Out on a Limb

FOR THOSE WHO see playing the guitar as a form of artistic expression, the highest goal is to develop a recognizable voice on the instrument. When David Grissom appeared on Joe Ely’s Live at Liberty Lunch album 30 years ago, he already possessed an extraordinary personal approach. He has since refined his seamless melding of rock, blues, country and jazz into one of the most distinctive styles in the world.

Grissom has brought that style into projects and tours with John Mellencamp, Lucinda Williams, Rodney Crowell, Storyville, the Allman Brothers Band, the Dixie Chicks, Robben Ford, Ringo Starr, Buddy Guy, John Mayall and a host of others, as well as to four solo records. He’s also a respected songwriter whose tunes have been cut by Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack and Mayall.

That split artistic personality — guitarist versus songwriter — led him to produce the scorching new album (Bandcamp), which was recorded at Grissom’s