Lon Eldridge of the 9th Street Stomper is set to release his much-anticipated new solo album, Long Gone, this Thursday evening as part of the “River City Rumpus” celebration at the Honest Pint.
Eldridge, whose jaunty mustache and dapper clothes are overshadowed only by his enormous talent, has compiled a collection of 10 tracks, a fairly even distribution of original songs and artfully chosen covers, including Robert Johnson’s, “Travelin’ Riverside Blues” and the Tin Pan Alley classic, “Shine On, Harvest Moon.”
Eldridge’s mastery of early 20th-century music is nothing short of virtuosity; that his original songs play as true and authentic as any of the vintage tunes he covers is a powerful testament to this. Recorded at Spanner Sound in Chattanooga, Long Gone is an infectious album, one that cannot help but cause toes to tap, fingers to snap, and an indelible grin to spread across your face.
Originals such as “Hobo’s Blues” exemplify Lon’s triple threat: His superb songwriting (the tune could easily be a century old), his guitar prowess, and his vocal ability.
A popular performer in the local scene, it is only a matter of time before Eldridge gains nationwide notoriety, and though I’ve said it before, I think it bears repeating, this man and his music belong on “A Prairie Home Companion.”
The album is Long Gone, the release date is Thursday, June 25, the event is “The River City Rumpus” featuring the Subterranean Cirqus and a huge slate of special guests, and the place is the Honest Pint.