Daddy Treetops (a nickname given to this artist because
of his tall and lankey frame) has been performing around the Northwest for
almost twenty years. He's appeared both as a solo act and in groups like
the Howlin' Tomcats, playing mostly
guitar with an occasional stint on the stand up base and piano. His early
influences were people like Blind Willie Johnson and Sleepy John Estes and
those influences definitely come through on this his first CD.Daddy Treetops wanted the focus of this album to be his National Guitar and his vocals. He has definitely accomplished that goal. The recording is an even mix of original songs and covers of traditional blues favorites that all serve as great vehicles for the sound that he was hoping to achieve. From the opening bars of the original Tree's Leavin Blues to the final strains of the traditional Motherless Children the guitar and vocals definitely take the forefront. One of my favorites on the CD is the humorous original Tall Mans Lament, a song about "living large" in a small world. Another stand out on the recording is his cover of Big Joe Williams' song Baby Pleae Don 't Go which really highlights both his playing and singing. While Tree performs solo on many of the songs he is ably accompanied by Jim Piano on drums, David Days on bass, and Jon Parry on violin on cuts like Silly Me, Old Devil and the wonderful version of the classic Maggie Camtpbell.
Daddy Treetops is currently living in Seattle and can be seen playing in a variety of clubs around the area. Something that I'm sure you'll want to do after hearing this CD. Reviewed by Chuck Cox The Bluesletter Vol.XI No. II Feb 99
August 1998 - The Every Other Weekly
October 1998 - Victory Music Review
'98/'99 - Blue Suede News
Winter '98/'99 - Caldonia's NW Blues Page
We appreciate your time and interest in the versatile talents of this wonderfully unique performer. For any further information and booking particulars, please contact Daddy Treetops at;