Tom Larsen
“My Paper’s Low
Deep Ride Records

Our guitar slinging Maryland homeboy’s new record is yet another example of rockin’ blues excellence. Whether ripping into a rocker, strumming an acoustic number or laying down his trademark funky blues, you’re in for a treat. This is the Tom Larsen Band’s tenth disc, and the first studio recording since 1995’s classic “Dangerous Love”. Aided by drummer Tony Robinson and bassist Craig Roberts, the TLB are constantly booked on the Eastern Shore and in Delaware, as well as national blues festivals.

“Rockin’ Blues” is the tune that sets the pace – a rollicking, quick picking upbeat number that will get the crowd moving. “The Road” is an ode to, yup, the touring life and gigs that define what these musicians do. On the title track, Tom rips over a funky groove about how tough times are (and this is before the September crash!). The rhythm section is incredibly tight on this number. They get into a rhythm and blues thing with “Don’t Let Go”, featuring the Somerset Gospelaires, a gospel group that provides back-up vocals on a few cuts. “Back Up” features some great heavy guitar, while “Aggravation” is rock ‘n roll boogie with Tom singing pissed. Listening to “Bulldog’ sends the listener down on some Delta backporch, a great acoustic slide number about “packin’ heat”. “Smack That Ass” sounds like a ribald Leon Redbone number. “Makeup Sex” is a typical Larsen number, giving advice on how to solve your relationship problems. “Walk Away” is similar in lyrics to the Little Charlie and the Nightcats classic “The Booty Song”.

Tom has been chronicling his 30 years as a musician, recently published in book form. Also, included in The Elusive One will be his weight training/power lifting routines requested by fans.

We caught a TLB show last week in Delaware, and you won’t get a similar performance by many like that. Nearly four hours of great funky blues! I would match him with any current guitar giant and he would hold his own. Search his website www.tomlarsenband.com, find out where the band is playing, and by all means buy a copy of “My Paper’s Low”

By Bill Camp
Published by Baltimore Blues Society “Blues Rag” February 2009