Beginning with thunderous drums, ‘All I Know’ by Elliot C Way steadily builds into a hugely compelling song. Absorbing layers of sound are contributed by Kendel Carson on fiddle, John Sponarski’s soaring electric guitar and gorgeous pedal steel from Matt Kelly. Throughout, that hypnotic percussion from Leon Power and Erik P.H. Nielsen’s bass provide the foundation for Way’s captivating vocal. Indeed, alongside his songwriting gift, Way possesses a soulful singing voice of real quality. The accompanying video is brilliantly-shot and captures the essence of the song.
This is the title track from Elliot C Way’s brand new debut album, just released via The North Country Collective. Way says of the record: “‘All I Know’ is an autobiographical album of the heart worn highway that I’ve been travelling on through life, with the hard-earned lessons I’ve learned poured into these songs. Sonically it’s a tribute to all the inspiration I’ve taken from the great troubadours of the music I love with sounds steeped in the roots of country; traditional, funk, cosmic and outlaw. Lyrically my sights are set on the great poets of our times; Townes, Dylan and Springsteen.” It’s ambitious stuff and he channels that blend of sounds and influences effectively into his finely crafted and beautifully performed songs. The Vancouver-based singer has been creating his music and playing with his band The Wild North for some years and he also actively organises events in the local music scene, such as ‘Tender Mercy’ songwriter nights at honky tonk bar The Heatley and putting on Moonshinin’ Music Fest. Here, on ‘All I Know’, Elliot C Way shows that he can deliver his own material with the same level of skill and commitment that he applies to his other musical endeavours. Check this out.
