Stuck On The Way Back by David Jacobs-Strain

19 Feb

Written by Richard Bourcier
font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Here’s a young guitarist to watch. David Jacobs-Strain was born in New England and now makes his home in Eugene, Oregon. Born in 1983, the youthful artist was influenced by the music of Taj Mahal, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Skip James. By age 12, David had performed in the Passing The Blues presentation at the Northwest Folklife Festival. He is now the youngest faculty member in the Port Townsend County Blues Workshop working alongside such luminaries as Otis Taylor, Del Rey, Orville Johnson and the remarkable Ann Rabson.

A gifted guitarist and writer, David Jacobs-Strain performs a number of his own compositions on this CD. There are also traditional blues tunes such as Linin’ Track, Poor Boy and Wild Bill Jones showing the guitarist’s arranging prowess. His slide style is highly developed and faithful to the roots of the music.

Jacobs-Strain departs from the blues for a couple of great original instrumentals Sidewalk Rag and Old Man Dancing and this reviewer found them fascinating and fine examples of a player with a very bright future.

His vocals are mournful and in keeping with his laid-back instrumental style. You’ll hear much more from this bluesman in the future. Don’t miss him!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: David Jacobs-Strain
CD Title: Stuck On The Way Back
Genre: Blues
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: NorthernBlues Music
Tracks: River Was Green; Bowlegged Charlie; Poor Black Mattie; Sidewalk Rag; Poor Boy/Nobody’s Fault; Black And Blue; Dark Horse Blues; Wild Bill Jones; Linin’ Track; Old Man Dancing; Cold mountain Blues; Broken Wings.
Musicians: David Jacobs-Strain (guitar, vocal); Peter Joseph Burtt (backup vocals, mbira, cajon, djemba); Kenny Passarelli (piano, B-3 organ).
Label Website: http://www.northernblues.com
Rating: Four Stars