Blog Alert!- J.D. Simo- Off at 11- A Testament To The Guitar!

JD Simo- Off at 11

The latest release from JD Simo “Off at 11” is a virtual “Time Machine” of some very searing, hot, reverb drenched licks and a re-imagining of some important blues treasures. All coming from a guitarist that seems to be coming to grips with his true identity.

Simo’s last record Rise and Shine (2017) was an over produced version of great playing and good songs. But It didn’t capture what this musician is all about. “Off at 11” is the logical next step from Simo’s “Let Love Show The Way” (2016) which is more aligned with who he is. “Off at 11’s” stripped down, blues/rock/jam power trio joints weaves us in and out beautifully as it pulls us through sonic decades on his very excellent time machine.

Astounding versions of “I Got Love If Yo Want It” and “Sweet Little Angel” should make others leery of ever covering those tunes again. The title track and the closer “Accept” are amazing blues jam excursions that meet ABB standards and rival “Phishing” trips by a mile.

But let me go back to the soul stirring version of “Sweet Little Angel” for just a minute. I invite you to close your eyes as Simo takes you all around the world without leaving the room. The astute and meaningful vocabulary he uses with that ES-335 is a musical testament to not only the blues but is also an incredibly strong argument that the guitar is still an important part of the musical equation and in direct opposition to how many in popular music view the instrument as purely “Ornamental” regarding its place in the sonic landscape.

So, good on ya, J.D. Simo, for realizing your importance and role in all of the white noise and holding true to your identity. A troubadour and protector of the electric guitar and its place in American music.

Folks, dont just stream this… BUY IT!

Mark Daven
Guitar Radio Show
3/1/19