Tino Zetzsche is an artist from Kreischa, South of Dresden, in Germany. He is either having solo shows or is supported by his band, which is named “die heisse Marmelade” – “the hot marmelade”. His first releases, still named under the artist name Lone Wolf, are dated as of the late 1990’s.
Tino Z – Highwayman – Track by Track
The twelve track album lasts 34 minutes. The last track, Bluesman, is already a pre-listen to the following album.
1. Highwayman
The cover album is opening with the 1984 Highwayman song. It already illustrates the magic of Tino Z’s release: he is staying close to the original on the melodic side, but his voice is adding quite a signature touch. Nice work with good guitar themes in the background.
2. On the Road Again
Willie Nelson released a new album this weekend as well. I just did not have the time for a proper listen. Tino Z. sounds surprisingly close to the country legend. The song has a nice rhythm and more speed than the original, though – the German is doing the track in 2:06 minutes. You are fine to move to the vibe of the track, I guess.
3. I Walk the Line
Next track, next legend: Johnny Cash’s global classic is coming in a similar arrangement than the predecessor. The vocal range of Tino Z. is remarkable, though. Good listen.
4. (Ghost) Riders in the Sky
This 1948 song has once been selected a The Greatest Western Song of All Times. I know a lot of cover versions of this Stan Jones classic. Tino Z does a good one here. Could have a a bit more of a characteristic touch to me, though.
5. Gentle on my Mind
Many people likely know the Glen Campbell version of this song, which is a John Hartford original. Nice guitar play in this cover version. The rhythm feels a bit too present to me, though.
6. Jolene
If you praise the genre, you simply can’t do without Dolly. I feel that this version could some more power and energy. This interpretation of the track almost feels a bit too mousy to me.
7. Tennessee Stud
While I struggled a bit with the last two versions, I really enjoyed listening to Tennessee Stud, Saxony style. Good work on the guitar as well.
8. Ring of Fire
I feel that Tino Z’s voice beautifully suits to Johnny Cash tracks. Thus, it is not that surprising that I really enjoy this track. Nice bass vibes.
9. Rawhide
This song has been made famous by the The Blues Brothers interpretation. Cool cover, in which Tino Z impressively performs all roles in this multi-vocal track.
10. Sweet Caroline
Neil Diamonds evergreen is not necessarily country to me. But I am sure that Tino Z is blowing the audience in many live shows. However, you have to state that this way of performing the song is not as much “party-alike” as some current pop interpretations.
11. We’ll meet Again
For the last song of this section of his tetralogy, Tino Z is even going back to the late 1930’s. Nice vibe.
12. Bluesman
Bluesman is the only original on this album. It is rocking, powerful – and extremely promising. It comes with a lot of energy, I am sure that the new album will have a lot of potential, if it follows that direction.
Tino Z – Highwayman – Streaming
The album is available as a CD only.
Tino Z – Highwayman – Track by Track
The key asset of Tino Z is his voice. There is a lot of presence and different sounds in it. Even though Highwayman comes with some real highlights like Rawhide, I would have loved if the German would dare to use more of that potential. The album is a nice listen, but feels it like it could be much better on several spots.
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