Jake Soberlak – I’m In Trouble
Self-release
9 songs – 34 minutes
Jake Soberlak is a 17 year old singer, guitarist and harmonica player from Kamloops, British Columbia and I’m In Trouble is his debut release. Recorded at Afterlife Studios in Vancouver with producer and drummer Leon Power, I’m In Trouble suggests a very bright future ahead for this young man. He is backed by a seasoned band featuring Power, Darren Parris on bass and Darryl Havers on piano, and engineer John Raham recorded every track live off the floor across two days, capturing a joyous spontaneity and a rough-edged abandon. The album was expertly mastered by Harris Newman at Grey Market Mastering.
Soberlak wrote three songs himself. The covers feature some tasty choices from the likes of Elmore James, Freddie King, Otis Spann and St Louis Jimmy Oden that in the main avoid the more celebrated classics from their distinguished back catalogues. While Oden’s most famous composition by far is “Goin’ Down Slow” (here retitled “I’ve Had My Fun” and played as a funky rumba), picking King’s “Manhole” or Spann’s “Temperature Is Rising” demonstrates taste, restraint and maturity. Thankfully, all three qualities are also reflected in the music on I’m In Trouble. Soberlak seems to have avoided the dreaded curse of many young players, who overplay and fill every gap in the music with unnecessary notes. In contrast, Soberlak appears to be heavily influenced by early BB King and especially Peter Green. Indeed, the entire sound and feel of the album feels inspired by early Fleetwood Mac. The two Elmore James tracks, “I’m Worried” and “Can’t Stop Lovin'” both feature some lovely slide guitar that Jeremy Spencer would have been proud of (and a tip of the hat to Havers for the delightful piano solo on the latter). In addition, both Soberlak and Green sing in an open, unaffected manner that makes their youthful vocals all the more vulnerable and attractive.
The three self-penned tracks do not wilt in the company of the classic covers. “I Can’t Find” features some lovely harmonica that recalls Sonny Boy Williamson II over a gentle shuffle (and some gorgeous acoustic bass from Parris), while “Cement Shoes” is a guitar-led instrumental that nods towards Freddie King. The title track is also the final song on the album, featuring just piano and guitar (in addition to Soberlak’s voice), evoking the timeless music produced by Spann and Robert Lockwood on Otis Spann Is The Blues. It’s an absolute gem of a recording and the emotional heart of the record.
I’m In Trouble is a very impressive debut release and well-worth investigating, especially if you are partial to the likes of Elmore James, Otis Spann and Peter Green. And let’s face it – who isn’t?
