Stuart Cameron and Damhnait Doyle: Till I Gain Control Again
Pure vocals and fluent guitar invigorate this fresh take on a country classic.
By Kerry Doole
Stuart Cameron & Damhnait Doyle - Till I Gain Control Again (Independent): This track is the first release from Songs From Our Dads, an upcoming collection that traces the musical influences that John Allan Cameron and Clar Doyle have had on the lives and careers of two notable East Coast-raised, Toronto-based artists, Stuart Cameron and Damhnait Doyle.
Fittingly, the song is released to coincide with Father’s Day. In a press release, the dynamic duo notes that “already a labour of love, the experience of making Till I Gain Control Again was made even more special with the participation of some valued long-time friends. Stuart produced and Peter Fusco mixed. Gordie Sampson took a seat at the piano and Tara MacLean designed the cover. A family affair that drew on some of Stu and Dav’s favourite people.”
One of the best-loved country-rock songs of the last 35 years, Till I Gain Control Again, was written by Rodney Crowell, in 1975, and first recorded by Emmylou Harris. It takes real confidence to cover such a classic, but Cameron and Doyle nail it.
Doyle's achingly pure voice is perfect for a ballad like this, and it is framed by some silvery guitar work from Cameron, plus tasteful pedal steel and backing vocals.
Each remain busy professionally. Doyle released a solo recording (Liquor Store Flowers) last year, and Cameron, always in demand, spent the year on tour with Matthew Good and Crash Test Dummies.
Of note: Stuart's father, the late John Allen Cameron, was long one of the Maritime's most popular artists.
Links
Damhnait Doyle:
Stuart Cameron
Management/PR: Sheri Jones, Jones & Co
Stephen Macklam (left) and Sam Feldman.Courtesy Photos