Bad Temper Joe - At the Villa (2024) [Hi-Res]

If you seek some of Europe's finest blues and roots artists, songwriters and guitarists, look no further than Germany's Bad Temper Joe. While honoring the old bluesmen from the Mississippi Delta, Bad Temper Joe brings the blues into the 21st Century – and does so with excellent songwriting, a powerful performance, and staying true to the tradition. With songs as raw as they are haunting, the grumpy blues bard has gained attention in the blues scene over the last few years, receiving numerous nominations for blues awards and winning the German Blues Challenge in 2022. But the German has also already been making waves in the international blues scene, and was the only European Act to reach the finals of the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. As the British Blues Matters Magazine put it, “It’s hard to believe that the sounds of the Mississippi-Delta have relocated to Germany, but they have.”

With “At the Villa,” the talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter delivers a remarkable acoustic EP. Following his albums “One Can Wreck It All,” “No Filter (One Take Radio Recordings),” “Glitter & Blues,” and numerous recordings with various formations, this release refocuses entirely on his distinctive voice and virtuoso play on the weissenborn lap steel and resonator guitar. The five original compositions were recorded as raw as possible in the unique atmosphere of the Vita-Villa in Wolfenbüttel, Lower Saxony, without any artificial elements or post-processing. Despite the minimalist sound, which may appear less contemporary, BTJ successfully crafts a fresh and captivating blues EP. The purist yet warm sound immerses listeners, making them feel as if they are present during the recordings. The charismatic musician once again showcases his unique skill in composing and writing, drawing from the blues tradition while presenting an originality that stands out in Europe.