The Youtube Sessions 2020/21
That’s Entertainment, 2022
8/10
Listen to The Youtube Sessions 2020/21
The multi-instrumenalist and vocalist Richard Gjems recorded these tracks in his home on a mobile phone, and his blues is about as sincere and timeless as it gets across the 15 raw tracks.
“Strange Love” gets the album off to a bluesy start with warm harmonica amid the intricate guitar picking and rugged vocals, and this formula continues to the bare, intimate “Moon Going Down”, as well as the soulful swagger of “Rock Me Baby”.
Deeper into the listen, the harmonica acrobatics of “John Hardy” seem tailor made for any dusty porch in the southern U.S., while “Blue Mandolin” indeed highlights the meticulous mandolin prowess with a charming bluegrass feel.
Advancing towards the end, “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” manipulates the harmonica with a superb blues flavor, and “Love That Burns” exits the listen with no shortage of grit and bluesy melody as Gjems displays much talent amid the universal truths he sings of.
The blues comes in many shapes and forms. Richard Gjems plays the sort that’s stripped back, organic and flows with a wise and inviting nature that you can’t help but want to spend more time with.
Travels well with: Bithammer!- Minimum Style, Maximum Effort; Aadal- Lost Songs