selwyn birchwood living in a burning house

​Selwyn Birchwood (from the album Living in a Burning House available on Alligator Records) (by Joe Burcaw) 
What pile of rubble have I been sleeping under is the only question I seriously need to ask myself? I just finished listening to young axe slinger Selwyn Birchwood’s Living in a Burning Housealbum and all I can say is WTF! Why is this cat not mainstreamed and on the front cover of Rolling Stone magazine? And how has he flown somewhat under the radar? I am floored and smitten simultaneously, if that’s at all possible? This dude lays down the law and takes no prisoners while packing sonic punches of Blues infused grit and grime. This is Selwyn Birchwood’s third release on Alligator Records. The label is celebrating 50 years in the biz in 2021, and Selwyn is the first release to kick off festivities. The album was recorded in Selwyn’s home state of Florida with 3-time Grammy winning producer Tom Hambridge, so the formula for success is inevitable. The title track has a tight syncopated groove that takes me back to the early days of Chicago Transit Authority with the catchy horn stabs and up front lead guitar playing. If I was to close my eyes, I could almost feel the spirit of Terry Kath and Dr. John channeling through Mr. Birchwood’s finger tips and vocal cords. I am a huge sucker for production, and this record is as crisp and clear as an early winter morning in Rutland, Vermont. 
“You Can’t Steal My Sunshine” is another up-tempo jam showcasing the electric swamp funkiness of Selwyn Birchwood’s right-handed rhythm playing. At the 2:18 minute marker the band drops out leaving us with a quarter note kick/hi-hat feel, which showcases the ultra-hip panning of the funky rhythm guitars . The 32-bar wah-wah guitar solo definitely tapped into Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” vibe, and The Purple One would be so very proud of the final outcome. I noticed the baritone saxophone spreading its wings all over this recording and rightfully so, this instrument enhances any genre of music it accompanies. “One More Time” is one of those powerfully executed 1950’s inspired ballad that lends itself to a sixteen-bar guitar and sax solo, with a few crafty pick up notes leading us in gracefully. I hear so much of Jimi Hendrix’s influence on Birchwood’s rhythm guitar voicings, it just oozes all over this one, and that makes this Hendrix fan smile from the inside out. I have to hand it to you Selwyn Birchwood, you’ve sold this album over from bar one of listening to your music. It’s not often we get to hear someone rise from the ashes of this current state of musical mediocrity with a penchant for world dominance. Here’s to you kid as I tip my hat in your direction......... (by Joe Burcaw)
Listen and buy the music of Selwyn BIrchwood from AMAZON
 
For more info, check out the Selwyn Birchwood website
Spotify EMBED:
<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/1eBYbklgOrUS8hYho7rPXj" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe>

---