The album art for Cheese Finger Brown’s “Low-Down People” is of a lonely wandering soul that would have fit right into of Harvey Pekar's "American Splendour" comic volumes. The credits draw similarities to a performance by "John Lee Hooker's corpse," but I'm most reminded of early Captain Beafheart. The music is in keeping with that--providing crisp and roiling instrumental tracks coupled with vocals that are (we assume) intentionally buried. Given the rough recording shape of the vocals, you'll want to check out the lyrics sheet. As a humorous example, see this from "Nashville Funk," "Nashville Funk, and your mama don't wanna know ya
Nashville Funk, and your daddy just disowned ya
Nashville Funk, When somebody comes knocking on your door and you’re glad to see that Jehova"
"Who Are You to Judge" is the most interesting track on the album--even though it ends quite abruptly. With harmonica, guitar and mandolin--and with the vocal brought more forward in the mix--I wish it could have been fleshed out a lot more.
"Low-Down People” is probably only going to appeal to a niche audience, but you can't help but be impressed by how some Dutch guy from Finland could digest and perpetuate a form so many people would see as roots music. The arrangements are so spare that the listener not familiar with the genre might struggle to gain traction. A witless moron might consider it cultural appropriation, I would call it a great bit of eccentric blues.
Take a listen to the title-track single and see for yourself.
"Low-Down People” is probably only going to appeal to a niche audience, but you can't help but be impressed by how some Dutch guy from Finland could digest and perpetuate a form so many people would see as roots music. The arrangements are so spare that the listener not familiar with the genre might struggle to gain traction. A witless moron might consider it cultural appropriation, I would call it a great bit of eccentric blues.
Take a listen to the title-track single and see for yourself.
Cheese Finger Brown is a Dutch blues musician and songwriter who lives in Finland, his album Low-Down People will be available 16 September 2016.
Cheese Finger Brown
A Blog Full Blues Review
Robert “carpaldiem” Harmon
Robert lives in the bustling metrozoid of Southwest Missouri, and usually folds when he has a full house. You should visit his website at isleofkong.com.
Robert lives in the bustling metrozoid of Southwest Missouri, and usually folds when he has a full house. You should visit his website at isleofkong.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment