Nick Moss - Here I Am (Blue Bella)
Here I Am is the second knockdown, knockout pitch from Nick Moss. It’s a bold declaration the risks he took augmenting his distinct brand of traditional Chicago blues on Privileged were no accident or passing fancy, but a new beginning.
Nick is putting his considerable skills to the test having made the choice to take the lessons he learned with Privileged and push further forward. Like the “Man In The Maze” on the cover of this album (inspired by Tohono O’odham oral history), he tells us in the title track he’s following a path to reach the place in his own maze where he is ready to stretch himself further than ever, challenging himself to take songs built on the foundation of Chicago blues, rock, and roots to places he’s never gone.
He comes out firing with the opening salvo of “Why You So Mean,” “Blood Runs,” and the title track, pummeling listeners with the most punishing riffs he’s ever recorded and some of his most scorching solos. With “It’ll Turn Around,” the album’s first single, Nick shows us he has more than just a great fastball.
It’s a soulful anthem, both timely and timeless, serving as a reminder Nick has grown as a singer and songwriter on his travel through the maze. “It’ll Turn Around” is powered by soulful backing vocals from Michael Ledbetter, Shuree Rivera, and Jennifer Evans and features gorgeous keys work from Travis Reed and one of Nick’s finest slide leads.
The extended jams of a Nick Moss gig are brought to the studio for the first time. Songs like “Here Comes Moses” and “Katie Ann (Slight Return)” scream to be play ed live before packed rooms as does the serious funk-jam workout of “Caught By Surprise.” All ten songs are road-ready and primed to be staples of future live shows.
He’s been knocking listeners down since his 1998 debut First Offense and his fastball is more lively than ever. He didn’t play it safe on those brilliant traditional blues records that forged the beginning of his career and on Privileged he kicked down a door and a whole new world of choices opened to him. Here I Am is the powerful continuation of a confident artist making exciting new choices. Be prepared to be knocked down once again.
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