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Blues Underground Network Tim Bastmeyer "Tim Bastmeyer" (Canada) |
 Fans
of Tim Bastmeyer got yet another treat last fall with the release of the
follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2010 album "Graveyard", with a new
self-titled release. Of "Graveyard", I wrote, "Lyrically and
Instrumentally refreshing is perhaps the best way I can describe Tim
Bastmeyer's new release, "Graveyard"". Had his new self-titled release been my
first introduction to Tim Bastmeyer, I probably would have said the
same about it, as certainly felt that way.
Tim Bastmeyer is yet another one of
those great Canadian musical treasures, who has been plying his trade for
many years. Tim is a magnificently accomplished guitarist, as
well as, a Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Engineer, Mixer, of which
all of those talents were again used on this album, and if that was not
enough, he is also a Music Teacher. His new self-titled album is his 3rd
to date, but he has also produced many others projects for fellow
musicians, both in Music and Film.
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."
Tim's new album consists of 11
Tracks, 10 originals and 1 cover of Don Nix's "I'm Going Down". "Don
Nix was instrumental in the creation of the trademark "Memphis soul"
and Stax Records." In addition to Tim Bastmeyer, he is accompanied
by James Thomson (Bass) and Corey Richardson (Drums), both of which
played with Tim to form the trio on "Graveyard". Bringing yet an
extra dynamic to his self-titled release, we also have the
addition of Juno award winning Blues artist Julian Fauth,
playing Piano.
When it comes to Tim
Bastmeyer's music and the delivery there of,
it comes across in a no nonsense clean and simple style, reminding me a
little of the style of Leonard Cohen. It is just pure
natural music and lyrics; clear, concise, and to the point, with no
fancy hot dogging involved. His lyrics tell us a story, and we don't have to
strain, or interpret what he is saying, the message is
clear.
Tim Bastmeyer presents himself
in a more toned down version from "Graveyard", but in doing so was no
less enjoyable to listen to. Having the extra added treat of Julian
Faith, also gave the album a whole new dynamic, which cut across the blues just
a little, exposing a hint of Jazz, something that usually happens
when you bring a great Pianist into the equation.
I found the music on this album to cover a lot of
territory, but it was territory that we were all familiar with and could
easily draw a connection with. Songs like the opening Track "Window
Shopping", which deals with ones love of a good woman and all the
things he going to buy her, like a diamond ring and a big house.
Additional Tracks we can all relate to were the ones with Blues in
their titles, namely, Cancer Blues, Flu Blues, and Traffic
Blues. Having Danced with the Devil myself 8 years ago, and
having lost some dear friends since, Cancer Blues really hit home. Traffic
Blues was one of my favorites of the Blues trio with fantastic guitar picking and
absolutely great drum work with the use of the
brush.
Track 7 "Get Up" was the only instrumental
on this album and was a great Track for showing off the talent of all
the performers, especially Julian Fauth's Piano styling, which he
also creatively showed us on Track 5, the cover of "Going Down".
On that Track Julian tickles the ivories for the first 3rd of the song and
reminded me a bit of the kind of music you may of listened to at
a silent movie when something started to get suspenseful. After that the rest of
the band kicks into gear and the song takes
off.
With this
album and his previous one "Graveyard", Tim Bastmeyer has truly caught my
ear and my attention. His style is truly his own, in all regards, making
his music compellingly hypnotic in nature, and because of that, I
have i
n addition
to Bill Johnson and Suzie Vinnick, added Tim Bastmeyer to my list of
great
Canadian Singers, Songwriters, &
Musicians.
A unique and intriguing Album, one that
I have no problem
recommending.
Review by
John Vermilyea (Blues Underground
Network)
Listen To Samples Here... Artist Website... http://timbastmeyer.com/homebase.cfm
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