IAN THOMAS: A Young Man's Blues

Ian Thomas

A Young Man's Blues

© 2003 Ian Thomas & OddMob Records (826577200205)

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An energized and modern mix of old-time country, traditional folk, and "fast, focused, forward-looking blues."

notes

Ian Thomas's debut album is a "fast, focused, forward-looking" powerhouse of acoustic blues from one of the most honest and engaging undiscovered singer-songwriters of our time.

After traveling the country for years with a guitar and a knapsack strapped to his back, Ian Thomas gave up the wandering life and settled into New York City, busking for cash and living out of a beaten-up 1977 Toyota Corolla. It is this unusual life story that forms the backdrop of "A Young Man's Blues", an album that is as mired in the confusion and paranoia of the modern world as it is rooted in traditional American folk and blues.

While the album invokes the likes of Bob Dylan, Son House, and Townes Van Zandt, in the words of reviewer Neal Block, "... Thomas's voice and vision are surely his own."


Ian Thomas, "A Young Man's Blues" reviewed by Seven Days

Guitar-toting folkie Ian Thomas may reside in New York City, but his sound bypasses the concrete jungle for the deep rural territories of acoustic blues. For a youngster, Thomas has an astonishing command of his sound; this is timeless material expertly performed. Though each of the 12 tracks on "A Young Man's Blues" wakes memories of long-forgotten standards, they are all originals. Thomas effortlessly bounces through jaunty rags, crying ballads and gentle folk, treating each style with casual reverence. Many of the album's cuts are Dylanesque, but Thomas never seems to be copying the Minnesota marvel. Instead, their similarities arise from a common way of viewing the American music canon. The title track opens the disc amidst a flurry of plucked notes and passionate vocals. "Homey, Can I Count On You," on the other hand, is a sunny rag that swings with an irrepressible pop flair. Elsewhere, Thomas delves into gut-wrenching poetics and rousing raves, each with the same charming result.

reviews

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  • Inspirational. I am melting my CD player with this disc. Buy live at The Rookwoo
    author: Eric

    My new favorite singer/songwriter. I can't believe these songs were written by a 21+ year old man in this century. Some of the best songwriting since dylan and Simon & G. Buy this CD now and listen to it forever. Purchase his live at the Rockwood and hear "Halfway Gone," unbelievable. I discovered him in Johnson City, TN. and have since booked him for more shows in the area over the summer and fall. Come check him out.

  • I love Ian Thomas
    author: Christian

    This CD is everything that music was meant to be. This CD should change your life.

  • i'm seriously speechless when it comes to Ian thomas.
    author: eylene

    amazing! It's on my top 10 favorite albums of all times.

  • Good shit yo!
    author: Augwst

    Ian Thomas is the best act that no one has heard of. Buy this disk, and pick up a few for your friends. This kid is the real deal.

  • An unbelievable talent that defies the mainstream
    author: Matt Manus

    In short, I stumbled across Ian Thomas at a free music festival in Asheville, NC. When my buddy and I walked up there were about 10-15 people listening in. An hour later there were a couple hundred people crowded around the small cafe stage. His act was much like a Charlie Chaplain musical. He's puts an amazing amount of energy into his music, which really gives all of his songs a great feel. This is one singer/songwriter who's the real deal.

  • Replenish the wells...
    author: Michael Mazochi

    My first thoughts on this album were nothing short of "THANK GOD!" I cannot stress enough how delightful it was to hear Mr. Thomas's "Young Man Blues." The importance of a release like this cannot be overstated. I have been a music fan much longer than I have been a performer, and I can honestly say that this is the music of my life-blood. It pains me to say this, but right now the world NEEDS Ian Thomas. There are simply not enough songwriters who are continuing the traditions of Townes, Bobby, and John Hurt. Im not going to try to speak of originality (though I do feel that Ian has certainly created his own niche in the music world), I will simply say that this album is a shot of relief for any music fan or songwriter in this world of fickle values and temporary fixes. In my (not so humble) opinion if Ian Thomas had only made one album in his life he has already secured at least a small space in my internalized musical canon of modern folk-blues. Replenish the wells...buy this album...actually, buy 10 and hand them out.

  • A simplistic depth my soul can dance to
    author: Hannah

    This CD was incredible. It's hard to find a musician this age who will dedicate their style of music to this era. This album is so enjoyable on many levels. It's something that I enjoy to listen to the most with my windows down in my car; it makes me feel like I’ve been able to escape to another world. Wonderful voice, enjoyable lyrics - I enjoy its depth and the simplicity in guitar, harmonica, and kazoo.

  • a voice and talent so rare, it's hard to believe you're hearing it
    author: earl patrick

    i saw ian at a small cafe in the west village in new york, and short on cash, i regretted not being able to buy this cd directly from him at the time. a disc filled with haunting songs and melodies that invoke the ghosts of the beat(en) generation, "a young man's blues" is a modern window to an era when young men drank red wine from poorboys while riding straight from new york to san francisco to hear ginsberg read. this record is the real thing. don't leave without purchasing it. you'll be missing out.

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