In The Groove EP.5: Colter Wall - S/T

G’day – I’m Garrick Wynne from Studio 1 Vintage Guitars; welcome to another instalment of In The Groove – our weekly deep dive into a record we’ve been spinning on repeat in-store. This series is brought to you in collaboration with our good friends at OnVinyl, where you’ll find a carefully curated and play-graded range of new and used records, all available online at OnVinyl.co.nz. Ed has wrapped up the first four instalments in our Singer/Songwriter series, and now I'm here for a four-week run of America-themed cuts. Along the way, we’ll be joined by some very special guest musicians.

This week, we’re exploring Colter Wall’s debut, self-titled album from 2017. Joining me in the studio are David Ward & Dave Khan, two talented musicians who will help bring this album to life. Colter, a singer/songwriter from a small town in the Saskatchewan region of Canada, is known for his unique baritone voice and vivid, western-style storytelling. This is his first full-length album, following his critically acclaimed EP "Imaginary Appalachia" from 2015.

The album was recorded in Nashville at the legendary RCA-A Studio and produced by Dave Cobb, who had recently worked on albums with Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and Chris Stapleton. Unlike those albums, which feature polished full arrangements, Colter’s album is sparse, emphasizing his storytelling with a nearly cinematic quality through his signature voice and fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing. The instrumentation includes light percussion and the eerie pedal steel from the legendary Robby Turner, known for his work with Sho-Bud steel guitars.

Colter Wall famously plays small-bodied Martin guitars with mahogany tops, particularly favoring a 1937 Vintage 00. He tunes down a full step but often uses a capo on the second fret, achieving an effective standard tuning. This technique results in a very loose set of bass strings that thump and slap with dramatic effect, which has become part of his signature style. This approach helps alleviate tension on the vintage guitar neck while contributing to the unique sound that defines his music.

The album kicks off with "Thirteen Silver Dollars," a semi-autobiographical tale about a run-in with the law in "Speedy Creek," a nickname for his hometown of Swift Current. This track deals with themes of identity, defiance, and the consequences of youthful rebellion. The chorus is thumping and sets the album's course with variations between rhythm and intensity of play. The song explores the tension between individual freedom and societal norms, highlighting the struggles of young men finding their way in the world.

"Kate McCannon" is a murder ballad of the finest order, exploring themes of jealousy, betrayal, and remorse. The narrative tells the story of a man who murders his lover, Kate McCannon, after discovering her infidelity. The song opens with the lines:

"The raven is a wicked bird, his wings are black as sin
And he floats outside my prison window mocking those within
And he sings to me real low, it's hell to where you go
For you did murder Kate McCannon."

The song builds from quiet, methodical verses with simple acoustic guitar and pedal steel to a crashing crescendo with the introduction of dobro and a thumping kick drum as the song climaxes. This narrative structure emphasizes the protagonist's descent into violence and the emotional turmoil that leads to the tragic outcome.

This duet, featuring Tyler Childers, showcases the contrasting vocal styles between Childers’ smooth, higher register and Wall’s deep, gravelly voice. The song, a cover of a 1950s love ballad, explores themes of longing and nostalgia. The interplay of the two voices adds emotional depth, with Childers' tender delivery contrasting Wall’s rougher edge, creating a dynamic that underscores the song's wistful, reflective mood.

The centrepiece of our discussion today is "Bald Butte," an epic narrative that delves into themes of crime, retribution, and the harsh realities of frontier life. The song is a vivid tale about Henry, a lone train robber, who encounters a group of Confederate soldiers turned outlaws after their loss in the Civil War. They invite him to drink with them but end up robbing him, leaving him half dead with a ‘cast iron to the brain’. Henry seeks retribution by tracking down the former soldiers, shooting them down, and recovering his horse and possessions. He continues:

"Now he's back up in the saddle
Back up on the top
When he felt that southern slug
Chew a hole right through his gut
He thought he killed them all
But he had not."

The song closes out with Henry laughing up his blood, singing:

"Bald Butte, Bald Butte so lofty and so high
Carry me to Bald Butte
Where the plains wrap round the sky
You can dig a hole on Bald Butte when I die."

Musically, "Bald Butte" begins with a haunting acoustic guitar in Drop C tuning, allowing the bass C note to resonate powerfully. The song gradually builds intensity with the addition of pedal steel, a deep kick drum, and dobro, creating a rich, layered soundscape that mirrors the unfolding drama of the narrative. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, portraying the stark, unforgiving landscape of Saskatchewan and the brutal realities of the outlaw lifestyle. The closing lines encapsulate the song's dark and tragic themes, leaving a lasting impression.

Colter Wall’s self-titled debut album stands as a remarkable entry into the modern country and folk music scenes, offering a fresh take on classic storytelling traditions. His deep, resonant voice and minimalist arrangements bring to life stories of hardship, crime, and the enduring spirit of the Old West. Wall's music captures the essence of rural life and the complex emotions tied to it, making his work both timeless and deeply resonant with audiences today.

Since this debut, Colter Wall has continued to evolve as an artist, with subsequent releases like "Songs of the Plains" and "Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs" further exploring his love for traditional Western themes and sounds. His most recent release, "Little Songs," continues this journey, offering new narratives and rich musical textures that deepen his exploration of American and Canadian frontier life.

Thank you for joining us on In The Groove as we delve into the rich storytelling and music of Colter Wall. Be sure to check out these records at Studio 1 Vintage Guitars and OnVinyl.co.nz. Until next time, keep spinning those records and exploring the world of music.