Selwyn Birchwood

Pick Your Poison

Alligator Records

Selwyn Birchwood was born in Orlando but grew up in the Tampa Area. He first picked up the guitar at the age of 13. By seventeen he was into Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Freddie King and Albert Collins. He went to see Buddy Guy live and was so inspired that he found his life’s calling.

Birchwood was befriended by Sonny Rhodes, who became his mentor, and took him on tour. Rhodes taught Birchwood how to conduct business. In 2011 Birchwood released his debut recording “Florida Boy” and later followed up with 2013’s “Road Worn”.

Birchwood won the right to represent the Suncoast Blues Society in the 2012 International Blues Challenge and finished ninth. In 2013 he returned to win first place and be declared the IBC’s “Albert King Guitarist of The Year”. Bruce Iglauer, President of Alligator Records, was judging and soon afterwards signed Birchwood to a recording contract. Birchwood also signed an agreement with his new booking agency Intrepid Artists.

Birchwood began to receive rave reviews with the release of his first Alligator album 2014’s “Don’t Call No Ambulance”. As a result Birchwood won the 2015 Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut. He has since performed at festivals across the country including The Waterfront Blues Festival, The Chicago Blues Festival, The North Atlantic Blues Festival, and The Tampa Bay Blues Festival.

Currently The Selwyn Birchwood Band includes Birchwood, guitar, lap steel, and vocals; and veterans Regi Oliver, saxophones, clarinet, and flute; Donald “Huff” Wright, bass; and Courtney “Big Love” Girlie, drums. All songs were written by Birchwood. Produced by Birchwood the album was recorded at the Phat Planet Studios in Orlando.

“Trial By Fire” opens with the sound of a fife and drum provided by Oliver’s flute and Girlie’s drums before Birchwood comes in playing slide.

“Even The Saved Need Saving” is a contemporary gospel tune with the band members providing the background harmony. Oliver is on sax while Birchwood takes an extended slide solo. Birchwood’s vocal and production are outstanding.

“Reaping Time” is a delta styled masterpiece with great support from Oliver’s sax and Girlie’s drums. “Police State” and “Corporate Drone” are two well written topical songs; the latter featuring a sax solo from Oliver. “My Whiskey Loves My Ex” is a humorous bit of self awareness.

Birchwood fronts a really great band and as the album progresses the arrangements get jazzier. “Pick Your Poison” and the groove established on “R We Krazy” make these two of my favorites. Birchwood’s best vocal however is on “Lost in You”; he reminds me of Walter “Wolfman” Washington.

This is a great album that deserves repeated listening. Better plan to spend some time with Birchwood.

Richard Ludmerer

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