Customer Reviews

Travelin' Man

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was fortunate to sit with Roy many times as he played Travelin' Man, Delia and others. He was my camp counselor back in '74 at MedOlark in Maine and he kept us endlessly entertained with his playing. My signed album is a cherished momento of my youth :)

The songs are wonderful stories and musical pieces. Roy has a lot of fun with them, and his glass slide is not to be believed.

Travelin' Man is a wonderful album. Try it, you'll like it :)

While a student at SUNY-Albany in the 1970s I used to go to Saratoga Springs, NY to see Roy Bookbinder at Cafe Lena. It was great to see him up close and experience him enjoying what he did so well. I was able to enjoy his renditions which appeared on this his first album. I owned the LP and wore out the grooves. The CD brings back those good times and is a good introduction to the styles and people to whom he tries to remain faithful.

The same as another reviewer, I also had the great pleasure of hearing Roy at Mead-O-lark over several consecutive summers in the mid 70's.

Roy is the real deal. A down to earth traveling bluesman in every sense, that sings, plays and tells a story straight from the heart like few others. His stories, the memories of fishing on Washington Pond and most notably his music have left an impression on me that will last my lifetime. His playing has surely formed and influenced my love of music to this day.

If you are ever fortunate enough to meet him, ask him if he still has that record setting stuffed Bass caught in Washington Pond. Perhaps he won't mind telling you all about it.

this re-issue is a delightful CD collection of classic blues and ragtime pieces. Bookbinder's guitar technique is first-rate, and his treatment of these tunes is both authentic and tasteful. His voice and fingerpicking guitar, as well as the selection of material make this a truly great blues experience. guitar players will likely treasure this CD as I have.

Roy Bookbinder is a rare breed who was able to take the old acoustic blues styles and make them come to life. The stylings are mostly East Coast (Piedmont, Gary Davis, Blind Blake) and his playing captures the nuances that make the guitar work beguiling (Delia is a treasure to listen to---clean and complex). Bookbinder brings his storytelling approach (see him in concert or on YouTube) to his vocals. As a result, old tunes and out-dated lyrics come back to life.

This is a satisfying collection to enjoy. Every song is strong. See him live if you get the chance.

It's not a five because it doesn't break new ground or do anything better than anyone did it before.