Here's a slightly closer look at the Arcari/Roots story from this month's Blues in Britain, with pics by Margaret McDonald, Leif Laaksonen, and Siret Roots.
Below are some cool pics from last month's Howth Roots & Blues Festival in Ireland, by Peter Mirolo.
"The Estonian king of (mainly) acoustic blues instrumentals Andres Roots has re-established his following since Covid as a regular and welcome visitor to these shores," writes Darwen about the 2024 recording.
"Fifteen songs, all instrumentals, all solo and acoustic, and all well worth a listen. They vary from the lovely blues of ‘Springtime Blues’ and ‘Station Blues Medley’ and the sprightly ‘4 A.M. Hot Dog’ (nice bass string snapping) to the self-explanatorily titled ‘Tango Walk’, the “confusing” ‘Django’ and excellent covers of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘The Wind Cries Mary’ and, to finish off, The Beatles’ Come Together’, whilst ‘Spanish Run’ sounds like a vintage rock guitar instrumental from the early ‘60s – maybe."
"Restrained subtlety is Roots’ stock in trade," suggests John, having witnessed the more recent set at the same venue. "Andres has a dry wit to accompany his dexterous playing and this approach to gentle storytelling enhanced his fine set of instrumentals, his guitar weaving through tangos, swing and folk blues."
Reviewing "Solo Pieces" for the October issue of Blues in Britain magazine, Norman Darwen writes: "As good as ever... completely solo - though you might not believe me about that... reminded me of Deep Purple as re-imagined by Texas slide guitar bluesman Black Ace... if it's good enough for God, it's gotta be good enough for us mere mortals."
Check out the magazine HERE - and hear the album HERE!
The latest issue of Blues in Britain magazine comes with a look back on summer festivals in the UK - and their Upton Blues Festival gallery below features a lovely image of Andres Roots from the festival's Acoustic Roots Stage in St Peter & St Paul's Church, by Chris Roberts. Cheers!
The June issue of Blues in Britain magazine contains Norman Darwen's review of "Vol. 12". Calling Andres Roots "Estonia's finest, and one of the prime acoustic blues instrumental players", Mr. Darwen singles out the "expected excellent slide playing" on "Birdsong Thing" and the "delicate and attractive kora-like playing" heard on "Dromedary" - while "the closing "Sherwood" sounds like it could evolve into a classic rock item".
Meanwhile in America's Blues Blast Magazine, John Mitchell concludes that "there is no doubt that Andres Roots is a fine picker and those who enjoy acoustic guitar playing will be sure to find music here that suits their tastes." You can find the latter review in its entirety HERE.
"My, but this is wonderful… Recorded live at the Augustibluus Festival in Haapsalu, Estonia, these five tracks are just bursting with energy and wild slide licks - not only Elmore style, but there are also dashes of Earl Hooker and his wah wah slide playing. The Hound Dog Taylor flavoured instrumental, ‘Hawaiian Boogie’, rocks like crazy, but then, so too do ‘Dust My Broom’, ‘One Way Out’, ‘Look On Yonder Wall’ and ‘Shake Your Moneymaker’... These guys just hit it and let it go where it takes them."
There's a few copies of the CD still left - order HERE!
