CD Reviews

"A Stitch In Time"

Jesse Samsel

RoofTop Magic Records

This is a great concept album by Portland-based guitarist and vocalist Jesse Samsel. It’s packed full of recordings covering the span of Samsel’s career that he has dug up from his vaults that offer both studio and live material, plus interviews. Most of the numbers were penned by Samsel with the exception of a small handful written by Terry Evans and Jorge Calderon. All feature his incredible guitar playing.

The disc starts off with a 1989 performance of “Let It Ring,” recorded at the Battle of the Bands in Portland’s Memorial Coliseum. A fiery piece with Samsel’s guitar pealing monstrously. That is followed by “Port Of Sorrow” from the Steamy Windows EP Pucker Up. It has a Gary Moore “Still Got The Blues” feel to it, with Samsel sharing guitar work with Ken Scandlyn and though recorded back in 1991 still holds up strongly ten years later. There are plenty of rare pieces collected here and those long out of print. “Maria” is from a 1995 take that he had originally written in the 80s while working with the band Holland and “River Of Blues” has a nice vocal blend between himself and Zuzo Blue’s Brian Hadley. The closing track, “Never Comin’ Back,” is a beautifully recorded number that highlights Samsel’s vocal skills nicely.

What really makes this compilation exceptional though is the four radio interviews that Samsel has included, all conducted by KINK FM’s Oregon Music Hall of Fame DJ, the late Les Sarnoff. Two are with Samsel himself, while two include his former employer Terry Evans. Recorded between 1995 and 1998, all feature live on-air performances, including classics like “Come To The River,” “Get Up Get Ready” and “Rooftop Tomcat.”

There is also a selection offered here for the first time with Samsel backing Terry Evans once again titled “Calling Out To You.” Another remarkable song that captures Evans upbringing on Southern Soul to perfection.

Jesse Samsel, over the years has proven his mettle as a musician. Whether playing locally with his own unit or Steamy Windows, in the recording studios of Los Angeles with Ry Cooder or touring the world behind Terry Evans. This is a fantastic documentary of his prowess. And we know he’s not finished his career yet, so expect to hear more from one of the area’s best guitar players in the future. But pick this one up right away to capture that wonderful flavor now.

Total Time: 65:45

Let It Ring / Port Of Sorrow / River Of Blues / Rae Of Hope / Maria / Calling Out To You / !996 Interview with song Rooftop Tomcat / 1997 Interview with songs Get Up Get Ready and Big City Boy / 1997 Interview with songs Come To The River and Natural Born Loser / 1998 Interview with songs Dance Something We Can Play To and Daddy Like Playin’ The Blues / Never Comin’ Back

Reviewed by Greg Johnson