JD Simo releases his latest album on March 1st 2019. The Nashville-based guitarist/vocalist known for fronting the psychedelic soul group SIMO recorded “Off At 11” during the summer of 2018 while in between tours with (Grateful Dead) Bassist Phil Lesh. Somehow managing to get this furious, beefy album recorded over the course of three days!
JD’s sound is a wholesome mixture of blues, acid rock, soul with a jazzy bite to the undeniable rock solid rhythm section made up of drummer Adam Abrashoff and bassist Luke Easterling. Simo’s guitar skill is in no doubt after listening to this album, he’s also got the vocals to back it up. Singing with that classic blues rock snarl while also being able to deliver soulful melodies which can be heard on tracks like “Temptation” and “Sweet Little Angel” – A song that will bring you to a dark smoky club that reeks of lonely hearts and tear-filled glasses on a cold wet night.
The album opens with a tip of the hat to Little Walter with the track “Boom Boom,Out With The Lights”, a quick in-and-out smash and grab modern blues rock number which really sets a tone for the rest of the record. Other standout tracks for me were the title track “Off At 11” which explores a lot of different styles. With an almost jazzy bed of rhythm JD lays down riff after riff flavored with the tastings of Brian May, Jimi Hendrix to Rory Gallagher. “I Got Love If You Want It” is a chunky, thick bass driven song that will have you left with constant “blues face”. The Track “Mind Trouble” is a fantastically moulded song, you definitely get the feeling of an overwhelmed almost claustrophobic mind with how the guitar twangs and slaps around inside a concrete wall of sound.
The Album culminates with a 16 minute musical adventure that is dense and full of twists and turns. This record is for the music connoisseur. It’s complex but simple, which is what makes for a great blues record. It’s a simple artform but it’s far from being an elementary form of music. JD described how this album was recorded “Just honesty and a tape machine”, and that is exactly the feeling you get from this.
You can catch JD live at some of his upcoming shows:
UK tour March 2019
07.03.19 PERTH Perth Concert Hall
09.03.19 COVENTRY Warwick Arts Centre
10.03.19 SHREWSBURY Theatre Severn
11.03.19 SALISBURY City Hall
20.03.19 LONDON Royal Festival Hall
21.03.19 SHEFFIELD City Hall Ballroom
22.03.19 MANCHESTER RNCM Concert Hall
24.03.19 CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange
all dates with Tommy Emmanuel
Follow him on social media to keep up to date with future tour dates and releases: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and his website.