Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 - Rick Holmstrom, Dylan, B.
Hey Johnny
Wham-O
In the Night
Great blues guitarists are about tone, mood, and style. Being nimble helps, but intensity and passion more often exist between the notes. Rick Holmstrom revels in this abundance on his first album in five years. A West Coa... more »st veteran who backed harp greats William Clarke, Billy Boy Arnold, and Rod Piazza, Holmstrom can swing with the best of them. But 2002's controversial drum-loop-powered Hydraulic Groove showed the guitarist expanding blues boundaries rather then repeating past sounds. His fourth solo release retreats from those techno trappings, concentrating on a tough yet loose vibe driven by a stripped-down band of bassist/sax player Jeff Turmes and drummer Stephen Hodges, best known for his work with Tom Waits. Holmstrom kicks off with one of the album's five fiery instrumentals, slinging out resilient, ragged lines that build until finally exploding into the immortal riff from "Rumble," a nod to Link Wray, also no stranger to gristly tone. There's a sure sense of balance and tension as Holmstrom expertly weaves his gripping solos between the taut rhythm section's own dusky rumble. John Lee Hooker, another master of atmosphere, is the reference for "'77 Red V8" and a raw, instrumental take on Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35"--one of only two covers--gets an unusually sleazy treatment thanks in part to Turmes' strip-club-style sax. Holmstrom is an effective, unfussy vocalist with an understated croon perfect for this album's dusky quality. But it's his guitar that really sings on Late in the Night, as it takes us on a rain-drenched stroll to the dodgy side of town. --Hal Horowitz« less
Great blues guitarists are about tone, mood, and style. Being nimble helps, but intensity and passion more often exist between the notes. Rick Holmstrom revels in this abundance on his first album in five years. A West Coast veteran who backed harp greats William Clarke, Billy Boy Arnold, and Rod Piazza, Holmstrom can swing with the best of them. But 2002's controversial drum-loop-powered Hydraulic Groove showed the guitarist expanding blues boundaries rather then repeating past sounds. His fourth solo release retreats from those techno trappings, concentrating on a tough yet loose vibe driven by a stripped-down band of bassist/sax player Jeff Turmes and drummer Stephen Hodges, best known for his work with Tom Waits. Holmstrom kicks off with one of the album's five fiery instrumentals, slinging out resilient, ragged lines that build until finally exploding into the immortal riff from "Rumble," a nod to Link Wray, also no stranger to gristly tone. There's a sure sense of balance and tension as Holmstrom expertly weaves his gripping solos between the taut rhythm section's own dusky rumble. John Lee Hooker, another master of atmosphere, is the reference for "'77 Red V8" and a raw, instrumental take on Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35"--one of only two covers--gets an unusually sleazy treatment thanks in part to Turmes' strip-club-style sax. Holmstrom is an effective, unfussy vocalist with an understated croon perfect for this album's dusky quality. But it's his guitar that really sings on Late in the Night, as it takes us on a rain-drenched stroll to the dodgy side of town. --Hal Horowitz
CD Reviews
The Best!!!!!!!!
Michael Boguslawski | CT | 05/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Greazzy blues, swinging roots rock, TONES to die for.
Just buy it already. Best MUSIC release in years if you ask me.
If you're thinking about buying it, you already know Rick's stuff...you already know he's one of the best in the world.
BUY IT"
Mr. Holmstrom is BACK!
Joe Quirk | Hollywood, CA | 08/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Greasy, sleazy, moody and hip, "Late in the Night" proves one thing quite clearly: The blues maestro is back! In a grittier departure from the loop based "Hydraulic Groove", Rick continues to show off his ability of fusing together the modern edge while simultaneously paying tribute to the blues greats. Tracks like "Peculiar Hop" and "77 Red V8" will have you submerged in tone, while "Tutwiler" and "Dig Myself a Hole" will have you groovin good. Rick even introduces a new singer/songwriter element indicative of the Stones or CCR with tracks like "Hey Johnny" and "I'm Leaving". Once again, I'm left with the same two questions I always have after I hear a new RH record: "How does he do it?" and "What will he think of next?""
An essential modern blues release from a traditional blues m
E. Ducoff | CT - United States | 09/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rick Holmstrom is one of the most exciting and dynamic individuals to ever strap on a guitar. His earlier work catapulted him to the top of the traditional blues genre...a true master. (If you don't own them, his earlier solo efforts and his work with Johnny Dyer, Rod Piazza and San Pedro Slim are highly recommend in the traditional blues genre.)
With Late In the Night, Holmstrom achieves a brilliant marriage between ultra-hip traditional blues licks with smart, rootsy songwriting. Both blues traditionalists and roots rock enthusiasts will LOVE this record. And if you're a guitar player...this one is simply essential. The tones are big and tweedy, and the licks are full of personality, taste and originality. A first-class effort all the way."
Electric Holmes!
Frank T. Tutwiler | Van Nuys, CA | 08/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd happens not only to be my favorite blues release of this year, but one of my favorite releases in any genre. Rick effortlessly pulls off the task of paying homage to his plank totting blues heroes of yore, while at the same time coming up with something very unique and completely his own. This is the challenge that so many others fail at, but Rick Holmstrom pulls off with gusto. Plus, as a added bonus you get a record full of that great primal guitar that Mr. Holmstrom does so well. Looking forward to the next one, Rick!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1