Hank Shizzoe, aka Thomas Erb, is a Swiss artist with American influences on a German label. Low Budget was originally recorded in 1994 but has just been released in the U.S.
Shizzoe has a lowdown, bottom-heavy approach to the countrified blues. There are four covers on the disc, but the 11 original songs are where Shizzoe shines. The driving, persistent rhythms will grab you from the get-go; but hold on tight ’round the bend, as Shizzoe knocks back some of the sweetest licks this side of J.J. Cale.
He is joined on a number of cuts by either the Homesick Homewreckers or King Louie, along with a handful of other guest musicians. Nonetheless, Shizzoe handles an amazing amount of the duties himself — producer, songwriter, singer, part-time engineer. Shizzoe also proves to be a versatile multi-instrumentalist, playing a profusion of guitars and guitar styles (acoustic, electric, bottleneck, slide, lap steel, and a gorgeous National steel), as well as mandolin, bass, drums, assorted percussion and organ.
His simple lyrics, delivered in a comfortable growl, are classic, almost timeless, although he does sneak in a few modern references (“Now I’m sitting here stranded, waitin’ for your call, Wilburys bashin’ wall to wall”) now and then.