RICK HOLMSTROM - Gonna get wild (Tone-Cool 1176A)

Rick Holmstrom is leaving a mark as one of the most innovative song writers and guitar players of the new millennium. Born in Alaska, he moved to California at a young age, and has been a strong force in the west coast blues scene for over a decade and a half. At first, Rick hung out in the "rough" neighborhoods of L.A., checking out as many bands as possible, including Smokey Wilson, Johnny Dyer, William Clarke and Junior Watson, eventually working in both William Clarke's and Johnny Dyer's bands before joining forces with Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers in 1995.
"Gonna Get Wild" marks Holmstrom's move from guitar player, to singer at the same time. His vocal debut took a lot of work and has blossomed into an aspect of Rick's new "voice" as a musician. In a recent phone conversation, Holmes told me about his move to being a singer. "I started out trying it in weeknight shows with my band, and at first I was horrible!" He then made a deal with a vocal instructor who happened to be a big fan. Rick would show him some blues guitar chops, in return for some breathing exercises and other tips. On eight of the twelve tracks, he belts out his subtle and understated vocals with just the right phrasing to drive the lyrics of his all-original recordings right in the pocket. I would say his best cuts for this are the raw and ready "You Missed Your Chance" and the laid back cut "Just Right" with Johnny Dyer on harp, who delivers a tasty solo towards the end.
This smokin' new disk features seventeen musicians including fellow Mighty Flyers Rod Piazza (harmonica), Honey Piazza (piano), Bill Stuve (bass) and Steve Mugalian (drums), as well as Junior Watson (guitar), Johnny Dyer (harp), "Juke" Logan (organ), Jeff Turmes (aka: "Big Dad") (bass, sax), Steve Marsh (sax), Kad Kadison (sax), and more.
When Holmes called during second intermission of The Ottawa Senators playoffs - Game 5, it was a pleasant surprise. After a few minutes of small talk, I told him that I was going to ask him some questions about his new CD. He was cool with the idea until I said "So, what kind of gear did you use?”
“Gear? ahhh... what do you want to know about that stuff for? I am not gonna tell you about my gear! Come on man, I can't tell everyone my secrets!" he replied with a chuckle. He had me laughing too as I replied "Oh, this part has nothing to do with the review - this is for ME!"
Rick used three guitars - two old Harmony guitars, one a two pick-up sunburst hollow body, and a Stratotone for that sweet tone you hear on the wacky groove "Wiggle Stick" that includes a solo by Mississippi saxophone master, Rod Piazza. Rick also used the same guitar on "Lovin Ways" which has an appearance by one of his biggest inspirations, west coast blues guitar guru Junior Watson. To cut through the horns, Holmstrom used a Fender Telecaster on "Lucky Day" and also used that axe for the ripping tone of "You Missed Your Chance". With a "funky little amp" with only one 10" speaker, Rick's tone is fatter than the butcher's dog. He delivers plenty of swingin' guitar and every groove imaginable from the latin-jazz influenced "Phlazzbo", to the New Orleans "Have You Seen My Girl", to the old school sound of "Just Right", and the surely wild approach of the title track that kicks off the disk.
Many find his playing similar to legends such as T-Bone Walker, Earl Hooker, and Pee Wee Crayton - but no matter how I look at it, I always come out hearing 100% Rick Holmstrom. Flashes of his influences show up on occasion but, all in all, I think Holmes has done more creating than emulating.
Rick said that for every track you hear on "Gonna Get Wild", there are probably two or three that didn't make it, so we will all look forward to a new CD in the future. But for now, pick up this disk as soon as possible folks, its a good 'un, and you should do this as a favor to your ears. ... did I mention there is a VERY cool little retro-licious hidden track?

JW-Jones