"Blues with a Smile! Bobby Lindstrom's blues are on the brighter side of the spectrum. Even the sad songs have a silver lining, Bobby is a great spirit and it shows in his songwriting. Bobby & The Elkhorn Express should make more music together and play live as much as possible so I selfishly can dance with them. I didn't stop smiling through the entire album."
Sarina, mornings on Clear 1017
I was struck by several things listening to this album, having not heard Bobby play for, well, several decades anyway! First off, the general sound of the album is lean and spare, with minimal overdubbing - a refreshing change in this era of micro-massaging Rock and Roll with digital audio software (being a guitar player, I plead guilty as charged). All the rough spots are left alone, with no added reverb or echo, and that contributes to the raw freshness of the sound. Bobby's electric guitar sound from his well-worn Les Paul Goldtop is straight in the amp, edgy and crisp, with elements of Keith Richards, Johnny Winter, and Rick Derringer (with appropriate homage to Robert Johnson, Muddy, and the Kings---Albert, B.B., and Freddie, of course). The rhythm section of longtime Elkhorn cohorts Bill Jansen (bass), and Mike Carillo (drums) is simple, direct, and to the point. You can tell these guys know each other very well---it comes across like a familiar Sunday afternoon jam. The electric grooves are comfortable and energetic, and the lyrics are sometimes poignant (Everything We Need, You Can Get There From Here), and sometimes humorous (Pee Like A Puppy), but always simple and direct. Along For the Ride sounds like a rock and roll "be here now" mantra; an acknowledgement of a long journey with more in store. There's a sense of joy and frustration with relationships (Mandatory Mad X Husband Blues, and Mystery Girl), and the title track, Hungry, Cold and Blue, lets us know to be damn thankful for what we have. The last track, Angels in The Kitchen, is a perfect compliment for a Monday morning, home up the West Fork with your best gal, after a long week on the road. Good job, Bobby & Elkhorn. It's a long road, but a good one---take it out there and throw it down!
Love your new album, man! It really speaks to me...
RE: "Hungry, Cold And Blue" video....So glad to hear that again, Bob. The first time was when you played it for me here at home. Such a treat to have a private concert that day. Keep on rockin
RE: "hungry, Cold And Blue" video....Aaahh that was awesome!!
RE: "Hungry, Cold And Blue" video.......great song, thanks for sharing it with folks.....
RE: "Hungry, Cold And Blue" CD....Bobby - You are on fire for sure...be careful, you'll ignite everybody around you! I love your spirit and your drive and your eagerness right now. I know it gets a little overwhelming, but go, baby, go! The time is now and now's the time!
I just listened to your CD. I was filled with joy for you. You have painted a masterpiece. You should be a very proud papa.
Aloha and hang loose my friend!
I received your CD yesterday. We have listened to about half and are really enjoying it. It may be that I am listening with "better ears" but you sound better than ever! Your guitar playing is, as always, top notch.
Take Care,
John
"Outstanding, Still jammin and belting it out Bobby, Always good to hear ya. Hope all is well for you and your family. Roy Jr."
Bobby always tells it like it is.
Reviewer: Kathy Walker
Even though I know Bobby personally, I would like this cd. Anybody that writes a song titled Pee like a Puppy has my vote.
"Bobby, you are a great singer, guitarist, and you have some great songs. But above and beyond all that, when you are on stage, the vibes you put out attract people to you and they want to be with you."
"I knew Bobby from LA when he was out of his mind. Look! He's stealing something now!!"
......a talented musician and dear friend of Monica & I at Harbour Music. His name is Bobby Lindstrom and his music is as unique as he is genuine. The diversity in his writing and sound gives him a style all his own....I highly recommend checking out Bobby's music.
"For an album that epitomizes guitar-driven Blues/Rock music, track down a copy of A Lick And A Promise"
Bobby Lindstrom is a guitar slinger of many years experience with the likes of Big Brother & The Holding Company, Clarence Clemmens, Henry Vestine & others. In collaboration with renowned rock producer, Sam Densmore (Husker Du, The Replacements, R E M, Silverhawk) "A Lick & A Promise" is Bobby Lindstrom's songwriting showcase debut. The 11 tracks are heavy on rock, power-pop & guitar pyrotechnics which will suit those who came to Blues via rock & heavy metal. The Blues origins are there but you may need to stretch your concepts of what is & what isn't.
Hailing from a small town in the Pacific Northwest, singer-songwriter Bobby Lindstrom draws up his surroundings to write blue-collar blues-soaked bar-rock, shuffling songs that make you want to get up and dance. Also implementing a strong understanding of melody, Lindstrom's greasy, drinking man numbers contain strong hooks, making the blues-rock that much more memorable, that much more danceable. Shake your hips, move your hands, and party on down with Lindstrom, because his A Lick And A Promise is a party record for the older crowd. The type of rock-driven blues that just makes you want to have a good time no matter what....."
"...On A Lick And A Promise Oregonian Bobby Lindstrom bounces between blues, old-school rock and straight-up pop. His best weapons are his super gravelly voice and filthy guitar tone but he's also surprisingly adept at writing in each of those styles as well. Though modern attempts at blues often sound stale and quaint, a result of the static nature of the form and the by=the-number passion of some practitioners, "What Did I Do?" is a chugging number highlighted by a muted horn section (just one guy*, multi-tracked) and Bobbys biting leads, not too flashy, not too rote...."
* That "one guy" happens to have been Paul Biondi. I wouldn't play him down, there, Rusty......BL