According to Joe Bonamassa, JD Simo is “one of the best out there right now.”
A whisper in the ear of those at Provogue/Mascot Label Group from Mr. Bonamassa was enough to get their interest. As a result, they have signed Simo for their forthcoming album, Let Love Show The Way, which will be released on January 29.
At first listen, it’s very obvious that the Nashville-based blues power trio have an appreciation of what came before them, and they most certainly know where they are going. Their blues roots are reflected in their choice of studio, with the album being recorded at the hallowed Big House in Macon, Georgia, the communal home of the Allman Brothers Band during the early 70s. This album is the first to have been recorded in the Big House.
One word which describes the album perfectly is ‘vintage’ both in its quality and character, it has a real retro feel from start to finish. For this reason alone, it is of no surprise that JD Simo opted to play a vintage guitar in the shape of Duane Allman’s much fabled ’57 gold-top Les Paul, which was used throughout the entire album.
Opening the album, Simo puts their stamp on the Elmore James classic, “Stranger Blues.” The trio featuring Adam Abrashoff (drums), Elad Shapiro (bass), and JD Simo (guitar/vocals) lay down a tight, powerful groove on the likes of “Two Timin’ Woman” and “Can’t Say Her Name,” which is a song about mysterious yet dangerous love.
“I Lied” has a bit a grungy feel to it, with its driving bass line and undertones of Allen Ginsberg. In contrast, the Beatles-inspired “Please” is a much more twee, upbeat number. One of the standout tracks on the album is “Long May You Sail” with it’s psychedelic, hypnotic riffs and wonderful harmonies. The epic “I’d Rather Die In Vein” sees the band going completely off-piste with some phenomenal improvised playing.
Let Love Show The Way is packed full of passionate playing, blistering solos, oozing with amazing tone, and incredible songwriting. Simo is most certainly a band to watch out for in 2016.