Blues Back Pages
Mukthiland, 2025
8/10
The Seattle guitarist and songwriter Fred Hostetler brings us a dozen songs that relate to his journey in the blues rock scene.
The rhythmic and flowing “Hey Corporate Vandals” opens with Hostetler’s smooth voice alongside the frisky drums, and “Your Mind Is On Vacation” follows with the spirited harmonica amid the scrappy melodies.
Landing in the middle, “Orphan Blues” utilizes grit and playful guitar licks with a southern energy, while “Shelter From The Storm” recruits sing-alongs and well timed backing vocals that touch on folk-rock ideas.
Inching close to the end, the buzzing and busy “New Man”, the album’s best, is a driving and infectious blues rocker that alone is worth the price of admission, and “You Found Me” exits with a dreamy and heartfelt demeanor.
An effort that floats around several genres, Hostetler’s delivery is always sincere and the songs are timeless and relatable. Hostetler took a lengthy hiatus from music, but since returning from India in 2017 he’s been quite prolific, and the quality of his work is matching the quantity of it.
Travels well with: Fred Hostetler- Fontuna Redux; Fred Hostetler- Fred’s Blue Chair Blues