TG and the Swampbusters play some down-home blues on their new release Swamp Tooth Comb. It’s perfect with a cold beer on a hot day.
You would think that TG and the Swampbusters were from way down in Mississippi after listening to Swamp Tooth Comp. This album oozes with that sweat-soaked early country blues of Son House and Elmore James. It turns out that they are from Canada; Hamilton, Ontario to be exact.
The band is Tim Gibbons (TG) on guitar and vocals with “Swampy” Joe Klienfeltr on bass and Patch hitting the skins. TG’s vocals sound like a cross between J.J. Cale and Keith Richards, with a hint of Bob Dylan. His tone is relaxed and easy. With his vocals mixed with the laid-back feel of the album, you have music that is great to listen to. Kick off your shoes, sit back on the porch with a tasty beverage in hand, and dig in.
The whole album is approachable and a joy to listen to, but a few numbers stand-out. “Play Me Some Blues Keep It Country” is pure roots blues satisfaction with some fine guitar playing. TG and the Swampbusters play it with conviction and soul. “Country Side of Town” has a great old-time delta feeling that surely would influence a modern-day Elvis Presley. The combination of simple harp and slide make “Cornpone” sweet and delicious. Finally, “Hot Money” has Keith Richards written all over it. It’s a ragged alley cat of a song that you’d hear in a smoke-filled bar reeking of booze.
The roots of the blues keep on giving and TG and the Swampbusters have harvested a fine album with Swamp Tooth Comb.