On his new and first solo record, the soon to be released, OFF AT 11, recording artist and Chicago native now Nashvillian, JD SIMO wants you to know that above all things, what matters most to him is that music should be honest. The gifted artist more than offers this in a psychedelic, free-flowing, dynamic soundscape that exemplifies just that… Honesty.
Acid rock, traditional blues, folk, soul, free form jazz, and the never ceasing desire to improvise pulses from this collection in a mind bending, kaleidoscope of sound, energy and vibe. NPR said, “Nashville blues trio SIMO sounds as if it comes to us straight from 1968.” And Rolling Stone lauded, “J. D. Simo spins soulful psychedelic blues rock with an improvisational bent reminiscent of the Grateful Dead and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though he’s been performing in bands since his teenage years, [he] has begun to get national attention….”
With influences as diverse as the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Captain Beefheart, Miles Davis and the Allman Brothers to blues guitarists such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and BB King, this young artist, is taking the listener on a musical journey using LOVE as the guideposts. He explains, “There’s an underlying theme of LOVE that permeates the album. Both outward love but also inner and self love. These days, everything is so heavy, but I just want to point out some joy, love and deep passion; in this world, we all share that spirit. OFF AT 11 does that.”
The recording of this rocking, blues driven, electric tour de force, was recorded over a three day period in the summer of 2018, “Our next summer of LOVE”, says JD Simo. Recording during a brief break in touring including JD’s first shows as a newly cultivated member of Phil Lesh and Friends, JD and his band recorded these musically dense and inspiring tracks in a “groovy space” to lay down something authentic, filled with fun and NO edits, NO tricks. “Just honesty and a tape machine” he continues.
Produced by JD in association with his co-manager Michael Caplan, and due to be released this year, OFF AT 11 consists of 8 tracks that are laid out on the record like a musical journey through gifted guitar playing and singing, incredible rhythm section arrangements and lyrics that convey that “all the feels” momentum.
Songs titles: Off at 11, Temptation, Sweet Little Angel and others could have been released in the height of the 60’s but have a modern musical approach that are clues to the immense talent of JD Simo and his band.
With his band, SIMO, JD and cohorts have gained a solid fan following from touring and opening for bands such as Blackberry Smoke, The Gregg Allman band, Warren Haynes, Tommy Emmanuel and others. They have played Bonarroo, Warren Hayne’s Christmas Jam and Mountain Jam since the formation of the band in 2010.
Acid rock, traditional blues, folk, soul, free form jazz, and the never ceasing desire to improvise pulses from this collection in a mind bending, kaleidoscope of sound, energy and vibe. NPR said, “Nashville blues trio SIMO sounds as if it comes to us straight from 1968.” And Rolling Stone lauded, “J. D. Simo spins soulful psychedelic blues rock with an improvisational bent reminiscent of the Grateful Dead and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though he’s been performing in bands since his teenage years, [he] has begun to get national attention….”
Johnny Fink and The Intrusion is known as the “Best Kept Secret in the Midwest Blues Scene” among local blues and classic rock enthusiasts. If you ever happen to ask someone who’s seen the band play, you’ll likely hear of true musicianship and one helluva good time.
The band was formed in the winter of ’92 originally going with the name “The Blue Intrusions” with real-life guitar hero Johnny Fink pulling together a powerful 4-piece lineup of talented pro players through a diverse blues spectrum. They covered a wide range of blues, tapping the soul of the music from well know legendary blues artists. Jammin’ everything from the Allman Brothers to Buddy Guy, then swinging from Albert Collins to Lonnie Mack.
After two years of the band performing and crowd pleasing at well known local establishments like; the Local 1207, Allyn’s Cafe, Mansion Hill, Lucille’s, Burbank’s, several popular Foley’s locations… Johnny took over the reins. He led the band into a new era as a tighter three-piece blues unit. They expanded their sound to include subtle jazz influences, and deeper investigations into the sonic realm of the Fender Stratocaster experience.
The band sports over 30 years of overall professional musical experience, and each member shares an equal passion for old school classic rock and blues. Once you hear them simply open on a song, it becomes quite obvious that the band has talent, and true professional showmanship. They might not be able to maintain their local status much longer of being known as the best kept secret, it’s just a matter of time before every classic rock and blues enthusiast around discovers where “the real deal” offers up a great show.
Over the years The Intrusion has evolved and changed up like any band, which is inevitably par for the course. Fortunately and rare in the industry, the band has never experienced any dramatic road bumps or “breakups” throughout the years. No bridges were ever burned, no friends were ever lost, and they never skipped a beat. In ’05 they brought on the talented drummer Doug Moore, then in the fall of ’07 long time friend and too-cool bass guitarist Matt Newman joined. They are always around somewhere, rockin’ the scene at blues festivals, events/venues, and popular establishments throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.
Check out their upcoming gigs, then drop on by sometime too see for yourself why they’re called the best kept secret on the local blues scene. And don’t be shy about walking up too request your favorite classic rock song, or memorable blues tune – they know them all. There are also several original songs the band has produced, which are definitely worth a request.