Terry Penney

From the first track to the final one on Terry Penney’s fifth album, The Last Guitar, we realize that the contemporary folksinger from Canada is a masterful storyteller. He chooses to open the project, recorded with superb Nashville session players, by telling about his friend and the “Girl from Coal Creek Canyon” in the third person. It’s a similar invective used for his tale (“Shells”) of the soldier coming home from war on the fields of France. But, Terry Penney’s more common songwriting approach is to relate thoughtful, pleasantly nostalgic memories of special places (“Shoal Harbor” and “West Texas Moon”), unique people (“Ballad of the Baymen Bikers” and “John Flood”), and impressionistic things (a forgotten church in “Jesus Crisis” and the instrument he’s still searching for in “The Last Guitar”). Just for the record, John Flood was the last man executed by public hanging in Terry Penny’s native Newfoundland.
A few songs in this intimate acoustic singer/songwriter setting with country flavorings are enhanced with Terry’s light percussion and acoustic guitar. Terry worked closely with Craig Young (guitarist in Terri Clark’s band) who contributes acoustic guitar, mandolin, Dobro and even a few backing vocals. Other impressive instrumental support comes from Jenee Fleenor (fiddle), Scott Vestal (banjo), Darren Therfault (bass), and Glenn Parsons (bass). Rebecca Young’s smooth backup vocals are heard on two cuts. Accordion, courtesy of Burt McKay, Rick Hollett or John Matick, finds its way into the mix of three songs. I found it interesting that Terry even incudes a little jaw harp into “Not Without a Fight,” that speaks to the need for optimism and perseverance when facing life’s struggles and challenges.
Terry Penney’s inspiration stems from those artists who present “rawness and honesty” in their music. It’s not surprising that he sings his self-penned songs in a relaxed subdued manner, defined by straightforward messages with just the right amount of social commentary. With some light twang and low-key earthiness in the recipe, Terry Penney has brought to life a well-crafted collection of fresh, original material. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, Ore.)

- Joe Ross, CD Insight

Newfoundland singer-songwriter Terry Penney is launching his fifth album on Valentines Day; some artists would take advantage of this day to drop an album full of love ballads. Thankfully, Penney’s smart collection of country songs explore (and celebrate) the meaning of family, war and religion with equal passion.
The Last Guitar opens with the heart warming country jig, “Girl From Coal Creek Canyon”, a beautiful and simple love story that gives root to a family tree. Following up are two of my favourites: “Shoal Harbour” feels like an ode to his grandparents home; while “Not Without a Fight” triggers a defining moment (being bullied) into a life-long mantra.
The first war-themed song “I Have Offered” is a touching listen about a young man wanting to go to war, but, because of a fishing accident, was rejected from service. The song ends with the young man attempting to join once again, leaving the listener wondering his outcome. “Shells” is another song that sees a soldier returning from war with a very different perspective on life. Penney is at his best here, giving the word shell a deeper double meaning. Perhaps these songs are of the same story – the young man got his wish but returned with a new-found love of his past?
I can only go on and on about how vivid these songs are though because of the subtle music that connects them. It feels like these songs have a deep history to them that they have been tested on the road or in front of friends. For example, “Jesus Crisis” is from the eyes of a priest wondering about the state of religion, the song is quite sad but is buoyed with hopeful banjo, group harmonies and mandolin.
Terry Penney has crafted a wonderful album that displays all his best qualities – fun and interesting songwriting, catchy tunes and an eager love of capturing that perfect song. (Independent) ~ 4 Stars
- Jason Gladu, Stage Door Reviews

THE LAST GUITAR is the fifth offering from Terry Penney, another excellent singer/songwriter drilled from Newfoundland’s seemingly rich, and largely untapped, reserve of musical talent. Terry Penney is essentially my kind of songwriter; a storyteller whose thoughtful lyrics challenge the listener to pay close attention. It’s not too big a compliment to place him within the Tom Russell and Guy Clark genre of storytellers. I have read that his songs have been described as three minute movies and indeed they are very descriptive, at times almost putting you in the shoot, as I felt with the Ballad of the Baymen Riders. I could almost smell the petrol fumes and hear the roar of the engines in this tale of the demise of a band of bikers, struggling to deal with the loss of their leader. The album, however, kicks off with Girl from Coal Creek Canyon, a simple love story which would appear to play some part in his own family history and Shoal Harbour, which again just makes a statement that it’s about family and its importance to the writer and his general outlook on life. The content covers differing aspects of life, not least the diverse struggles individuals face throughout their span, from the schoolyard bully, Psycho Sam, right up to the more personal fight against a possible life-threatening disease, as described in the combative Not Without a Fight, which features a great mandolin accompaniment. Other types of conflicts are also covered in I Have Offered and Shells. The former defines the personal anguish of a young man prevented from joining his absent friends in the service of his country due to an earlier fishing accident, at the same time as having to suffer the whispering campaign of his townsfolk, and his persistence to enlist, despite the recent death in conflict of his elder brother, while the latter deals with the war issue through the eyes of a wistful combatant, his initial wide-eyed innocence radically altered by the traumatic experiences that battle inevitably brings. Unusually, religion, or rather its seeming disappearance, is also on the menu. The cleverly worded Jesus Crisis deals with this subject, thoughtfully, from a clerical perspective, pondering about the state of religion in general and where it stands, even fits, in today’s world. In another vein, I am a sucker for tales of derring-do, of which John Flood, the tale of a desperate highwayman with a family to feed, is a fine example with some great descriptive lines, ‘I asked them for their money. Don’t be heroes, I advised. I‘ll orphan all your children and widow all your wives. My name it is John Flood and I’ll pay for all my sins in blood.’ Great stuff! Flood was the unfortunate subject of the last public hanging in St John’s, Newfoundland in 1835 and, in a previously austere time, did what he has to do for his family. All-in-all, this is an excellent album from a very fine musician and singer featuring the accompaniment of some very fine and accomplished musicians - Maverick Magazine (UK)

By PAM SNOW


With a great sense of humour, personal tales, audience interplay, and a love of music and performing, Terry Penney’s live shows are not to be missed.

Contemporary folk artist, Terry has a wealth of experience under his belt and it showed at his latest concert at the Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts on March 4th .

A solo artist, Terry took to the stage with only his guitar to share his stories and songs with a large and diverse audience. Engaging audiences of all ages, Terry is a born entertainer. You feel as though you are sitting in his living room, as he creates an intimate atmosphere at all his shows.

Another guaranteed experience is relating to Terry’s music, which have been compared to three-minute movies. Terry is able to paint a picture with a single song and his love and passion for music is evident in his stage presence. Sitting in the audience can bring both laughter and tears. His songs have a way of tugging at the heartstrings and giving you goosebumps – proof of a brilliant songwriter.

He has perfected the art of drawing upon past experiences, childhood memories and personal journeys for his music. In turn, he has a sound that renews itself with every record.

This is no different with his last record Town That Time Forgot. The diversity of the tracks demonstrates Terry’s ability to work with unique sounds and melodies.

Two songs from that record, Benny Brown and F13327, show Terry’s deep respect for war veterans. In song he remembers those who returned home, as well as those who did not. The songs provide an insight into what soldiers went through overseas and at home. A history buff, Terry has done his research and both tracks, with amazing harmony and composition, are breathtaking tributes for those who served during both World Wars.

Several new songs were also included on the set list. Terry has been writing and recording new material for an upcoming record and he will not disappoint fans and new listeners alike.

A new track, Shoal Harbour, has a Newfoundland traditional feel that gets your foot tapping. Yet another recollection from Terry’s childhood comes alive in this re-visit to a childhood retreat.

Another new song, Not Without A Fight, stems from a childhood experience, with a powerful twist. A song that will propel an emotional reaction from any music lover.

A well-rounded artist. A stage presence like no other. It’s hard not to be impressed by a man who continually challenges himself through song. A gem of an artist. You can’t help but look forward to what Terry Penney releases next.

- Transcontinental Media

You have stated that you have always had a penchant
for the past, why do you think that is?

It’s hard to say why I’m intrigued by the past, but
I’ve been fascinated with it my whole life. There
was an innocence back then that’s sorely lacking
today and thoughts of those simpler times always
give me a warm fuzzy feeling.
The 1950s in particular have always been a point
of interest for me. It seemed like a time of great
optimism. I guess World War 2 was done, the
Great Depression was over and things were looking
up. That “feel good” attitude was reflected
in the styles and music of what became known as
the “Fabulous Fifties”.
It’s that candy-coated version of the post-war
years with its jukeboxes and tail-finned cars that
I’ve always been drawn to. Of course, the reality
was that behind all that optimism the red threat
loomed, oppression was everywhere and the
world on a large scale was a mess just like it is
today. But everyone needs a happy place to go
from time to time and the past is usually my destination.

Also, those who have fought for Canada overseas
in world wars hold a fascination, is that a subject
you will return to?

I’ve always held war veterans in the highest
regard. Both my Grandfather and Great Uncle
fought with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in
World War I and I also had an Uncle who was with
the Newfoundland Forestry Unit in Scotland in
World War II. With that family history, those who
have served have always been close to my heart.
To compound my interest, about 15 years ago I
befriended a veteran named Les Ginn in my home
town of Lewisporte. He was a very inspiring gentleman.
The stories he related to me about his
time overseas were riveting and heartbreaking
and really opened my eyes to what those guys
went through over there. I wrote a song called
Normandy in Newfoundland for Mr. Ginn which
was included on my second release in 2001. There
are also two war songs on my new album, Town
That Time Forgot. And another already completed
for my forthcoming CD. The response to
these songs has been overwhelming. I’ve heard
from war vets and their families from all over the
world both through emails and phone calls. In
addition to being contacted by veterans of past
wars, I’ve also gotten messages from those who
are currently serving. My songs about war deal
mostly with the human side of things; the sacrifice,
the tragedy and those left waiting at home. I
think that’s why they’ve resonated. Songwriting
is about reaching out and connecting with people.
So, to have those people I’m writing about
respond with approval is a huge honor and very
humbling.
I have plans down the road for a complete album
of war related tunes.

Your website describes you as a contemporary
folk artist even though you have won Country
artist of the year in the past. Which best sums
you up do you think given most artist hate to be
pigeonholed?

The genre question is a tough one because people’s
perception of what genres are can be so
subjective. Willie Nelson and Shania Twain are
both considered country artists by most people
but to my ears they don’t have all that much in
common.
I’ve been very fortunate over the years in that
I’ve been embraced regionally by country radio.
It’s a great family to be a part of and for that I’m
grateful. The truth is though, I’ve never considered
myself a strictly country artist. In the past
I’ve recorded songs that fall into any number of
categories. In fact I’ve probably been guilty of
confusing the listener with the stylistic range on
some of my records. In the last five years I’ve
settled into who I want to be as an artist and I
think it’s evident on my latest release. I really cut
away the musical fat on this one and made a cohesive,
listenable album that at least to me on a
personal level makes sense. The songs on the album
still draw from numerous styles but I think
the production and arrangements of the tracks
really pull things together and give the record direction…
I’ve always considered myself more of
a folk artist than anything else. I’m a storyteller
and my tunes tend to be topic driven as opposed
to boy-girl scenarios. I do 95% of my live shows
with just an acoustic guitar and the production
on my CDs is intentionally stripped down to let
the song peek through. It just feels folk or Canadiana
to me. But again my idea of folk and someone
else’s could be completely different.

The music in your parent's record collection was
a formative influence. You’ve noted that you especially
loved their Buddy Holly record, but who
would you most liked to have toured with?

Well, Buddy Holly and his peers toured in horrific
conditions which ultimately led to his demise, so
he’s out as an option. I think John Prine would be
a cool guy to tour with. He seems very personable
and funny and I could listen to his tunes every
night, no problem.

As a Canadian artist, which Canadian m - Lonesome Highway [Issue 8 - PDF Download]

Terry Penney’s latest release, Town That Time Forgot, is a blend of contemporary folk, roots, blues, country and rock and roll. Throughout the album, Penney transports the listener to another time, many decades ago when Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley were still alive making hits and leaving their marks on the music scene. Whether he is singing vividly about WWI over 90 years ago in “Benny Brown,” or an uncertain life in “Plan B,” Penny intrigues the listener, begging him to continue on his journey.

“A Place To Hide” begins Town That Time Forgot with crickets chirping, dogs barking and the sound of footsteps in the background before a guitar enters. “I’m bones and loneliness, I’ve been gone so long/Locked up in a prison cell for someone else’s wrong,” Penney sings. With catchy, memorable vocals throughout his tale, “A Place To Hide” has a classically rootsy folk feel.

Telling a story of an innocent man sent to jail for six years, the accompanying music is eerie and makes the listener wonder what will unfold next in the song. “I can hear Hank Williams’ ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’/Drifting through your kitchen on the smell of apple pie/I need to know you believe that I have nothing to admit/I never could have done those dreadful things they said I did.”

“A Place To Hide” is just a glimpse into the remainder of the album. While many pop culture references abound, history lessons also encompass much of Penney’s release. The album’s title track starts off as an acoustic ballad with Penney’s comforting vocals blending well with the accompanying music.

“Thanks For Everything” segues to more of an old school rock and roll vibe intertwined with a laid-back country feel. In fact, what is Penney’s biggest attribute is how he switches gears completely from one track to the next. From heart wrenching ”Be A Better Man” to soulful and bluesy, “Buddy Holly Blues,” Penney keeps the listener on his toes. Taking inspiration from the late Buddy Holly, the track is the perfect tribute.

“Benny Brown” is a descriptive tale reassessing a battle with the Germans during WWI. It is the job of a songwriter to paint a picture through his music and this is what Penney does, and does well, not only throughout “Benny Brown” but the entirety of Town That Time Forgot.

Somber and heartbreaking, “Be A Better Man” is another example of Penney’s versatility. “I used to like who I was/I had a place and a plan/I used to want so many things/I want to be a better man” Penney sings. “Well I fight with my wife/She’s taken all that she can/I don’t know why I’m the way that I am/I want to be a better man,” he continues. With fitting harmonica and acoustic guitar he aptly gets his point across.

Highlight of the album is upbeat track “Buddy Holly Blues.” Penney takes the listener back to the Buddy Holly era sampling parts of Holly’s music throughout his guitar playing. Definitely the most rock and roll track of the record, Penney’s talent is evident here in his adaptation and tribute to Buddy Holly.

Whether it’s singing ballads about WWI veterans or fugitives, one thing is certain, Terry Penney will be around for a while. His music is timeless and his descriptive stories a rare and unique find in today’s music industry. With such a standout release, I can only wonder what the next record will bring.

Annie Reuter

2009-07-13

- Reviewyou

Terry Penney Town That Time Forgot
Lucky Penney Records
by Stephen Rapids

This Canadian singer/ songwriter is firmly rooted in the troubadour tradition writing and singing songs that observe and understand the lives of ordinary men and women whose lives may have fallen on hard times. His music comes from Buddy Holly via Steve Earle with a lot of points in between but you can chart his music from those two points. Holly is eulogized in the song Buddy Holly Blues.
Be A Better Man takes the oft-written theme of striving to be that very thing, to try and understand one’s failings.
Penney also looks at more universal themes in songs like Benny Brown which tells the tale of a Newfoundland soldier killed at the Somme and to a friend who fought in the Second World War and whose service number F13327 gives the song its title.
Looking back to more innocent times is something that Town That Time Forgot alludes to. While friendship is considered in My Best Friend And Me. Penney has a good grasp on how to deliver these self-written songs, largely understated but utilizing some fine players to flesh out the songs behind his spirited vocal performances. These include noted pedal steel player Tommy Detamore. Penney himself joins in on guitars and percussion.
By the way, after the ten songs listed have ended three are then reprised uncredited. Penney has undoubted strengths and this album is very listenable, his problem is that he has to find a way to raise his profile above the many other talented singer/ songwriters out there. It’s a genre that doesn’t get too much profile from mainstream media and even less so now that magazines like No Depression are no longer around. But you can check him out at www.myspace.com/terrypenney and www.terrypenny.ca. I think you find something to enjoy in this musician’s songs and delivery.


Stephen Rapids is a writer and music reviewer for Lonesome Highway an online music publication based out of Dublin, Ireland.
http://www.lonesomehighway.com/pdf/online-issue-7.pdf
- Lonesome Highway

LEWISPORTE KAREN WELLS

Terry Penney hasn't forgotten where he comes from.

Surrounded by family and friends on Feb. 13, Mr. Penney shared the music from his fourth CD release Town That Time Forgot.

The setting for the event - in his old schoolhouse at the newly renovated By The Bay Museum - was the perfect backdrop for the CD release event as many of Mr. Penney's songs reflect his nostalgia for days gone by.

"This is very much a local record," said Mr. Penney.

From the songs, to the recording process at Dean Stairs' Bulldog Records in Lewisporte, to the local photography on the CD booklet featuring among other things the Porterville United Church and H. Day General Store, Town That Time Forgot is all about home.

Mr. Penney wore his heart on his sleeve for the songs he performed at the event. Each one was a trip through something special in Mr. Penney's life.

"I wrote this record with a concept," he said. "I wanted songs that worked together.

"I wanted something rootsy, raw and simple and I think myself and Dean (Stairs) accomplished that. There's simple arrangements with simple tunes."

He chose to present Buddy Holly Blues first at the CD release. Mr. Penney said his mother always tells him he was born 50 years too late. In his words, Mr. Penney is "obsessed with the '50s". Buddy Holly Blues is about Mr. Penney's favourite artist of all time who died tragically in 1959.

The title song for the CD Town That Time Forgot for Mr. Penney holds a special place in his heart.

"When you die and go to your happiest place, well for me this song is about this place," he said.

The first verse from the song shows the connection Mr. Penney feels:

"There's a dream I've been having since I was a child

About a place out there somewhere where innocence lies

Life there is still simple, and the doors never locked

In the town that time forgot, in the town that time forgot"

Mr. Penney is known for his reverence for fallen soldiers and Benny Brown was another song writing example of this deep respect. He shared a story from almost 30 years ago when he was 12-years-old and a member of the Dambusters Air Cadet Squadron. One year he went to Laurenceton with cadets selling apples. He was paired with another cadet for the fundraiser. He remembers his fellow cadet stopping at a headstone and saying they needed to salute in respect of the soldier the memorial was erected for.

"I'll never forgot that," said Mr. Penney. "Last year I saw the headstone again and remembered saluting that day."

The headstone was for Bertram Brown, a soldier for the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, WWI, who was killed at Beaumont Hamel.

Mr. Penney felt it was a fitting story for a song.

"Laurenceton at that time had to be a small population," he said. "Here was this person who left the community, got on a boat to sail to France and was killed. He was listed as missing and the monument in the cemetery is there to remember him. Anyone who ever goes there, stop and give your regards.

"I went to The Rooms in St. John's and researched Bertram Brown. I assume his mother was distraught over the news. I read the letter to his parents telling them he was missing and then actually dead. A couple of lines from the song are from those letters."

Mr. Penney said the more research he did, the more it seemed to him that Bertram Brown represented all the Newfoundlanders who went overseas.

My Best Friend + Me was one of the songs Mr. Penney performed where his emotions welled up. The song is about he and his best friend, Paul Dalley, growing up and into adulthood. While the friends in the song lose touch over the years, Mr. Penney and Mr. Dalley have remained close and both were clearly touched by the impact of their friendship coming through in song at the Feb. 13 performance.

Mr. Penney noted he doesn't write many relationship songs. Thanks For Everything is a song about one that just didn't work out.

Another emotional song for Mr. Penney was about a gentlemen who enriched his life, Les Ginn of the Canadian Army WW2. Mr. Ginn passed away a few years ago but F13327 was written while Mr. Ginn was still alive. Mr. Penney presented the lyrics to Mr. Ginn who approved of what it had to say about his journey overseas. It was also noted by Mr. Ginn's wife that Feb. 13 was his birthday and that the date for the CD release was very fitting.

From deep emotion to the lighter side of life, Mr. Penney switched things up then to perform Plan B, a "country song to the extreme."

"This is hurtin'," said Mr. Penney. "George Jones would love this."

Mr. Penney finished off the performances from Town that time forgot with the "most honest song I ever wrote" and the most difficult emotionally to perform that evening Be a Better Man.

"I think from the response I've gotten to the song a lot of people feel this way but don't admit it," he said. "It's not always easy to admit your shortcomings - this is a song about - The Pilot

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review Summary: Town That Time Forgot is the latest album from Terry Penney that takes the listener on a trip through time. It has a very down home feel that few, except for the likes of Billy Joe Shaver, Kris Kristofferson, Townes Van Zandt, and Steve Earle, have been able to accomplish. He is indeed in great company.

The crickets are chirping. You can hear the rolling thunder and hounds barking in the distance. Then, all of sudden, you hear someone running, their feet hitting the dirt hard. At this point we are led into the tune with dobro and its sliding licks. It’s official; we have been introduced to A Place to Hide, the very first track on Terry Penney’s new record, Town That Time Forgot (Bulldog Records).

The song is what Folk or Americana genres are supposed to be about. There is a story involved, and you must pay attention to the lyrics. This is a trait missing in most mainstream music today. Penney captures this from the very first few lyrics – I’m Bones and loneliness, I been gone so long/Locked up in a prison cell for someone else’s wrong. Then in the chorus – So turn around girl it’s me standing ‘neath your back door light. You can hear the desperation in the song. He’s running away from the law but can’t stay away from the one person who believes in his innocence, which is sure to result in his capture or worse. He mentions prison, apple pie, and even Hank Williams. The song is right on target and doesn’t miss a beat.

The very next tune is the title cut, Town That Time Forgot. Terry Penney intones how things once were but connects it directly to today’s world – Where a dollar and the dirt roads stretch for miles/and the stars have yet to fall from the sky. I’m almost certain that folks in the larger metropolitan areas don’t even look up to see the stars anymore. They’ve all been swallowed up but the big city lights; and hell, you can’t even find anything at the “Dollar Store” for a dollar anymore. Penney takes us to a place where you can still see the stars and dirt roads are still in existence. It’s a song of great nostalgia and has a texture to it we don’t get to experience very much anymore.

The Fifth track on the record is Benny Brown. It’s a progressive bluegrass tune and is one of the best tracks on the record. It tells the story of a young man going off to fight in WWI, the war to end all wars, and as so many of these songs do; it ends in tragedy. It’s a song of valor and pays tribute to our heroes who have been sent off to war to fight and pay with there lives, the ultimate sacrifice. The arrangement is very traditional and complete with banjo, mandolin, and fiddle.

The final cut is Plan B. It’s a simple little tune, cut from a more traditional country vein. Everything about this song is simple, which is precisely why I loved it so much. The lyrics are something we all can probably relate with to some degree – I lay it all down and walk through the gate/Another twelve hours punched at a job that I hate/I drive away into the night, just another day in my life. The chorus raps it all up into a nice neat little package – Hey, Lord throw me a line/I’m sinking down her can’t you see?/The preacher says hold fast boy this is God’s plan/No offence Lord, But I’d love to see Plan B. Certainly, these are thoughts we have all had at on time. I know I have. He just wants to know if there is another plan. It captures the true essence of the working class hero.

Mr. Penney is accompanied on the record by Glenn Simmons on acoustic, electric guitars, and background vocals. Glenn Parsons plays bass. Dean Stairs plays the piano, organ, acoustic guitar and bass. Fab Tranzer plays the mandolin and dobro. Jody Hale is on the fiddle, mandolin and banjo, and Tommy Detamore plays the pedal steel.

This is a top notch recording produced by Terry Penney. He wrote or co-wrote all of the tunes. The production values were consistently professional through out the record resulting in a very rich, listening experience.

I suspect we will be hearing much from this great young artist in the very near future. I will certainly have my ear close to the earth listening for him, because that is where music such as Terry Penney’s comes from. It seems to grow up to us from the rich dark soil that lies underneath our feet, and connects with us in a very natural, earthy way.
- Rod Ames, Review You