are better off for it.
The Black Hen usual cast is aboard to support Patershuk’s songs. Dawson plays guitar, pedal steel and Weissenborn, adding his signature colors, which often run counterpoint to the lyrics. Jeremy Holmes chimes in with mandolin and steady bass with rhythm partner Gary Craig on percussion. Nashville’s secret weapon Fats Kaplin contributes fiddle, ukulele, banjo, and harmonica. Keri Latimer adds spark with her harmonies, as Patershuk has earthy, warm vocals with limited range. Part of it is his “aw shucks” image, not unlike a cowboy strumming his guitar around a campfire, having pitched his tent, with a watchful eye on his horse grazing nearby.