https://www.realrootscafe.com/2021/08/20/malcolm-holcombe-tricks-of-the-trade/

MALCOLM HOLCOMBE, TRICKS OF THE TRADE

ALBUM REVIEW

20 AUGUST 2021

BY JAKS SCHUIT

To call Malcolm Holcombe's voice gruff is an understatement. The vocal cords of the American singer-songwriter are blown, perhaps they should be replaced. But hear Holcombe sing after visiting the capital ‘Windows In Amsterdam’. The dim world of prostitution is revealed in a song by the Bard born on 2 September 1955. And his voice in such a song can't be deep, not bronsty enough.

In 1990, Holcombe moved to Nashville, Tennessee. In his new home, Holcombe climbed the stage after other performances to make his own songs heard. He made his daily living washing dishes in clubs. A Far Cry From Here was a nearly silent debut in 1994. After some hesitation, Geffen Records drew Holcombe but left its successor A Hundred Lies years on the table. After moving to North Carolina, several records were released independently.

Tricks of the Trade is the eighteenth studio album by Holcombe. The release features 46 minutes and 23 minutes of recognizable music. The composer Holcombe is still searching for stories he finds on the selvages of life. Titles like ‘Misery Loves Companion’, ‘Crazy Man Blues’, ‘Damn Rainy Day’ and ‘Windows Of Amsterdam’ are telling. There are no lyrics about a love, about a lost relationship, Holcombe tells stories about people who often lose the battle with life.

Holcombe is always accompanied by friends. Bassist Dave Roe and son Jerry Roe are a more than solid rhythm section, guitarist Jared Tyler also occasionally took place behind the buttons to give the production the right sound. Brian Brinkerhoff has been Holcombe's producer for several years. Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris sing along on a few songs. Nowhere is excess, everywhere essential.

Tricks Of The Trade is Malcolm Holcombe's next album. It again shows a mix of blues, folk, country and here and there a lick of gospel. Holcombe tells stories that attract attention. Whether he's looking at the lady behind the glass in front of a window in Amsterdam or telling stories about relatives losing each other on the border of Mexico and America. There is always recognition with the passionate musician Malcolm Holcombe. And that gritty, surviving voice remains recognizable from thousands. (Need To Know)