Al Tuck

For all of the success won by East Coast musicians in the past decade, the genius of one of the Maritime's most talented sons remains largely undiscovered. Singer/songwriter Al Tuck shines his light under a barrel. While bands like Jale, Hardship Post, Thrush Hermit and the Super Friends signed record deals and toured the world, Tuck preferred to stay close to home in Halifax, where he continually refined the contents of his stunning songbook. As he sings on "(Damn Near) Do Me Justice," "I ain't no good at all that shmoozing and nagging/I try not to toot my own horn as a rule." The stunning quality of Tuck's third album, The New High Road of Song, pretty much ensures he can stand back while other people sing his praises to the heavens. The album's ten magical tracks are pure Tuck - quietly understated songs that resonate with a warm intensity. Musically, the vibe shimmers from dub excursions and salt-of-the-earth folk to forlorn country and western tracks. Far from being a mishmash, it all works and flows seamlessly from track to track. The album of the year line forms in the rear.