Peter Trappen, with his four decades of experience and a Grammy nod under his belt, became a blues mesmerist with his latest single, Cottonmouth Blues.
The atmosphere of a blues bar unfurls through the release as Trappen’s textured Jim Morrison and Jimmy Buffet-esque croons drape over the guitar progressions which testify to his intuitive connection with his fretboard and his ability to materialise seductive echoes of alchemy with his notes.
Reminiscent of Eric Clapton’s and Mark Knopfler’s deft grooves, the guitars are an aphrodisiac to the rhythmic pulses as they introduce the sound and soul of a man who has soaked in the flavours of Motown, Memphis Soul, and Chicago Blues. The Epiphone Les Paul through a cranked Fender Blues Jr. ensures every note is a reverent whisper to blues’ storied past and a bold statement in its ongoing evolution.
The backing instrumentation, featuring stalwarts like Paul Hirsh on keys and Martin Ditcham on drums, complements Trappen’s work perfectly, making every moment of the track resonate with bluesy purity.
Stream Cottonmouth Blues on SoundCloud now and follow Peter Trappen on Facebook.
Review by Amelia Vandergast