BLUES JUNCTION Productions
7343 El Camino Real
Suite 327
Atascadero, CA 93422-4697
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Beginning in the 1960’s, Minneapolis-Saint Paul started its transformation into a well-fortified blues colony. Contributing to this reputation was the arrival of Mojo Buford and later California transplants Kim Wilson and Lynwood Slim. R.J. Mischo entered the scene and held down the outpost of Minneapolis – Saint Paul for a good 20 years or so. Doug Otto and Harold Tremblay are a pair of musicians out of the Twin Cities who, with this brand new release, continue this rich Minnesota tradition.
Doug Otto is a terrific singer/songwriter as well as a fine guitarist. The 33 year old troubadour is joined on this album by harp man “Hurricane” Harold who, despite his blustery moniker, doesn’t blow it by over-extending his welcome. He offers tasteful support throughout, Blues at Barkin’ Jacks.
Tremblay told me recently that he started playing harp 44 years ago. Although it has been in the last 20 years that, after putting the instrument away while being a dad, he got very serious and immersed himself in the instrument. He describes his playing as being mostly old school country and Chicago/West Coast blues.
For twelve years Tremblay blew harp with the band Cool Disposition. This five piece ensemble worked the festival circuit in the upper mid-west. Tremblay has sat in with John Primer, Janiva Magness, John Nemeth, Nick Moss and Junior Watson when they came through town as well as with locals Mojo Buford and R. J. Mischo and their bands.
The star of this show however is Doug Otto whose original tunes are sprinkled in amongst some lesser known songs written by some of the biggest names in the pre and post war blues era. From Charlie Patton to Lonnie Johnson through Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, the duo toggles between electric and acoustic numbers in this well balanced, well executed ten song offering.
Otto’s guitar playing is up to the task yet at no time smothers the great choice of material. He also has a voice of impressive elasticity that can handle the upper register requirements of Skip James’ Hard Time Killing Floor, without sounding like a jack ass on helium with his nuts in a vice. On his own material he employs a more countrified approach to his singing which has a confident yet world weary feel.
Otto plays with a maturity and self assuredness that, as Tremblay pointed out to me, is “beyond his years.” The self-conscious, faux bravado that often plagues the genre is completely eschewed by Otto and Tremblay on Blues at Barkin’ Jacks. In other words... no “uff da” here.
The secret weapon is longtime Minnesota blues man Jeremy Johnson. The veteran guitarist opened up his home studio to the duo where the entire CD was recorded live. Johnson engineered and mixed the album.
The entire record has a rich, warm sound that I believe might be a comforting retreat from the harsh realities of winter. At this time of year, if you live in the land of ten thousand frozen lakes or even if you reside in a place with a more moderate climate, Blues at Barkin’ Jacks will put you in a back porch hammock and warm your soul.
- David Mac...dedicated to Barkin’ Jack
Copyright 2022 BLUES JUNCTION Productions. All rights reserved.
BLUES JUNCTION Productions
7343 El Camino Real
Suite 327
Atascadero, CA 93422-4697
info