Northern Blues Music from Canada, seem to be the most inventive Blues record
label around, at this moment in time. They have acquired the talented 19 year old,
David Jacob-Strain from Eugene in the state of Oregon and have released
his first album for the label, although I understand he has had two other albums
released. "Stuck On The Way back" features 12 songs and was produced by
Kenny Passarelli. David is a excellent young acoustic guitar player
The first track on the cd "River Was Green" written by David starts as a gentle jog
with just David and his guitar, which gets very intense as his powerful vocal is
unloosened. R.L.Burnsides "Poor Black Mattie" starts off with an African Kora,
which sounds kind of like an Indian sitar played by Peter Joseph Burtt which offsets
David's splendid job on vocals & slide guitar with the Indian theme carrying the song
along nicely, Kenny Passarelli supplies some Hammond B3. "Poor Boy/Nobody's Fault"
starts off like a Ry Cooder soundtrack piece and sees Peter switch to an Electronic
Tamboura, David pours his heart out in a passionate way, whilst he is telling the tale
of a Poor Boy who has run away from home.
"Wild Bill Jones" is a very interesting Appalachian tune, telling the story of how a jealous husband guns down his wife and her lover, David's guitar playing is deep, positive and very mature as he accompanies himself on a very stirring vocal. "Black and Blue" is a tricky piece which sees Peter Joseph Burtt on another African instrument called a Mbria, the whole thing almost appears to be off key but gels so well. "Sidewalk Rag" just features David playing some very nice ragtime guitar. "Linin' Track" features some of David's best slide guitar playing on this lively tune, whilst Peter yet again comes up with some new instruments, a Cajon and a djembe. The album ends with "Broken Wings" which is a short solo piece from David.
Without a doubt David is a very talent young guy, who should go all the way in the blues field. It is encouraging to see a young person tackling acoustic blues in such a positive way. Also what I liked about the album, is that nothing on the album sounded dated, it has a fresh feel to it. This is one album to seek out and buy.
David Jacobs-Strain has a website: www.DavidJacobs-Strain.com
David's email address is: info@DavidJacobs-Strain.com
Northern Blues site website: www.northernblues.com
email Northern Blues: info@northernblues.com
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Dave Thomas, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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