ALBUM REVIEW: Otis Gibbs – Hoosier National

Otis Gibb’s album, “Hoosier National” released officially on Sept 18th, 2020 and he has some thoughts on his timing here “I think it’s safe to say, this is the absolute worst possible time to release a record. Most people would give up at this point, but I’m not most people. “
Well, to hell with the pandemic, I’m glad this recording has shown itself. The production is nice and clean. It feels like every song has what it needs, no unnecessary reverbs, guitar overdubs, strings or indulgent extra vocals etc.
In fact, there are no harmonies here; just Otis’s gravelly and sincere vocal style.

“I recorded this album at my buddy, Thomm Jutz’s place. It’s all electric and that’s a first for me. We pieced together a great band of musicians/friends. Thomm played electric guitar, Mark Fain played bass, Lynn Williams played drums, Jen Gunderman played organ and piano, and I sang and played electric guitar. “
Yes, Otis has more been known as the man with the acoustic guitar. I first heard of him when we were both playing, The Rhythm and Roots Festival in Ireland back in 2009. I was with my bawdier 3 piece electric unit and Otis was playing in the other room solo on that day. I did not get to hear him. But I saw the crowd exit from his show and everyone was clearly exhilarated from his performance. It stuck with me.

I am enjoying re-playing this album over and over. I think the purchase of the vinyl will be nice. I can tell it has the right kind of warmth that will make the grooves of a record breathe.
The drummer, Lynn Williams was the perfect player to introduce Otis’s writing to the electric world. He serves the songs tastefully, giving each number the right touch without blowing the classic Otis Gibbs mood off the recordings.

Mr. Gibbs is a storyteller and a photographer and there are clues to both talents in his lyrics. But he also likes to massage his words. In the song,“Panhead”, he sings,
“When he shut it off I remember asking why was it leaking oil,
He said son that’s how ya know it’s a Harley,
Cuz it marks it territory”. It’s satisfying to hear how he makes leaking oil and territory work as a sort of rhyme.

Esquire said, “Gibbs has been likened to everyone from Guthrie to Springsteen — but his is the rare voice that stands on its own.”
Ok, I’ll try the comparison game as well… This is Otis Gibbs with a JJ Cale like approach; simple, understated and skillfully to the point. I wonder if he will even tour with a band like this on the other side of the pandemic.
Careful Otis, ya might become more of a rocker, and Pete Seeger isn’t here to cut the cable.

You can find the record:
https://otisgibbs.bandcamp.com
or
http://otisgibbs.bigcartel.com/

Jack Grace