David Grissom

Loud Music (Wide Lode)

Austinites first met David Grissom in the late 1980s as a member of Joe Ely’s band. Since then, he’s been a guitarist in demand, performing with an extraordinary range of artists: the Dixie Chicks, John Mellencamp, Allman Brothers, Ringo Starr, and, of course, Storyville. Equally impressive, his songs have been recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack, and John Mayall. Loud Music, Grissom’s solo debut, reveals his multitalented ways in full bloom. While mostly instrumental – he’s joined by Larry Fulcher, Chris Layton, Pat Mastelotto, Lloyd Maines, and Michael Ramos – it never swerves into guitar wankery or needless melodrama. With Texas roots and flame-kindling string-bending, Grissom evokes Jeff Beck fronting ZZ Top, especially on the rattlesnake shake of “Saké and Venom,” while the late Gary Primich lends some mind-warping harmonica to “Hi-Tex.” Crank it up, and crack open a cold one. Loud Music refreshes.

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This article appears in July 11 • 2008.

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