Review by John Vermilyea
(Blues Underground Network)
Fans of Tim Bastmeyer got yet another treat last fall with the release of the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2010 album "Graveyard", with a new self-titled release. Of "Graveyard", I wrote, "Lyrically and Instrumentally refreshing is perhaps the best way I can describe Tim Bastmeyer's new release, "Graveyard"". Had his new self-titled release been my first introduction to Tim Bastmeyer, I probably would have said the same about it, as certainly felt that way.
Tim Bastmeyer is yet another one of those great Canadian musical treasures, who has been plying his trade for many years. Tim is a magnificently accomplished guitarist, as well as, a Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Engineer, Mixer, of which all of those talents were again used on this album, and if that was not enough, he is also a Music Teacher. His new self-titled album is his 3rd to date, but he has also produced many others projects for fellow musicians, both in Music and Film.
When it comes to "Acoustic Blues Guitar technique, nothing less than pure authenticity will do for Bastmeyer' as he brings various styles of Blues to the forefront with unique use of finger picking, flat picking, and multiple tunings."
Tim's new album consists of 11 Tracks, 10 originals and 1 cover of Don Nix's "I'm Going Down". "Don Nix was instrumental in the creation of the trademark "Memphis soul" and Stax Records." In addition to Tim Bastmeyer, he is accompanied by James Thomson (Bass) and Corey Richardson (Drums), both of which played with Tim to form the trio on "Graveyard". Bringing yet an extra dynamic to his self-titled release, we also have the addition of Juno award winning Blues artist Julian Fauth, playing Piano.
When it comes to Tim Bastmeyer's music and the delivery there of, it comes across in a no nonsense clean and simple style, reminding me a little of the style of Leonard Cohen. It is just pure natural music and lyrics; clear, concise, and to the point, with no fancy hot dogging involved. His lyrics tell us a story, and we don't have to strain, or interpret what he is saying, the message is clear.
Tim Bastmeyer presents himself in a more toned down version from "Graveyard", but in doing so was no less enjoyable to listen to. Having the extra added treat of Julian Faith, also gave the album a whole new dynamic, which cut across the blues just a little, exposing a hint of Jazz, something that usually happens when you bring a great Pianist into the equation.
I found the music on this album to cover a lot of territory, but it was territory that we were all familiar with and could easily draw a connection with. Songs like the opening Track "Window Shopping", which deals with ones love of a good woman and all the things he going to buy her, like a diamond ring and a big house. Additional Tracks we can all relate to were the ones with Blues in their titles, namely, Cancer Blues, Flu Blues, and Traffic Blues. Having Danced with the Devil myself 8 years ago, and having lost some dear friends since, Cancer Blues really hit home. Traffic Blues was one of my favorites of the Blues trio with fantastic guitar picking and absolutely great drum work with the use of the brush.
Track 7 "Get Up" was the only instrumental on this album and was a great Track for showing off the talent of all the performers, especially Julian Fauth's Piano styling, which he also creatively showed us on Track 5, the cover of "Going Down". On that Track Julian tickles the ivories for the first 3rd of the song and reminded me a bit of the kind of music you may of listened to at a silent movie when something started to get suspenseful. After that the rest of the band kicks into gear and the song takes off.
With this album and his previous one "Graveyard", Tim Bastmeyer has truly caught my ear and my attention. His style is truly his own, in all regards, making his music compellingly hypnotic in nature, and because of that, I have i n addition to Bill Johnson and Suzie Vinnick, added Tim Bastmeyer to my list of great Canadian Singers, Songwriters, & Musicians.
A unique and intriguing Album, one that I have no problem recommending.
http://bluesunderground.blogspot.com/2012/01/featured-blues-cd-review-tim-bastmeyer.html
Review by Sarah Richmond
Blues Rock Review
Canadian musician Tim Bastmeyer released his self-titled follow up to 2009’s Graveyard last year. Having started his career more than 25 years ago, Bastmeyer brought a wealth of experience and technique to his latest project, his skill evident in the cohesiveness of his sound and the album as a whole. In addition to his talent as a guitarist, Bastmeyer is currently a music teacher in Ontario.
Bastmeyer’s greatest strength on this album is when he lets an instrument take a solo part. His instrumental sound is clean and seamless, each instrument playing its part when they perform as an ensemble. This results in a tight finished product, showcasing the expertise of the musicians. His sound is classic blues with meandering bass lines, flashy guitar and jazz piano licks and a lazy drawl for the vocals.
There is a marked contrast between the instrumental sound and the vocal quality, but it creates a unique edge to the sound that differentiates Bastmeyer from the classic blues greats of years past. Bastmeyer’s voice carries a distinctly modern flare. While the solos in the guitar and piano lines are clear and precise, the vocals are a bit rougher and almost nasal.
However, it is clear that the vocals are not supposed to be the focal point on the album. Instead, they serve as more of an accent in order to provide a forum for the instrumentalist to shine. Of particular note is “Going Down,” which opens with a fantastic piano solo. Easily the most entertaining piece on Bastmeyer’s album, the piano fluctuates between classical and jazz before segueing into a toe-tapper with the keys laying the baseline for guitar and voice.
The second track on the album, “Rescue You,” is another must-listen. The album as a whole is a solid effort and truly demonstrates experience. The only drawback is that the sound is so structured that after a while, it does become familiar. This is a really great blues album that highlights the best parts of a classic sound while putting a unique spin on it, which is rare to find. Bastmeyer has a successful project on his hands.
The Review: 8.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
- Rescue You
- Going Down
- Hell of a Ride
The Big Hit
- Going Down
http://bluesrockreview.com/2012/02/tim-bastmeyer-review.html
Friday, December 16, 2011
CD Review: “Tim Bastmeyer” by Robert Carraher
Orchestrated or ‘arranged’ isn’t words usually associated with ‘The Blues’. Usually, it is more a free form, a spontaneous musical genre lending itself to improvisation and emotional solos and interpretations.
On the many blues gigs I have been involved in you were lucky to get charts with the chords progressions, let alone sheet music.
But Canadian blues singer/song writer Tim Bastmeyer has put together a CD that is tightly structured musically, and rhythmically. The emphasis being on the song and the lyrics more than free wheeling displays of instrumental virtuosity.
Not that the musicians aren’t damned good on their ax. The band comprises Juno award winning Julian Fauth on piano as well as James Thompson on bass, Cory Richardson on drums and of course Bastmeyer on electric and acoustic Guitar and vocals. Bastmeyers vocal delivery has influences of Jim Morrison, without the theatrics and none of the Lizard King’s blues shouting tendencies. I also hear a good deal of Bob Dylan, ‘Country’ Joe McDonald and Lou Reed in there, and it is really quite effective and makes for a good listen.
Tim Bastmeyer “Rescue You”
Bastmeyer’s guitar work is very tasteful, but there is none of the guitar slinger here. Just clean delivery that compliments and was meant to highlight the lyrics. The band is really an acoustic quartet with electric added here and there, and very good, the piano work, as you’d expect from Fauth, is excellent and the ‘kitchen’ of Thompson and Richardson are tight.
There are eleven tunes here, ten originals with the great standard, “Going Down” being the only cover, and probably the one “rocking out” tune on the album where the band show off what they are capable of.
Bastmeyer plays both six and twelve string guitar, as well as electric. He plays in a variety of styles; finger picking, flat picking, slide, and does them all very good.
The opening track, “Window Shopping” is a good tune, and it is not about a walk past the sales displays at the mall, unless malls have changed in their retail offerings since my last trip.
Track two, is “Rescue You” with the video above. Very nice slow blues featuring some tasteful slide work. “Whatever Happened To?” is a shuffle blues, with tongue in cheek lyrics and real nice ‘road-house’ stride piano.
The cynical lyrics, often sung tongue in cheek are a constant theme throughout. Track four, “One Hell Of A Ride” being no exception. Then comes “Going Down”.
“Cancer Blues” starts out as an almost Spanish Guitar flat pick tune on the electric. Another one of my favorites. “Get Up” is almost a jazz/blues tune, and an instrumental with the drummer busy and the piano and guitar playing off each other. It’s almost a dance tune, but only almost.
“Mother” is a twelve bar blues with a country feel to it. Then comes one of my favorite blues tunes of the year, “Corporate Crazy” which Joe McDonald or Bob Dylan or John Prine would have been proud to write. You just have to love a song about Home Depot, Block Buster, and McDonalds. An ode to advertising and consumerism done to virtuoso guitars and a slow driving rhythm. The price of the album is worth this tune alone.
Tim Bastmeyer Promo “One Hell Of A Ride”
The album winds up with “Flu Blues”, a slow Chicago Blues style ode to a seasonal malady. “Traffic Blues” is a nice way to wrap up the album, off to work, baby. Come back soon, we’ll be here all week.
Bastmeyer has toured both Canada and the U.S as well as Europe, it promises to be bringing his welcomed brand of the blues to audience far and wide and will be touring this month and early next year in support of the album. Catch him if you can, it promises to be “One Hell Of A Ride”.
The album is available at CDBaby and iTunes but sadly not at Amazon.
Show dates and venues can be found at Tim Bastmeyer’s website.
http://the-dirty-lowdown.blogspot.com/2011/12/cd-review-tim-bastmeyer-by-tim.html
“TIM BASTMEYER” Tim Bastmeyer (Grassfire) 4/5
This is the follow-up to 2010’s sparse, solo acoustic and darkly beautiful Graveyard. With a little help from friends like Juno Award winning blues artist Julian Fauth on piano, James Thompson on bass and Corey Richardson on drums, Bastmeyer has come up with another winner.
I’ve just started reading a book on the history of delta blues, so it seems fitting that Tim’s new album would arrive in the mail around the same time. Aside from being a performer Bastmeyer is also a producer, engineer and music cteacher- so he understands his craft very well. His self-titled new album features 10 originals and a cover of the blues classic Goin’ Down, a mix of hard blues with a rock edge and blues ballads- belly rubbin’ music, as my dad would call it.
As a singer, Bastmeyer strikes me as a cross between Billy Corgan and Jim Morrison. Something I noted when reviewing his last album. Despite the fact that this self-titled album is a band record, the songs are simple and spaciously arranged. Tim’s purpose isn’t to dazzle you with technique- rather the effect of these songs is as if he’s thrown one arm around your shoulder, pulled you in closer, and is telling stories in your right ear with a low, hypnotic voice.
Tim Bastmeyer is elegant, sparse and intimate, a fine blues record- one of 2011’s finest.
TOP TRACKS: Hell Of A Ride, Cancer Blues, Going Down
TIM BASTMEYER CD REVIEW
November 14, 2010 - 9:39am — john kereiff - Rossland Radio
http://www.rosslandradio.com/node/3299
New Release: Tim Bastmeyer - Self Titled - Bman's Blues Report
I just got the chance to review the new self titled release by Tim Bastmeyer. The release is quite interesting composed of 10 original tracks and one track, "Goin' Down, penned by Don Nix. The release features Juno award winning Julian Fauth on piano as well as James Thompson on bass, Cory Richardson on drums and of course Bastmeyer on Guitar and vocals.
Bastmeyer uses his vocal delivery style, somewhat like Lou Reed, delivering poetic stories as tasty guitar and piano interludes dust through the mix over top of well thought out rhythm.
Bastmeyer will head out on tour of Canada and several US markets in 2012 to support this new release.
http://www.bmansbluesreport.com/2011/12/new-release-tim-bastmeyer-self-titled.html
“GRAVEYARD” Tim Bastmeyer (Grass Fire) ****
This Ontario-based producer/ engineer/ music teacher/bluesman has just delivered an exquisite acoustic blues gem.
As a singer Bastmeyer sounds like Billy Corgan and a mellow Jim Morrison, and his finger picking/ flat picking style acoustic guitar sounds as elegant and swingin’ as it does mournful. “Graveyard” doesn’t punch you in the head- it wanders up, sits down for a beer, starts chatting and before you know it, these 12 songs have become your best friends.
Produced by Juno winner Jack de Keyser and engineered by Juno winner Alec Fraser, this is just about as good as it gets. “Graveyard” wasn’t built with tearing up the highway in mind… it’s the kind of record you throw on when you’re enjoying some good whiskey with close friends, and talking about life. What can I say? I’m smitten.
HOT SPOTS: “Find My Way”, “Married Man Blues”, “Don’t Care”
Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
Lyrically and Instrumentally refreshing is perhaps the best way I can describe Tim Bastmeyer's new release, "Graveyard".
Hailing from Canada, Tim Bastmeyer has been plying his trade for many years and is certainly the real deal when it comes to music. Besides being a magnificently accomplished guitarist, he is also a Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Engineer, and Music Teacher and although this is only his second Album, he has produced many others projects for fellow musicians, both in Music and Film. Also, when it comes to Acoustic Blues Guitar technique, nothing less than pure authenticity will do for Bastmeyer' as he brings various styles of Blues to the forefront with unique use of finger picking, flat picking, and multiple tunings.
"Graveyard" consists of 12 Tracks, 10 of which were written by Bastmeyer. Completing this Album is 1 Cover, "Married Man Blues" (Blind Willie Reynolds), and 1 Track which was inspired by Daddy Stovepipe called "Snakes and Ladders/Thumpin the Blues", an Instrumental. As a little side note, The given name of Daddy Stovepipe was Johnny Watson; among other aliases he worked under during his long life were "Jimmy Watson" and the "Rev. Alfred Pitts." Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1867, Daddy Stovepipe may well have been the earliest-born blues performer to record.
When it comes to purity and rawness in an Album, "Graveyard" certainly fits the bill. Consisting of only Drums (Corey Richardson), Guitar (Tim Bastmeyer), and always my favorite type of Bass, the Upright Bass (James Thomson) weave a intricate mixture of Acoustical Blues that will simply grab you and not let you go until the last note has long ended. In fact, if you don't get a sense of Wow, at the end of this Album, and the end of most of the Tracks, you better take your earplugs out and listen to it again.
When it comes to Tim Bastmeyer's, his voice has been described as "rather limited", which I found to be a plus for the style of Music he plays. He has a simple straight forward vocal delivery, that is both honest and clear. His music tends to speak for itself and does not require him to rip out his vocals chords to get the message across. I also got the sense that his vocal delivery was more poetic in nature, in fact I got a little feel of Jim Morrison from Track 1, "Burning Fire".
To me, "Graveyard" is a perfect rainy day Blues Album, especially if you are huddled on the couch with a loved one.
It has always intrigued me as to some of the names Artists has come up with for their Albums, and "Graveyard" was no exception.
Bastmeyer' explains his choice for the Album title, as follows:
"The first song I wrote for the album was Bobby. It is about a friend of mine who passed away a few years back and his struggles with alcohol addiction. The rest of the songs as I wrote them seemed to set a rather
dark tone or mood and when I sat down and wrote the song Graveyard, I knew right away that this was the perfect album name.
We took the photo's for the album in the Uxbridge cemetery. We used a Polaroid camera and a sepia tone to give it that old, scary look."
Of note, it must also be mentioned, that Blues Guitarist Extraodinaire Jack de Keyzer, not only produced this Album, but he also shares Mixing with Bastmeyer' and was Guest Guitarist on Track 6, "Ontario".
"Graveyard" is the finest Album I have received yet this year, in any Genre, and it is certainly a contender for the Best Acoustic Blues Album released in Canada for 2010.
"Graveyard" certainly qualifies for my 5***** Rating as it truly is a Refreshing and Unique interpretation of really good Acoustic Blues.
CD Releases
bluesmagazine.nl
by Frank van Engelen
Here is the type of man again, who we might know a little bit in
Holland. One who is worthwhile knowing.Through all his activities
one would almost forget that he himself also makes music.
We are now talking about Tim (The Tatooed Man) Bastmeyer, which
description makes a lot of sense. Fact is however that we are
dealing with a decent guitarist, who knows how to deal with the blues
and already has a decent reputation.
He writes songs for himself and for others.Tim is a singer and
songwriter, born in Ontario, where he still resides. He teaches
young people and adults, who want to learn to play guitar.Over the
years he has received many awards. He has also been producer and has
played in the pre-programs of many well known Blues veterans, such as
Mel Brown. The music, which he plays is variable and his
explanations quite enjoyable. All by all, we are dealing here with
somebody, who really knows how to play.
This live album is a kind of collection of old and new things and
opens instrumentally with a Slow Blues, which indicates right away
that he is an accomplished player, " I Am A Ram" contains also good
plays with a first class bassist and drumset, consequently is a Cover
of Al Green, swinging nicely. That our friend a great fan of Stevie
Ray Vaughan was is obvious when listening to Texas Flood, which he
dealt with forcefully.Then his own song " Old To Be Wise " Bluesrock
of the highest level " wat knalt dus ",his voice is not really Bluesey,
but makes one think now and then of Lou Reed.. The album has only 7
numbers and the closing song "Crossroads" a classical one. As mentioned
a live set recorded in Uxbridge-Ontario-Canada on October 10th 2008.
He's a Howlin' success
The Era Banner
By: Amanda Persico, Staff Writer
Being a rock star is old business for a local rocker who turned blues band frontman.
In his youth, Newmarket resident Tim Bastmeyer dreamed of becoming a rocker and going on tours.
“When I was younger, I wanted to be a rock star,” the frontman of Tattooed Kid said. “I’ve done all those things. Now, what I do for a living is my hobby and my love. I’ve got it made.” For a blues musician, it’s not about the fame or the reunion tours. And the older you get, the better you play, Mr. Bastmeyer said. If he was still in the rock realm, the 36-year-old musician would be one of the older guys, but he’s still young in the blues world. “Blues players play what they’ve always been playing. They would probably do a gig before they died just to play,” he said. “I’m just happy to play.”Mr. Bastmeyer started his musical career in the late 1980s as part of the rock band Actov Life. After 15 years of touring across North America and Europe , he decided to go back to where he started, singing the blues.
“Some blues is really slow and you just watch it,” he said. “But the funky stuff I play, you can’t help but move to it.”He learned to play guitar more than 22 years ago, strumming along to the classic 12-bar blues rhythm of The Little Red Rooster, which was originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1962 and is one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s top influential songs of rock. In late 2002, members of Actov Life went their separate ways and Mr. Bastmeyer started on his new project, the Tatooed Kid. With tattoos running along his back and back of one leg, the name of his solo project came easily. Each of his six albums are depicted as inked art on his body. “When your best friend is a tattoo artist, it comes easy,” he said.After starting up his own recording studio, taking creative control over his music means writing, playing and singing and also recording and producing, too. In the past four years, he has produced more than 20 records in his studio, Main Street Music, in Uxbridge. When he’s not recording or producing award-winning records, such as the 2008 best jazz album at the Toronto Independent Music Awards, Mr. Bastmeyer works on his first full-length solo album. The self-titled album is expected later this fall.
Bluesman Tim
Canadian Guitar Player
Mark Grove
When a player is touring for years with the same band, being in this case Tim Bastmeyer with Canadian rock act Actov Life since the late 80's, it's important to know when to get off the bus and think about where it's all going. Judging from Bastmeyer's success as a sideman--it boded well for future music projects of the independent kind. Since stepping down from the touring life Tim has done a variety of recordings including a collaboration with current bass player and drummer Neil Numminen and Corey Richardson.In the first article on The Tattooed Kid, it focused on his recording studio Main Street Music which is where he is currently recording tracks for his new album of"secret material". http://www.mainstreetmusic.ca This album will be abreakthrough of sorts for Tim, and break him out of the cobwebs of his rustic playing and get him shredding in the limelight where all guitar lovers of blues will be privileged to see him play. Tim is currently on the club scene in the Toronto area and I'll have a gig list at the end of this article.This will be a great album as tracks are released online while the album is still being recorded at Mainstreet Music. All blues lovers are looking forward to this new album of fresh blues material. There is a Youtube Video as well you can watch at his site and on Canadian Guitar Player. Tim has also kept the same lineup he used years ago as sidemen, with Neil Numminen on Bass and Corey Richardson on Drums. Things old become new again when it comes to blues, kind of like a "Blues Renewal" Tattooed Kid style. In Tim's quest for the ultimate tone he's donned a new guitar and amp rig as follows: The Tattooed Kid Gear Box: Guitar: Fender Deluxe Telecaster 2008 and an 80's Yamaha Acoustic Amp:2008 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 80 Watt Effects: Planet Waves Tuner Stompbox,Vox Wah Strings: Ernie Ball .10 Guage
