TONY LOW – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

 

This review is coming from the heart. Tony Low was one of the founding members of a band I managed and truly loved, The Cheepskates. The Cheepskates were major players in the 80’s garage revival scene which included groups like The Fuzztones and the Chesterfield Kings. The Cheepskates were probably one of the most underrated artists of their genre. Their songwriting was crisp and their musicianship was outstanding. Tony played bass and handled some vocals. Shane Faubert was the guitarist/lead vocalist and Jeremy Lee took care of the drums. Occasionally there was a fourth member such as Rich Punzi. Like I said, I truly enjoyed my association with the band. There are countless stories, both good and bad, that can be told. The one thing for sure was our time together was memorable.

After the Cheepskates, Low and Jeremy Lee went on to form Static 13 which was harder hitting than the melodic Cheepskates. After releasing the CD, Eye Won’t Fool I, Static 13 disbanded. Low went to L.A. to find his musical path. Shane went on to release several solo albums and Jeremy played in a few different bands.

Low stayed in L.A. for several years. He eventually found his way to Greensboro, N.C. which surprisingly is a hot bed for musical talent. All this time Low was releasing singles and albums. He released Dandelion In the Year of the Rooster in 2000, Sleight of Hand in 2002 and the amazing Time Across the Page in 2007 which drew major critical acclaim.

In 2019 Low dropped his latest record, To New York. It’s a collection of ten well crafted and artistic tunes that’s reminiscent of the Cheepskates’ ingenious songwriting. He embraces his New York roots and creates a superb album full of flair and panache. Jeremy Lee even drums on three of the tracks. Low brings it full circle.

To New York opens with “Murder Beach”, a rocking tome discounting senseless murders in the Mrytle Beach, S.C. area. The jangly guitar, upbeat percussion and tongue in cheek lyrics counters the serious topic Low is depicting. Next up is “Wayward Nights” an *80’s infused ballad that reminds one of the Byrds. Low‘s vocals work perfectly with the song’s languished beat. His tender vocals are highlighted in the beautifully textured “Hum of the Neighborhood”. The dreamy background harmonies are both fanciful and melancholy. “Hum of the Neighborhood” is Tony Low at his best.

“Turn Away” details a broken relationship with a plaintive and somber vibe. “The Abomination” and “The Plan” are Low‘s political tracts which are full of pessimistic sarcasm.  Low’s use of silky strings and the laudable bridge vocals of Kim Lane and Alice Osborn make “The Plan” unique. “Every Generation Has Its Cross to Bear” ups the tempo again. The short instrumental plays well with Lee’s solid percussion and Low‘s guitar strumming.

“Tone-wah’s Blues” follows “Falling Pennies”. Tone-wah”s Blues” is another instrumental that has an astral jazzy feel. Low infuses the song with a whimsical fabric that is quite soothing. “This Old World” closes out the album. Low finishes with a song that’s optimistic and has an affirmative view of the world.

In To New York, Tony Low has forged a classic. His songwriting has reached new highs and his lyrical content is commendable. He has proven his prowess as an original singer/songwriter. I can’t wait to see what Tony has up his sleeve next.

To Tony Low, Shane Faubert and Jeremy Lee, I love you guys. Thanks for all the cool memories and who knows what the future brings.

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