Rick Holmstrom
By Mike O’Cull
Acclaimed Grammy-winning guitarist Rick Holmstrom steps out of his usual sideman role and takes a turn as the funkiest band leader in town on his new instrumental solo album Get It!. Set to be released March 4th, 2022 on Holmstrom’s own LuEllie Records imprint, the record is composed of 14 heavily grooving, no-vox tracks put down in a selection of Los Angeles studios and garages by Holmstrom’s mighty trio. “Garages and funky joints are where we play our best stuff, anyway,” he says and, judging by the overload of sweat and lather on these new cuts, Holmstrom is a truthful man. He’s well-known and respected for the 15 years he’s spent backing up vocalist/activist/living legend Mavis Staples but he retains every bit of his coolness here, doing it all his way.
Rick Holmstrom is an incredibly talented guitarist who has spent more than three decades backing up a wide array of major talents. He’s worked with William Clarke, Smokey Wilson, Rod Piazza, Johnny Dyer, and Booker T. He’s also earned a Grammy Award and a trio of nominations with Mavis Staples and has accompanied her on tours with Bonnie Raitt and Bob Dylan. In and amongst all this activity, Holmstrom has made six solo records that display his knack for blending blues, funk, roots and soul influences into a personal style that flows like water from his hands. He’s a guitarist’s guitarist who seems to distinguish himself every time he plugs in.
The overall vibe on Get It! is fun, fun, and more fun. It’s the perfect record for blowing off some pandemic steam, having a time, and tearing up the dancefloor. “We made this record for good times…BBQs, parties, car rides…lots of 2 1/2 minute songs…it was a blast to make,” Holmstrom relates. Indeed, the grooves are neck-deep from the jump-off opener “Looky Here” and just keep on rising. Holmstrom’s guitar style is sparse, soulful, and acutely aware of the value of open space. His unhurried, idea-laden lines are the furthest thing from the way most guitar players approach trio playing and he rides way down in the pocket at all times. Backed by his ultra-responsive rhythm section of Steve Mugalian (drums) and Gregory Boaz (bass), Holmstrom can do no wrong.
“All About My Girls” is an uptempo blues shuffle that gives RH all the room he needs to show off without ever showboating. He attacks the 12-bar from multiple angles, deploying stinging, single-note phrases, chromatically descending chords, and the wisdom to know when to push and when to pull. The track comes off like the most happening late-night dive bar set you’ve ever seen, each player so consumed with the music that nothing else is of any concern. The three players are hypnotic in their shared connection and we’re the lucky ones that get invited in to listen.
Holmstrom’s funk workout “Bubbles” throws down a mid-speed, percolating beat that gets covered in heavily-reverbed guitar licks that’ll keep your ears glued to your speakers. Again, Rick is wide open and fearless, using space to his advantage and letting the tune breathe. He pulls you into what he’s doing so smoothly that you barely notice the spell he’s casting until he’s got you. One spin and you’ll get it.
Every bit of Get It! is worth your while, so drop the needle with confidence. If you do, however, need some guidance, “Weeping Tana” and “Surfer Chuck” are not to be missed. Rick Holmstrom is lowdown, slick, and triumphant on this new effort and reminds us that he’s one of the most musically savvy players out there. Need to get happy? Listen to this!
Rick Holmstrom website
Very nice! I didn’t realize that Rick had all of them solo cd’s. I’m definitely going to have to check out his catalog.
Just wonderful!! I see dancing in my future when this album is released!