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Originally from Russia and now living in Canada since 2008, Arsen Shomakhov wasted no time making a huge name for himself after crossing the waters. He has toured extensively throughout the USA, Europe, and Canada, leading him to many accolades and awards along the way, which have included being "declared the "Best Emerging Artist by the Sonny Boy Blues Society", in 2007". Shomakhov's previous album, "On The Move", "quickly climbed to #1 on the Canada Roots Music Charts and #2 on the American Top 50 Blues Chart for the week of August 6, 2010" and after listening to "Dynamic", I have no doubt's that it will also receive similar recognition. "Dynamic" consists of 10 really entertaining Tracks, 4 originals written by Arsen Shomakhov and 6 super covers. Joining Arsen Shomakhov (Guitars/Vocals), are Bruce O'Neill (Upright & Electric Bass/Backing Vocals) and Chip Hart (Drums). This core of performers is what makes up the common formation of the Arsen Shomakhov Trio, which was their setup for the show I seen. Additionally performers on "Dynamic" included Jerry Cook (Tenor/Baritone Sax Tracks 1,4,7) and Dave Webb (Piano Tracks 3 & 4 and Hammond Organ Tracks 1 & 7). "Dynamic" contains a lot of really fine music of which 3 of my favorites were Track 2 "Mellow Down Easy", Track 6 "Can't Save A Dollar", and the closing Track "Swamp Train". "Mellow Down Easy", is a Willie Dixon tune that was first recorded by Little Walter in 1954. It was Subsequently recorded by greats "Cactus, Paul Butterfield, The Black Crowes, Carey Bell, ZZ Top, and Jimmy Reed", to name a few. This tune is one of 6 on "Dynamic" that we just get the Trio of performers, which allows all of them to really shine. A very similar feel to ZZ Top, especially when Shomakhov is just playing Guitar and then Hart and O'Neill join in. Arsen Shomakhov just rips it on Guitar as he did many times throughout the show I seen of his. "Can't Save A Dollar", caught my attention right away, with an opening that sounded like an old 50's Radio or TV commercial, this particular one dealing with a lending company. "Can't Save A Dollar" is another cover, this time around a Jeff Turmes original. This was one of my favorite tunes when I first heard it live and I was quite happy to see it included on "Dynamic". Great work, once again from all involved. The closer, "Swamp Train", a Arsen Shomakhov original, starts rolling into the station via Chip Hart, one of the very finest Drummers in Canada. Arsen Shomakhov and Bruce O'Neill circle the wagons around Hart's Drum beat on this thoroughly hypnotic instrumental. The tune is of a slower tempo throughout the majority of the Track until we come to the later half when we start hearing a whistle blowing and then all hell breaks loose as the tempo goes way up and everyone gets in on playing their instruments at a super fast pace, kind of the way Ernest Tubbs did it when he got going. "Swamp Train", was a thoroughly enjoyable way to close out a thoroughly enjoyable album, courtesy of one of the finest Blues Trio's in Canada, with a little help from a few friends. For those that like the Guitar, Bass, and Drum Trio sound, like I do, jazzed up a bit here and there, and topped up with great Vocals, you will absolutely love "Dynamic". Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) Listen To Samples Here... http://www.amazon.com/Dynamic-Arsen-Shomakhov/dp/B00LJG6Q98 Additional Artist Info... http://www.arsenshomakhov.com/
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On May 24, 2014, I had the good fortune to see an Arsen Shomakhov show at one of our finest Blues Venues, Blackwell Hall, in the Plaza Hotel, Kamloops, and after seeing this master showman and Guitarist live, I left that evening with just one thought, and that was, that what I just witnessed was one of the best Blues/Blues Rock shows I had seen in a long time and certainly up there with the top 5 for me. Having said that, one can only imagine how thrilled I was to receive Shomakhov's newest CD, "Dynamic", in the mail, several months later, which contained a lot of the great tunes he performed that night.