Review: David Jacobs

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David Jacobs-Strain
“Stuck on the way Back”
(NorthernBlues Music)

“Stuck on the way Back” is the fourth release from an extremely talented and sophisticated blues performer, 19-year-old Eugene, Oregon resident David Jacobs-Strain. Jacobs-Strain began learning to sing the blues at the age of 9 and proved precocious at the craft from the onset. It’s one thing to say this young man is impressive for his age, but this convincing and compelling acoustic blues born of an admiration for Taj Mahal and Lightning Hopkins would be good for a bluesman of any age. His stunning Delta blues techniques on acoustic guitars are simply and effectively supported with various percussion and occasional Hammond B-3 organ. Already a fixture on the Northwest blues scene, Jacobs-Strain showcases his mature slide guitar style he first began using in 1996. The material is originals and covers from R. L. Burnside, Otis Taylor and more. Taylor mentors Jacobs-Strain and “Black and Blue” on this disc was co-written by Otis Taylor.