http://www.ilpopolodelblues.com/wp/2022/01/malcolm-holcombe-tricks-of-the-trade/

Malcolm Holcombe – Tricks of the Trade

8 JANUARY 2022 BY STEFANO TOGNONI IN DISKS, REVIEWS

(Need To Know / Ird)

www.malcolmholcombe.com

www.facebook.com/malcolmholcombe

Originally from North Carolina, despite approaching music as a child, with a gift guitar from his mother, Malcolm Holcombe released his first album, A far cry from here (1994), at 39, in Nashville, where he had moved after the death of his parents. In his life he has gone through a thousand sleepers, he has fallen several times, and as many have risen, and finally must have achieved a good stability, since in the last six years he has produced one album a year, on the sixteen totals of his career. The recent Tricks of the Trade contains twelve unpublished tracks, signed by him, which confirm him as one of the most valuable songwriters in business. Key elements in Tricks of the Trade's musical economy are Jared Tyler (guitars, dobro, mandolin and choruses) and Dave Roe (bass and double bass) musicians who boast major collaborations, the first with Emmylou Harris, Wilco, The Tractors, John Hammond and Brandon Jenkins, the second with Tony Joe White, Johnny Cash, Marcus King, John Anderson, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, just to name the best-known. In addition to Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris special guest vocals, the band that took part in the recordings is complemented by the excellent Jerry Roe and Miles McPherson (drums) and Ron De La Vega (cello). Tricks of the Trade is a magical fusion of folk, blues and country music, where the fingerpicking acoustic guitar acts as the backbone of most of the songs, embellished by dobro interventions. Malcolm Holcombe, also effective with acoustic guitar, has matured a roots songwriting, where his roca voice, rich in sentiment, and the valence of the lyrics, which can touch important and dramatic issues in the social field, make each song a gem to listen to carefully. Tricks of the Trade is an excellent album, confirming the valence of an artist who deserves more fame and recognition.

Stefano Tognoni