https://spirit.rocks/2021/07/30/roots-in-august-3/

ROOTS IN AUGUST

by David Pearson

Malcolm Holcombe – Tricks of the Trade

Malcolm Holcombe has put out 16 or more records since the mid-90’s, and since 2015 he’s put out six full length albums and a separate series of singles. Accompanied by mainstays Dave Roe (since 2007) and Jared Tyler (back to 1999) they are also producer and co-producer of the album along with Brian Brinkerhoff. To keep it in the family, Dave Roe’s son, Jerry Roe drums for most songs,  Miles McPherson the rest. That band is enhanced by Ron de la Vega (cello on ‘Lenora Cynthia’), Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris providing vocals.

He’s a hard working live and studio performer, coming through many musical traditions: folk, country, rock, bluegrass, blues, gospel, in a unique mix, flavoured by Malcolm’s western NC mountain and hill country roots. What makes this chap unique is how he’s got all of that in his blood, and yet adds personal qualities of perspective and insight within his words and music. There’s a passion mixed into his unique sound. Personal.