Justin Golden (from the album Hard Times and a Woman

Justin Golden (from the album Hard Times and a Woman available on Justin Golden Music) (by Brian Rock)
Justin Golden blends Blues themes with Indie Rock arrangements on his debut, Hard Times and a Woman. Recorded in Richmond, VA in the heart of the Piedmont region, Golden naturally gravitates toward the Piedmont style of Blues finger-picking. Producer Chip Hale recruited a regional all-star cast of musicians to help flesh out Golden’s Blues with fuzzed-out guitars, electric organ, and harmonica to create a more robust, Americana sound.
“Why the Sun Goes Down” epitomizes the creative synergy between old school Blues and modern Americana. With a full band and backing vocalists, Justin Golden plays uplifting major chords on his electric guitar as he shares the joy of reuniting with his lover. Singing, ‘now I know why the sun goes down; it’s another day closer till you come back around’; he exudes a Jackie Wilson level of happiness. The backing vocals and electric organ add a subtle Gospel flavor to the Indie Rock/Blues fusion.
“Can’t Get Right”, “Lightning When She Smiles”, and “If I Keep It Together” continue the Blues/Rock partnership. Part Stone Temple Pilots and part Blues Traveler, Justin Golden puts a distinctive Blues spin on 90’s Indie Rock rhythms but Golden also unplugs to pay a more authentic tribute to his Piedmont roots. “Moon Far Away” showcases his acoustic finger picking style. Again, using uplifting tones, he sings ‘when I get up and when I sleep, I’m gonna spend my whole life lovin’ on you’. Proving that Blues doesn’t have to equate with sadness, Justin Golden captures the spirit of Taj Mahal and Vance Gilbert to create a vibrant ‘joy of living’ Blues. He continues that same theme and tone with added harmonica on “No Riches”. “Must Be Honey” is every bit as sweet as it sounds. And “Oh Lord, Oh Lord” adds Bluegrass/Gospel elements to offer up a prayer for guidance in a turbulent world. But in the end, Blues is Blues and Golden can’t resist the call of the Delta. “Ain’t Just Luck”, “The Gator”, and “Pulling Weight” add a layer of swamp-tinged rhythms to his music. Facing life’s darker side head on, Justin Golden deals with heartache, poverty, and bad luck. “Pulling Weight” addresses this darker side of the Blues with the line ‘I got a burden I can’t tame. It knows my soul. It knows my name. Lord, I got to keep moving, so I’m pulling this weight’. From despair to triumph and from acoustic to electric, Justin Golden knows his way around the Blues. Like different facets of the same gem, Hard Times and a Woman shines from every angle. Rock Blues, Piedmont Blues, and Delta Blues all sparkle with Justin’s Golden touch. (by Brian Rock)
For more information and purchase options, please visit the Justin Golden website
 

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