A TIMELESS TRIBUTE TO TRADITIONAL, ACOUSTIC COUNTRY BLUES RECORDED WITH A MICROPHONE FROM THE 1940S – JUST ONE MAN, HIS VOICE, HIS ACOUSTIC GUITAR AND ONE MICROPHONE.
As a surprise for his fans in lockdown, much-loved American bluesman Seasick Steve – who first played Australia for Bluesfest in 2008 – released Blues in Mono as a digital-only treat in November 2020. One year on, the album is finely getting a proper release – on LP and CD – in response to overwhelming demand from fans for a physical version. The album will be available in Australia in limited edition dark blue vinyl and black vinyl pressings and on compact disc from Cheersquad Records & Tapes, and can be pre-ordered now from https://www.cheersquad.com.au/releases/blues-in-mono/.
Blues in Mono is a timeless tribute to traditional, acoustic country blues recorded with a microphone from the 1940s, with Seasick Steve performing the songs solo, direct to an old tape machine. This was then cut direct to lacquers with no computer involved at all during the process. The old skool way of making a record. The album cover tells you exactly what to expect from the album – one man, his acoustic guitar and a microphone.
Blues in Mono finds Seasick Steve giving some of his finest performances to deliver a fresh, stripped down blues album that offers the perfect antidote for the troubled times in which we live. Steve has curated a selection of songs to cover, from his favourite artists such as Willie Dixon, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Charlie Patton and Mississippi Fred McDowell. The album also features 4 new Seasick Steve tracks including fan favourite “Well, Well, Well”.
“It’s just me and an acoustic guitar, playing old country blues. I always wanted to do it but never felt worthy, but then I realised that I better hurry up and do it ‘cos I ain’t never gonna feel worthy!” says Steve. “I tried to make it so that if you was listening you’d think I was sitting with you in your house.”
SEASICK STEVE – ‘BLUES IN MONO’
1. Fred’s Worried Blues
2. My Babe
3. Laughing to Keep From Crying
4. Well, Well, Well
5. Buddy Brown
6. Goin’ Down South
7. Waitin’ in Charleston
8. Miss Maybell
9. Whisky Headed Woman
10. Moon Going Down
11. Golden Spun
12. Dusty Man
Seasick Steve’s Blues in Mono is out December 3 on LP and CD on Cheersquad Records & Tapes. (Distributed by Magnetic South)