Terry Tufts

Produced by Bill Garrett, The Better Fight showcases all the artistic attributes of this talented Ottawa-based folk troubadour; from meticulously constructed songs and airy acoustic instrumentals to topical and observant lyrics, Tufts takes listeners on a jazz-infused introspective musical ride. Sounding like a cross between Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor and Bruce Cockburn, Tufts’ tunes, and the images he evokes, linger in your mind long after the CD is done. "Idyll” is a new-age jazz instrumental that shows the versatility and breadth of Tufts finger-style guitar playing, accompanied here by some great classical piano. Another acoustically inclined instrumental is the dreamy "Pursuant to My Nature.” The self-professed environmentalist doesn’t shy away from weaving critics and commentary into his music. One such acerbic anthem is the self-explanatory "Dirty Little War,” marked by some sensational ivory tickling by Mark Ferguson. To close this compelling disc, Tufts — without resorting to clichés — offers a passionate and poetic "Open Letter to the Earth.”