Slim Butler
By Mike O’Cull
Finland-based blues/rock artist Slim Butler generates a whole lot of heat on his new record Bone Deep. Released November 12th 2021 on the Eclipse Music imprint, the set shows Butler, a.k.a. Jarmo Puhakka, to be a formidable guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with a knack for American roots music and the good times it so often provides. Slim produced the album himself at Latosound in Tampere, Finland this past August with his road band The SlimCuts playing behind him. Made up of Harri Raudaskoski (guitars, backing vocals), Mikko Löytty (bass, backing vocals), and Jartsa Karvonen (drums, percussion), The SlimCuts are an agile, mobile, and musical crew that gives Butler all the horsepower he needs to make this album a satisfying blast of sound from start to finish. Special guest appearances by Tapio Ylinen (guitar) and Tatu Kantomaa (bandoneon) add a little extra something to this already-vital collection.
Slim Butler has been gaining ground in the European blues scene since dropping his first album Inner Blues in 2012. He followed it up with Bad Intention in 2016. Both records received great press and were nominated for The Best Blues Album Of The Year in Finland. Slim and the band also represented Finland in the European Blues Challenge in Hell, Norway in 2018 and in the 35th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee in 2019. His blending of blues, R&B, Americana, and funk has won Butler a loyal fan base well aware that he’s one of the finest musicians on his side of the planet. If you’re as deep as you think you are, you’re probably bumping his tunes already.
“Ain’t No Excuse” opens Slim’s party with a strong blues/rock vibe that has a Hendrix flavor to it. It’s a smoking hot guitar workout that gets Butler and the entire band worked up to a rolling boil. SB doubles his vocal lines on his strings in time-honored guitar slinger tradition and positively roasts his solo breaks. He’s got that aggressive, soulful sound that guitar fans love and he lets it all fly on this one.
Butler’s dynamic and funky “Gots To Pay” is engaging, voracious, and overflowing with the type of guitar tones most players spend their lives chasing. His sound, note choices, and snarling phrases make this a can’t-miss cut that will bring you right to the edge. The band shadows him step-for-step and keeps the groove in gear and on the pipe.
“How Deep Is The Water” is a laid-back, bubbling, minor key funk jam with a big-league mid-tempo pocket. Butler takes us all to guitar school in his solo sections, showing off a seemingly effortless mastery of phrasing and touch. His vocals are distant and chill, giving the song’s lyrics the gravitas they deserve. Butler can slow-burn as well as anyone and will win you over with his detached coolness. His late-night soul control is spellbinding.
“Blues Done Left Me” gets even more lowdown and profound, using a delicious slow blues form to once again give Slim the space to generate memorable guitar ideas. He plays well with space, taking his time and speaking his mind without wasting a single note. His low-key verse fills are everything you need and slide in between his vocal lines flawlessly.
“Quarter Past Four” is a steamy, desirous, almost Santana-ish blues with a sultry feel and intention. It melds a quasi-Latin feel to an open, artistic arrangement that’s compelling and unique. The unresolved ending is also a becoming choice.
Slim Butler is absolutely one of the emerging guitarists who should be on your screen right now. He has the hands and heart to fly high in the blues game and Bone Deep is a major preview of what his future might sound like. If you need a new favorite player in your life, here he is.
Listen to “Ain’t No Excuse”
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