Steve Strongman – Tired of Talkin’
There’s a reason Steve Strongman is considered the Best Guitarist in the Solo/Duo category in the world, he rightfully captured the title at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Following on the heels of that impressive win, Strongman has released another stunning recording to his growing catalogue, with Tired Of Talkin’, recorded in both Nashville and Hamilton and released in 2019. The album is representative of Strongman’s enormous songwriting and guitar skills, traversing from Blues-Rock to swamp and all points in between. One thing that makes Strongman so great is that there are solid melodies to satisfy the soul for a full listening experience.
Starting with the title track, ‘Tired Of Talkin’, the album pulls us in with a groove built blues rock feel complete with great vocals and punctuated by his beefy guitar style. The album unfolds squarely in the groove pocket, with ‘Just Ain’t Right’ sitting in a funky New Orleans rhythm and a giant guitar sound carrying the message. Livin’ the Dream is a punchy blues rock traveling song about life on the road, a perfect driving song for all. ‘Highway Man’ showcases Strongman’s acoustic skills for a wholly (or is that holy?) traditional ear worm. The only non original on the album, ‘ Let’s Stay Together’, is a classy rendition of one of the greatest love songs ever written, with a guitar solo that brings this gem into 2020 in the most agile and personal ways.
Steve Strongman is pure joy to experience in a live music setting, but he is a magician at bringing the excitement and energy he pumps out on stage into a recording… and what a marvellous recording it is. Highly recommended. (Cindy McLeod)