‘Ol’ Eon’ has a very intimate feel, yet it’s now considered Tyson’s most elaborately produced effort. Go figure. Vignettes uniquely typical to Canadian experiences and history form the binding linkages between the Tyson and Lightfoot approaches, while Tyson’s formidable recording resume places him alongside Lightfoot and Neil Young as part of Canada’s triumvirate of folk icons.

Back then, Tyson was hosting his own CTV show--initially called Nashville North and later the Ian Tyson show—and therefore had the luxury of “road-testing” about half the songs before a national audience, prior to their appearance on ‘Ol’ Eon’. The opening track, “Some Kind of Fool”, was actually the show’s signature tune, and would also signal the start of a highly successful recording career, in which Tyson would be elected to both the Juno and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

The pictures painted on tunes such as “The North Saskatchewan”, “Sam Bonnifield’s Saloon” and “Great Canadian Tour” form the backbone to their enduring longevity. Open fields and runaway dreams are constant backdrops to the vagaries and frailties of the human condition, yet Tyson is also the master cowboy balladeer in the grand tradition of Gene Autry. “She’s My Greatest Blessing”, and “If She Just Helps Me” will renew your faith into the healing powers of love, without ever descending into cheap sentimentality. Tyson’s voice is especially rich and warm on songs of regret like “Lord, Lead Me Home” and “The Girl Who Turned Me Down”.

The playing is rock-solid, with notable contributions from long-time Lightfoot sidemen, Pee Wee Charles and Red Shea, on steel guitar and lead guitar respectively. Sylvia, currently enjoying considerable success with the group Quartette, was part of the vocal ensemble that provided backup to Tyson’s easygoing and confident vocals. ‘Ol’ Eon’ is a time-tested tonic, and it’s also guaranteed to calm your nerves and brighten up your day.

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