https://listeningthroughthelens.com/2021/08/01/albums-of-the-month-aug-2021/

Malcolm Holcombe

Tricks Of The Trade

Need To Know

20 August 2021

Malcolm Holcombe‘s visage might be described as a little gruff, weather-worn and honest, but somehow compelling. So too are his musical abilities and it’s easy to convince ourselves that we should listen to the many colourful stories contained within Tricks Of The Trade.

Just days before the world went COVID-haywire, Holcombe spent a week recording what would be his next album. Tracked at Seven Deadly Sins studio just outside Nashville, the album is replete with fascinating narratives and sharp phrasing. The first single is “Money Train”, the video of which was made by gifted songwriter Emma Swift, follows and is an ideal example of what to expect here.

Produced by the team of Brian Brinkerhoff, Dave Roe and Jared Tyler, Tricks of the Trade contains a wonderful studio band that includes Roe on bass and longtime musical cohort, Tyler on electric guitar, dobro and background vocals, with guest vocalists Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris.

Be prepared for many insights on this insightful and gritty collection.