Posted on: September 22, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Brazilian guitarist Celso Salim is a rare example of a performer that can effortlessly cross genre boundaries to create something that is personal, compelling, and extremely intricate. His music takes on a bevy of genres, from blues to jazz, soul, honky-tonk and classic rock. Over the course of the last decade, Salim has expanded his repertoire considerably. 2001 marks Salim’s first album “Lucky Boy”, the beginning of a rapid-fire approach to his discography. 2003’s Going Out Tonight is succeeded by 2007’s Big City Blues as Salim’s name reaches far and wide. With accolades including the Billboard Songwriting Contest and the Independent Music Awards, Salim continues to press on and refine his music.

A new high-water mark is reached with Salim’s 2011 album Diggin’ The Blues, where a complex musical duet is crafted with upright bassist Rodrigo Mantovani.  The East St. Louis Blues (originally crafted by Blind Willie McTell) is a softly-spoken effort that digs its way deep into the minds and hearts of listeners, while Salim’s take on Blind Boy Fuller’s Truckin My Blues Away is a sunny, bouncy composition  that works as well in 2013 as it did 80 years prior.

When Salim decides to put his own twist on standards like Elmore James’ Talk To Me Baby or Barbecue Bob’s It’s Just Too Bad on 2014’s To The End of Time, there is a vibrancy and vitality that crackles from beginning to end. celsosalimbandcd

Salim has the ability and capacity to keep faithful to the initial recordings, establishing something that fans of all ages can appreciate. Few artists stay as busy as Salim, but 2014 marked his busiest year yet. Aside from the release of To The End of Time, Salim founded a more straight-forward rock act (The High Head Hunters) with singer Rafael Cury.

The rolling, chugging force that is Celso Salim never takes a break and his award nominations (IMA 2015) show clearly this drive and determination. Whether creating his own music or retooling classics for a current ear, Salim is able to create impressive guitarwork and intricate arrangements that will stick with listeners long after the recording has ceased to play.

The latest in news, live dates, and other information can be found at Celso’s Facebook,  while his domain is the perfect repository for music samples and additional information about this unparalleled performer. Check out our coverage of To The End of Time.

 

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