Blues Bash Music Review: Studebaker John - Between Life and Death - Page 2

That live feeling really permeates the record, and begins right away on the first track "Between Life And Death," with John's power chord progression amply supported by Crews' solid bass work, and Howell's purposeful drum work. "I Deceive Myself" is another hard rocking composition and has the same energy as that lead off track. "This Road" harkens all the way back to the country blues as Studebaker John's shimmering tremolo guitar sets a haunting mood.

"If I Had A Nickel" is a showcase for Studebaker's other skills. His vocals alone start the tune and he's joined a little later by Howell's calypso beat, Crews' bass, and some soulful amped up harmonica work by the leader. "Can't Forget About You" is another harmonica dominated number set to a jump blues similar to what Kim Wilson likes to include in his own records and John shows he can do it right like Wilson.

The eight and a half minute long "Cold Chills" closes the proceedings with more displays of John's guitar technique set to a jazzy bass walk; John's slide work here is top notch.

A friend of mine who operates a bar once hired Studebaker John to play at his joint and he's told me John was a very friendly and flexible person to work with professionally. I haven't the occasion to see him live yet, but based on the second hand information, that would make it at least five good attributes of Mr. Grimaldi. He's one of the good guys who makes good music and Between Life and Death is chock full of the good stuff.

Listen: Studebaker John "Between Life & Death"

Listen: Studebaker John "I Deceive Myself."

Listen: Studebaker John "This Road"

Listen: Studebaker John "If I Had A Nickel"

Listen: Studebaker John "Can't Forget About You"

Listen: Studebaker John "Cold Chills"

Note: MP3's are ripped at a low bit rate and available for only about a week.

Article Author: Pico

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