A Revelation for the Times

Jamison Lyman, A Tale Of

Music has the ability to challenge one’s beliefs and emotions. It is personal, disposable and irrational all in a single instant. Transcending distance and language, music depicts the many shades of humanity. For some, that revelation offers redemption, salvation and solace—it becomes a religious experience. For Jamison Lyman, it is through music that he expresses his love of God and defines his own path as a solo artist and singular talent in the band A Tale Of. Performing live at The Red and The Black on December 7, Lyman shared his ambient style songs and religiously inspired lyrics.

The music by A Tale Of clearly embodies many of the singer’s musical inspirations, including:  M83, Sigur Ros and Animal Collective. Using a backdrop of digital instruments, beat tracks and delay pedals, Lyman’s songs are spirited in tempo, futuristic in composition and refreshing to hear. While the content of Lyman’s songs may be spiritual in nature, their universal themes of love and loss will resonate with all listeners. Highlights from the evening included “We Owe this to Ourselves” and “Follow,” both of which showcased Lyman’s vocal range and ability to play up the rhythmic instrumentation he so carefully crafted. Later in the evening, his sister even joined him on stage for several duets—providing yet another surprise in the set.

For those not used to hearing phrases such as “God is love” in their daily rotation of songs, Lyman’s music will at times challenge you, excite you and potentially upset you. His songs include a variety of religious metaphors and direct praise for God set to ambient rock music, which fortunately for listeners worked out more often than not. Lyman is in fact very vocal both on and off stage about his religious beliefs and notes that, “God is in every other aspect of my life, so it comes natural that it would be a part of my music… the things that I have drawn my inspiration from have been Christ centered. If I were without that part in my life, A Tale Of would never have been.”

Regardless of what you believe in, A Tale Of is one band in which you can have faith. A full-length debut album is in production and should be completed by mid-January. In the meantime, Lyman is making the rounds and performing at local DC venues.

Take a pilgrimage with A Tale Of at:  www.myspace.com/ataleof.