Terry K 3TL are a country folk group led by Niagara On The Lake, Canada-based Terry Kozachenko. They first came to our attention at the end of last year thanks to their undefinable track 15’s Up. The single kicks off their second album Tell Me A Story, setting the scene for what is an intriguing collection.
By Graeme Smith
Tell Me A Story is the second in a trilogy of albums collectively known as Songs For Old Men. Though there is a touch of the classic about Terry’s style, I feel that name is a bit of a misnomer, as there’s plenty here for people of all ages, genders and persuasions – so long as they come with an open mind and love of music.
The album opens with 15’s Up, a tale of a dying man’s last wish, and is suitably gloomy and moody. It leads into No One Needs To Cry, which has a somewhat more positive message about second chances. The tempo is gentle but driving and the vocal delivery is wistful yet passionate.
A duo of love songs come next, the delicately acoustic and heartfelt The Way That You Kiss and the contrastingly edgy Take This Heart. The first half of the album is then rounded off by Let’s See Where It Goes. Personal and uplifting, it proves to be a mid-album highlight.
Terry continues the love theme into the album’s second half. Dance Me In The Moonlight is an intimate, vibrant and descriptive portrayal of romance. Choices, however, is more philosophical, and explores life and love’s inevitable challenges.
The album’s title track kicks off its final part. With lively percussion and a narrative style, it injects some drama into the album at just the right moment. Henry Bought A Gun maintains the drama and storytelling before Promised Land closes the album. A collaboration with Stevens Sisters, it’s a richly atmospheric piece that revisits the themes of death introduced by 15’s Up. It’s the perfect ending.
I continue to be impressed with Terry and his collective. Their music eschews bells and whistles, instead choosing to be direct, emotive and relatable. You can’t buy the kind of experience Terry has, and the care he brings to his craft. Tell Me A Story is a must-listen, no matter who you are.
Artist Note: Tell Me A Story is dedicated to Peter Nelson – PETER RICHARD NELSON
April 9, 1959 – September 29, 2022
friend – producer
