Raven Singer

Personnel: Ian Tyson (vocals); Lee Worden (guitar); Sam Bush (mandolin); Gord Taylor (pipes); Keith Floen (piano); Thom Moon (drums).Recording information: Crabapple Downs, Nanton, Alberta.Photographer: Steven M. Johnson .In 2006, while performing at an outdoor country music festival, Ian Tyson damaged his vocal cords. A long bout with the flu followed and he lost much of his voice. He considered retiring, but singing is in his blood, so he learned how to sing with his new, limited range. Raven Singer is the second album he's made since using his new voice, and, at times, every one of his 78 years is evident in his range and delivery. But he still writes great songs and his backing trio, along with a few guests including superstar mandolin player Sam Bush, still lays down crackling country-folk tracks full of energy. "Charles Goodnight's Grave" is a tribute to the man who was probably the best-known cattle rancher in Texas and the inventor of the chuck wagon. It rides a loping beat and