Sid Selvidge – I Should Be Blue – Archer Records ARR-31935, 38:01 ****:
(Sid Selvidge – vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, baritone guitar; Don Dixon – bass, piano, baritone guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals; Steve Selvidge – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals; Paul “Snowflake Taylor – drums, washtub bass; Amy Speace – vocals; Al Gamble – organ; Sam Shoup – upright bass, piano; Susan Marshall & Reba Russell, vocals; Deborah Swiney – shaker; Amy LaVere – upright bass.)
The music of Sid Selvidge is not easy to classify. He has described himself as a disciple of “Memphis Music and All Its Derivatives.” Born in Mississippi, Sid would eventually move to Memphis to learn to play the blues from Furry Lewis and Mississippi Fred McDowell. He would impress critics with his unique blend of country, blues, rock, and even a little jazz. He has toured the world, played Carnegie Hall, and can claim Bob Dylan as an admirer.
At the core of this artist is his singing ability. Possessing a smooth baritone, with a flexible range, he is part of the tradition of the American troubadour, interpreting songs with a combination of melancholy, wit and sentiment.
On “I Should Be Blue,” Selvidge shows off his stylish repertoire. On “How I Got to Memphis”, the opening track by Tom T. Hall, and his own “Dimestore Angel”, the listener can get a feel for his country roots. There is a fresh arrangement of the Donovon classic, “Catch the Wind”, highlighted by a rockabilly feel and vocal accompaniment of songwriter, Amy Speace. Speace also added a song, “Two”, as her crystal voice blends perfectly with Selvidge’s deeper ruminating tone throughout the album.
There are several songs that showcase his dynamic singing. On the original composition, “Lucky That Way”, there is a jazzy, higher register, and a calypso tinged opus, “A Blonde Girl (In A Convertible Automobile)” has immediate appeal with a subtle organ and doo wop backing vocals. A sly falsetto laced blues number, “You’re Gonna Look Just Like a Monkey (When You Get Old)” is both comic and soulful. Selvidge extends his eclectic sensibilities with covers of Tim Hardin, Townes Van Zandt and even Duke Ellington. The supporting musicians (including his son, Steve) frame the songs with a delicate touch. The tracks, for the most part were completed in two or three takes, creating a live feel.
For anyone who has not heard Sid Selvidge, I Should Be Blue is a great place to start.
TrackList: That’s How I Got To Memphis; Don’t Make Promises (You Can’t Keep); Catch The Wind; Dimestore Angel; I’ll Be Here in the Morning; Lucky That Way; Fine Hotel; The Dolphins; A Blonde Headed Girl (In A Convertible Automobile); Two; You’re Gonna Look Just Like a Monkey (When You Get Old); Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.
— Robbie Gerson
