West Country-based singer/songwriter Phil “Jinder” Dewhurst released his critically acclaimed album “Traditional Dark” in 2015. This year sees the release of this latest offering called “Kingsize Blackfoot”; a ten track album that embraces American Roots music, Country/Blues and a whole lot in between. The title is a nod to Jinder’s 6’7″ height and his Blackfoot Sioux American Indian heritage, of which you don’t see many in the heart of Dorset.
The album features searing resonator guitars and even combines ’80s Hip Hop’s signature drum machine the Roland TR-808, with a raucous blues slide guitar. The whole album was entirely directed, recorded and performed by the one man machine that is Jinder. He manages this as well as his other jobs as guitarist for alternative Pop band “The Gravity Drive” and Tour Manager for the legendary Billy Bragg, which keeps him completely immersed in music which he clearly loves.
The album opens with the atmospheric “Great Plains”; which conjures up the huge rolling open American landscapes, and would not be out of place playing over the opening titles of Western movie. Over the 10 tracks Jinder follows a path covering traditional Blues styles with plenty of expertly played slide guitar, combining with acoustics. Each tune benefits from his considerable vocals which have an incredible range and give the tunes a real depth and belief.
The lead single to be released ahead of the album is “Brother Can You Spare a Dime”; a tune written by an American singer “Rudy Vallee”, originally released in 1932 during the great depression. Jinder gives the tune a complete new lease of life with his moody acoustic work, coupled with his imposing powerful lyrical delivery. The guitar intro to “Automobile Blues” is worth the purchase money alone and this version of the Lightnin’ Hopkins 1944 track is given a traditional makeover. Jinder is indeed a very rare talent who has produced something here that is quite extraordinary and well worth investing in.
Track Listing
Great Plains
Up on the Edge
In the Pines
White Freightliner Blues
Brother Can You Spare A Dime?
Woke Up This Morning
Cocaine Lil & Morphine Sue
Bluebird Wine
Automobile Blues
Come Home to The Blues (Live)
Links
http://www.jinder.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/Jindermusic
Words by Dave Chinery (Chinners)
