When you think of “true American music,” what do you think of? What images come to mind? For me, it’s blue jeans, amazing guitar solos, and something a lot like “American Pie” by Don McLean. I may have been born in the 1990s, but I would have to say that the 1970s out of all decades had a lot of “true” American rock aspects to it.
Artie Tobia Personifies Americana
Artie Tobia may come from New York, but he has that Down South essence to him that screams “true American music.” Bringing us his latest album Aberdeen, you might notice some very familiar aspects to his voice.
Backed by his three-man band, each track from Artie Tobia’s newest album brings back a little bit of nostalgia for those that have lived through the 1970s. Hey, even if you haven’t, there’s definitely something here that you can enjoy.
The first track, “Kryptonite,” begins similar to “Let Her Cry” by Hootie and the Blowfish. I’m less than 5 seconds into the song and I’m already very intrigued. (Don’t judge, “Let Her Cry” is a great song.) Soon enough, the tempo picks up and we’re introduced to a blues-y guitar number. The song transforms again into a very bar-scene sound. There’s a country sound to Artie Tobia’s voice that blends very well with the guitar style we’re hearing here.
About halfway into the song, you’ll hear an excellent guitar solo, something that seems to be lacking from some rock songs these days. Accompanying female vocals make this track something that you’d expect to hear in Urban Cowboy. (Please tell me someone other than me has seen that movie.)
Aberdeen Filled with Variety
The second track, “Big Bosom Lady,” is about exactly that… How scandalous. The vocals in this song are somewhat similar to Toby Keith in the early to mid 1990s, and it brings me a lot of nostalgia for my childhood. There’s a certain raspiness to the vocals that complement the tempo of the song very well, and the lyrics tell a very interesting story.
“First He Was My Father” is one of the more emotional tracks on the album, a very moving song from a man to his father. This track is definitely all about the lyrics. Although the instrumentation definitely set the tone of the song, the story behind this song is its primary moving force. You don’t have to personally know Tobia to understand the importance this song carries for him. I’d have to say that anyone that’s lost a father or a father figure would feel a little tug at the heart strings listening to this one.
“Farewell” is the 9th and final track on Aberdeen, and it has a very mysterious vibe to it. Although you’ll only get a short clip of it on the site linked below, it’s enough to make you want to download it and hear more.
There’s a uniqueness to this one that’ll make you want to walk the downtown streets of Los Angeles past midnight. (Deep down I think I’ve always wanted to be a spy walking around to really mysterious music.) The tempo of this track does not follow the rest, making the entire experience a very unique one.
Artie Tobia is churning out some of the best, most thoughtful bluesy Americana you’re going to find. Catch him live any chance you get, including a headlining gig at the B.B. King Blues Club in Manhattan on May 11 and opening for Kansas at Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut on June 26.
Jacque Roche
Great article. Love the way you described Farewell! “There’s a uniqueness to this one that’ll make you want to walk the downtown streets of Los Angeles past midnight. (Deep down I think I’ve always wanted to be a spy walking around to really mysterious music.)”