Recognised as a formidable guitarist who can channel iconic six stringers such as Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Nolen while adding a large dash of blues and soul, JD Simo is an acclaimed guitarist and singer who, at 34, has paid his dues as both a sought after session musician and frontman, initially as part of the group SIMO and more recently as a solo artist.
JD’s self-titled second solo album is out now. Preceded by the singles ‘One Of Those Days’ and ‘Love’, it combines his blues roots with psychedelic rock, classic R&B and soul. New focus song ‘The Movement’ is the opening song on the record and trucks along on a hummable groove as the high-register hook soars. “It’s about me trying to remind myself to be as ethical as I can be. My aim is to get out of my subconscious,” explains JD.
Each album in JD’s discography (whether in a group or solo) has built upon its predecessor, with ‘JD Simo’ continuing that trend. Songs such as ‘Love’ and ‘Help’ also represent his own mental and emotional growth. Speaking about the inspiration behind these and the other self-written songs on the album, JD says: “I never imagined when I wrote these songs about my own struggles that it would be so appropriate for this moment. Being a new father, going through recovery and figuring out how to become the person I want to be, these underlying things focused on what I had to express. Empathy, growth, trauma and, most of all, love. I’m proud of it! It’s exactly what I want to say and share. Please take care of yourselves and I hope you dig it! Much love and always keep it greasy!”
‘JD Simo’ also includes four distinctive cover versions: ‘Out Of Sight’ by James Brown, ‘Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquadalmistic’ by Isaac Hayes and Al Bell, ‘Soul Of A Man’ by Blind Willie Johnson and ‘Anna Lee’ by Earl Hooker.
JD has been bringing his music and personality to fans via various projects begun while in lockdown. Greasy Time is a weekly Facebook Live series where he performs, plays some of his favourite music and interacts with fans, Brother From Another Mother is an Instagram podcast where he chats with other musicians, while #TShirtTales is an Instagram series where he supports local businesses, artists and other things that he likes, creating Spotify playlists to coincide with each episode.
album also includes the singles
ONE OF THOSE DAYS
video
youtu.be/lwJ6xztg5hg
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LOVE
video
youtu.be/CgQj02ddFYQ
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