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Blues Underground Network |
Tim Bastmeyer "Graveyard"
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Lyrically and Instrumentally refreshing is perhaps the best way I can describe Tim Bastmeyer's new release, "Graveyard". Hailing from Canada, Tim Bastmeyer has been plying his trade for many years and is certainly the real deal when it comes to music. Besides being a magnificently accomplished guitarist, he is also a Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Engineer, and Music Teacher and although this is only his second Album, he has produced many others projects for fellow musicians, both in Music and Film. Also, when it comes to Acoustic Blues Guitar technique, nothing less than pure authenticity will do for Bastmeyer' as he brings various styles of Blues to the forefront with unique use of finger picking, flat picking, and multiple tunings. "Graveyard" consists of 12 Tracks, 10 of which were written by Bastmeyer. Completing this Album is 1 Cover, "Married Man Blues" (Blind Willie Reynolds), and 1 Track which was inspired by Daddy Stovepipe called "Snakes and Ladders/Thumpin the Blues", an Instrumental. As a little side note, The given name of Daddy Stovepipe was Johnny Watson; among other aliases he worked under during his long life were "Jimmy Watson" and the "Rev. Alfred Pitts." Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1867, Daddy Stovepipe may well have been the earliest-born blues performer to record. When it comes to purity and rawness in an Album, "Graveyard" certainly fits the bill. Consisting of only Drums (Corey Richardson), Guitar (Tim Bastmeyer), and always my favorite type of Bass, the Upright Bass (James Thomson) weave a intricate mixture of Acoustical Blues that will simply grab you and not let you go until the last note has long ended. In fact, if you don't get a sense of Wow, at the end of this Album, and the end of most of the Tracks, you better take your earplugs out and listen to it again. When it comes to Tim Bastmeyer's, his voice has been described as "rather limited", which I found to be a plus for the style of Music he plays. He has a simple straight forward vocal delivery, that is both honest and clear. His music tends to speak for itself and does not require him to rip out his vocals chords to get the message across. I also got the sense that his vocal delivery was more poetic in nature, in fact I got a little feel of Jim Morrison from Track 1, "Burning Fire". To me, "Graveyard" is a perfect rainy day Blues Album, especially if you are huddled on the couch with a loved one. It has always intrigued me as to some of the names Artists has come up with for their Albums, and "Graveyard" was no exception. Bastmeyer' explains his choice for the Album title, as follows: "The first song I wrote for the
album was Bobby. It is about a friend of mine who passed away a few years
back and his struggles with alcohol addiction. The rest of the songs as I
wrote them seemed to set a rather Of note, it must also be mentioned, that Blues Guitarist Extraodinaire Jack de Keyzer, not only produced this Album, but he also shares Mixing with Bastmeyer' and was Guest Guitarist on Track 6, "Ontario". "Graveyard" is the finest Album I have received yet this year, in any Genre, and it is certainly a contender for the Best Acoustic Blues Album released in Canada for 2010. "Graveyard" certainly qualifies for my 5***** Rating as it truly is a Refreshing and Unique interpretation of really good Acoustic Blues. Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) Tracklist
1. Burning Fire 5:47 Listen To Samples Here... Other Info And Reviews ...Tim Bastmeyer, aka The Tattooed Kid, is from Uxbridge. Graveyard is an all-acoustic blues CD with Jack de Keyzer producing and Alec Fraser engineering. James Thomson plays upright bass and Corey Richardson, drums. Bastmeyer is a producer, engineer, music teacher and obviously a talented guitarist. As a vocalist, he has a rather limited range, but he knows that and doesn’t overreach. Some of his songs are built on one chord, with intricate accompaniments that include dramatic bass solos from Thomson. Others employ more standard blues forms. The two non-originals are from Blind Willie Reynolds (“Married Man Blues”) and Daddy Stovepipe (Thumpin’ The Blues”), not the first bluesmen who might come to mind, but they only provide starting points. Richardson also does far more than keep time, making for a jazz-like setting. There are several CD release events scheduled for this month, check the listings pages. According to his Myspace page there is also a live album available, presumably electric, recorded at Harlow’s in Uxbridge. Review By John Valenteyn http://www.torontobluessociety.com/0911johnspicks.htm
About Tim Bastmeyer Tim Bastmeyer is a Canadian blues singer/songwriter. Tim started his musical career in 1986 and over the years has played and recorded with a number of different recording artists. He has performed throughout North America, as well as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Scotland and England. More recently Tim can be seen at a small club somewhere in Ontario on a weekly basis and in other parts of Canada, mostly in the summer time. Tim has shared the stage with some of Canada's Juno winning blues players. Check website listings for upcoming shows. Playing mostly acoustic, Tim incorporates different styles of blues using finger picking, flat picking techniques, and multiple tunings with slide guitar. This allows Tim to have versatility in his playing. A black hat on his head and covered in tattoos, Tim's hard edge blues styles are personified through his live performances. A new CD has just been recorded and is now available online. The CD entitled Graveyard is an all acoustic CD produced by Juno winner Jack De Keyzer and engineered by Juno winner Alec Fraser. James Thomson played upright bass and Corey Richardson on drums. The songs were recorded live off the floor at Bentonwood Studios in Whitby, Ontario on July 21-22, 2009. Graveyard was nominated for a 2009 Durham Music Award. Tim is also a producer, engineer, and music teacher. He has produced award-winning recordings and engineered countless recording projects (music and foley). Tim has taught hundreds of young musicians to play guitar, bass and drums. Other recent music and film projects engineered and/or produced by Tim MUSIC Marinda - "Best Jazz" 2008 Toronto
Independent Music Awards FILM Tiny Bots http://www.myspace.com/thetattooedkid
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