Tony Turner’s “Blackwater Shine” is the Alabama based singer’s first release. His debut under the auspices of Hilliard Entertainment culminates a multi-year journey from long-term service as a member of the United States Navy, marriage, and fatherhood. Mike Hillard, Jesse Brogdon, and Eddie Wilson worked together to write a song that provides Turner with five-star caliber material making use of his dramatic gifts. The sturdy timbre of his singing voice inspires confidence in the listeners but his emotive skills, as well, are important to the song’s success. Another strength of Turner’s performance is its self-assurance. Turner has likely been singing all of his life, of course, but he doesn’t betray even a hint of nerves.
The musical backing is excellent. Listeners will recognize every mile of the song’s sonic terrain though Turner and the other participants put their own stamp on the landscape. The effervescent synthesizer glow in the song’s background adds an unpretentious layer of atmosphere to the performance and has a gentle throbbing quality. Turner gives the song’s storytelling a cinematic flair without ever overpowering listeners. His vocals have a rising and falling sound, moving with the music, and impressively fills the song’s open spaces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXK3A6tEwlg
It’s undeniable that Turner is leading off with a powerful first single. The aforementioned trio responsible for the song’s writing clearly possess a keen ear for utilizing Turner’s vocal talents in the best possible way. It’s difficult to believe he didn’t write those words. It’s easy to assume that it somehow connects with his personal experiences and, when considering its details and Turner’s Alabama background, plausible. Any listeners who admire impassioned vocals laying down a realistic portrayal of life will flock to this track.
It has country overtones, without a doubt, but leans more towards a thoughtful Southern rock sound. Don’t let the singer/songwriter component escape you, however. This isn’t your standard “Top 40” Nashville garbage but don’t get it twisted. It has immediate and considerable mass appeal. Turner, along with the writers, has an intuitive understanding of what their target audience wants to hear. “Blackwater Shine” delivers it.
Some may disdain the use of synths/keyboards during the song. It’s true the track might have a much different and more traditional flavor if it were strictly guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, but that’s not Turner’s direction. He’s making music that embraces certain fundamentals, yes, but it’s music of today, not yesterday. Even detractors must confess that Turner’s “Blackwater Shine” uses them tastefully throughout.
This is the opening of a whole new chapter for Tony Turner. He hasn’t landed on the scene with any ordinary single but, instead, a truly noteworthy track that seasoned veterans would be gratified to record. He’ll follow it up soon, there’s no doubt of that, and if he continues maintaining the same level of excellence, he’ll fast become one of the most recognizable names in modern country. “Blackwater Shine” is one hell of a beginning and the likely first of many such moments to come. Let’s enjoy the ride.
Claire Uebelacker
The music of Tony Turner has been heard all over the world in partnership with the radio plugging services offered by Musik and Film Radio Promotions Division. Learn more https://musikandfilm.com