"The third EP from Athens, OH blues quartet Corbin Marsh Band, "Hammer & Spark" displays a fierce combination of blues-based grit and tightly-focused songwriting brought to life by a highly-polished and full-bodied production style.
"The diverse set of four originals and one cover (a traditional gospel tune given wide distribution by Led Zeppelin) spans an intriguing melange of influences. "Learning to Roam" sports a rockabilly feel and "Convenience Store Love" sports more of a roots-funk swagger, while "Old Flame" seems like a lost Nashville B-side from some old AM radio station. The opening track, "Idaho", is harder to pin down - somewhere between a revival at the Church of Tom Waits and a funeral procession led by Hendrix himself.
"What's perhaps most surprising about "Hammer & Spark" is the careful juxtaposition of modern-day studio clarity and vintage country lawlessness. The use of small amps, distantly-placed mics, acoustic-electric or resonator guitars, and primarily live whole-band recording could have resulted in a boxed-in mud puddle of an album. Producer Jay Alton, however, seems to have known just when to stretch the dichotomy to the sweet spot, and only used digital tools when they helped bring out the true character of the band's traditionally-informed compositions.
With a fabulous mix of well-written Americana tunes married to pristine audio craftsmanship, "Hammer & Spark" is sure to delight any fan of classic electric blues music."
-Richpork Magazine
credits
released June 23, 2013
All songs by Corbin Marsh except "In My Time of Dyin'" [traditional].
Recorded and produced by Jay Alton at Sonic Lounge Studio in Columbus, OH.
Mastered by Cameron Henry at Reel East Nashville in Nashville, TN.
Mike Flynn - Lead Guitar
Jeff Strittholt - Bass
Chris Lee - Drums/Backing Vocals/Wurlitzer
Corbin Marsh - Guitar/Vocals
*featuring Sarah Green on backing vocals (tracks 3 & 5)
This album is dedicated to the Marsh Family: Gregg & Penny, Alex French, Evan Clark and Molly Clark, Becky Marsh and Kate Marsh. We cannot express how much your enthusiasm and support means to us. We really could not have done this without you.
Thanks also to Josh Young for putting up with us, Mick Dzuban for the gear, George Dickel for the emotional support, and to all our friends and families, fans, and Athens, OH.
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