Can the new generation of Blues artists grab our souls? I've been saying for a while now that they can. David Jacobs-Strain is a perfect example of my feelings. At twenty-one years of age David's latest release "Ocean Or A Teardrop" on NorthernBlues Music did just that and much more, he made me believer of the future of the Blues. This recording is a heavy mixture of revamped and personalized traditional tunes and the song writing talents of one Mr. David Jacobs-

Strain.The CD kicks off David singin' and slidin' away on his resophonic guitar doin' a funky version of Fred McDowell's adaptation of the prewar tune "Kokomo Blues". The title track "Ocean Or A Teardrop" composed by David and with its many musical influences stirs the heart. David gets right down to the roots of the Blues with an impact solo version on slide guitar of 'Sleepy' John Estes 1929 recording "(The) Girl I Love (She Got Long Curly Hair)". David's beautiful ballad "Sleepless Dream' follows. The gears of intensity pick up on his tune "Take My Chances" with some fine finger pickin' on his acoustic guitar. An amazing contempary feel is givin' to the classic 1930 track of Blind Willie Johnson's "Soul Of A Man", what a groove! An acoustic instrumental by David called "Yelapha Breakdown" with its strong, almost world music attitude, but Blues baste, hits the ears with some hot fiddle by Joe Caven. "Shoot The Devil" with its meaningful lyrics and harp playin' by Joe Filisko hit me rack full of vinyl. Another mixed blend of musical forms is presented in "Earthquake", but as David says in this song, it will strike you like a 'wreckin' ball'. The CD ends with another one of David's tunes, "Illinois".

An incredible and sympatric band throughout this recording backs David.If this is the future of the Blues, please give me more! 

Well-done David.   Eddy B

For more information on David Jacobs-Strain, check out:
www.DavidJacobs-Strain.com
www.northernblues.com