From Campfire Songs to Solo Flight: Tom Dunphy Charts New Territory with “Everything Was New”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
For years, Tom Dunphy’s voice and songwriting have been integral to the sound of The Rizdales, the beloved Canadian country outfit he co-founded. Now, with the release of his debut solo album, Everything Was New, Dunphy steps into the spotlight, offering a collection that honors his roots while bravely exploring fresh sonic landscapes. This ten-track offering, available now on major streaming platforms, isn’t just a side project; it’s a thoughtful re-introduction to an artist embracing a new chapter.
While undeniably steeped in the classic country traditions that defined The Rizdales’ sound, Everything Was New reveals a willingness to experiment and strip things back. The current single, “Big Fool,” hints at this shift, showcasing a raw energy and perhaps a touch more vulnerability than listeners might be accustomed to from his previous work.
Dunphy himself describes a conscious decision to create a “stripped down country record without a drummer.” This minimalist approach forms the backbone of the album, built primarily around his acoustic guitar and upright bass. The subtle yet crucial contributions of Burke Carroll on lap steel and Steve Briggs on electric guitar add texture and depth, creating a sonic tapestry that feels both intimate and expansive.
Interestingly, Dunphy reveals a significant change in his songwriting process. Eschewing the traditional guitar-in-hand method, he now finds inspiration and structure while standing by his year-round campfire. “Most of my songwriting is now done standing by the campfire—I have them year-round—working out words and music in my head,” he explains. “I figure out the chords later; it’s been years since I wrote a song with an actual guitar in my hands.” This unique approach seems to have fostered a directness and emotional resonance that permeates the album.
Despite this “no-nonsense approach,” Everything Was New achieves a remarkable balance. It navigates seamlessly between heartfelt weepers that tug at the heartstrings and more upbeat, rocking numbers that get the toes tapping. The exceptional musicianship of Carroll and Briggs further enhances this dynamic, lending an authenticity that could easily transport listeners back to the golden age of country music in the mid-1950s.
Beyond the captivating single, the album offers a wealth of compelling tracks. “You Make Me Shake,” the previously released rocker, provides a jolt of energy, while songs like “September Is Gone” and “San Marcos” introduce a delightful Spanish lilt, adding a touch of romance and unexpected flavor to the overall feel.
Adding another layer of depth is the inclusion of a single cover: T Bone Burnett’s poignant “Song To A Dead Man.” This choice not only reveals a more contemporary influence, particularly Burnett’s collaborations with Elvis Costello, which have long subtly informed Dunphy’s writing, but also provides a thematic anchor for the album. “There’s a certain nostalgia in ‘Song To A Dead Man’ that resonates with me, and it’s been a favourite of mine for years,” Dunphy shares. The song’s lyric, “When I was a kid, everything was new,” ultimately lent its evocative phrase to the album’s title.
The journey to this solo endeavor is rooted in the formation of The Rizdales in 2003. Driven by Tom and his wife Tara’s shared passion for classic country, the band quickly established themselves as a prominent force in the Canadian roots music scene. Their impressive catalog of seven critically acclaimed albums, culminating in 2018’s Lucky Enough, solidified their reputation. Furthermore, their close working relationship with rockabilly icon Wanda Jackson, who consistently chose them as her backing band for Canadian performances, speaks volumes about their musical prowess and deep understanding of the genre.
With The Rizdales currently on hiatus as Tara focuses on her Celtic project, Maggie’s Wake, Tom Dunphy’s enthusiasm for this new sonic direction is palpable in every note of Everything Was New. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a statement of artistic reinvigoration. It signals Dunphy’s readiness to step forward and re-engage with fans of authentic country music, both within Canada and across the globe. As he aptly puts it, “I’d say that I’m searching for simplicity. I’m finding that less is more, in life and in music.” Everything Was New is a testament to this philosophy, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.