David Jacobs-Strain: “Ocean Or A Tear Drop”
THE CD: “Ocean Or A Teardrop” (NorthernBlues)
PERFORMER: David Jacobs-Strain
Blues and roots music singer-songwriter David Jacobs-Strain has spent years traveling the backroads and making music in places great and obscure. Between a crippling number of showdates and appearances, he has managed to cut five albums, but somehow avoid what might be termed ‘big time’ mainstream success.
But credit where credit is due, the kid is 22 and the road of a sincere blues man is a long, long haul. If he had wanted to be a mainstream success, he’d dress like a skater punk, sing songs about being an outsider, get some tattoos, and maybe date a girl who used to have her own TV show.
There’s always room for one more cliche on top 40 radio.
David Jacob-Strain is no cliche, but an interesting and unexpected surprise. His youth is only evident by his babyface picture on his press photos, not by the finely crafted sounds he makes.
His 5th release, ‘Ocean or a Teardrop’ is a catchy fusion of modern roots-inspired jam and classic blues with something of an occasional nod to the sparse guitar sound of Johnny Cash. Strumming an accoustic guitar, accompanied by subdued African rhythms, he sounds earnest and honest. His songs are thoughtful, heartfelt and world-weary. He sings them with a maturity that seems well beyond his years, digging from a life of experience that he could not possibly have, but yet still seems to know something about.
Still, when the music is this good, nobody asks to see any ID.
–By Bill Lynch
