Album Notes

TopCat Records is proud to announce the release of Texas guitar master Jim Suhler's newest CD release, Dirt Road. After an illustrious career on the national and international blues circuit, and 4 previous original CD releases (3 w/Monkey Beat (Lucky Seven) and 1 w/Alan Haynes (TopCat)), this world renowned artist throws his hat into the acoustic/roots blues ring with the effortless virtuosity of the seasoned artist that he is. From the start, this all original collection of songs reflects the spirited diversity that is Jim Suhler.

Suhler has accompanied such blues notables as George Thorogood and Zuzu Bollin, and works with his own band (Monkey Beat). He's that rare sort of bluesman who can play straight blues more to the liking of blues hard-liners than many supposed specialists in the idiom. He's reckoned to be one of the most formidable slide men on the sphere. Suhler's been seen on national TV on Conan O'Brian's show backing George Thorogood and is a member of Thorogood's band.

From the first track, it's clear that this is not a typical hard-driving Jim Suhler recording. Although Jim Suhler is famous for his ferocious guitar licks, on Dirt Road, he reveals a new more mature musical dimension that is more relaxed, melodic and introspective. Suhler pours his heart and soul into these 15 original acoustic gems, offering more of himself through this music than he ever has before. Dirt Road exemplifies Americana roots music at its best, springing directly from his great love for his native Texas.

Dirt Road is destined to receive rave reviews, generous radio airplay and is sure to be one of the top releases of 2002. Look for Jim Suhler on tour worldwide this spring and summer!