Sandman's Journal

Here's a concert preview that Tacoma newspaper Weekly Volcano wrote concerning last Saturday's show at Capitol Theater:

Sandman the Rappin' Cowboy

Though I like some of it, I'm not a huge fan of country music, nor will you likely see me purchase a rap album any time soon. But there is something really endearing about Sandman the Rappin' Cowboy. It could be the debonair smile beneath the brim of his cowboy hat, but truthfully, I think it's his words and the way he says them that distinguish his music. The thing is you never know what he'll say next, and that's refreshing. Actually, refreshing is the perfect word all the way around to describe this music. Inter-genre music is nothing new, but successfully mixing rap and country, that's a tall order. And, well, if you succeed . . . you might just be a redneck.

Sandman's songs have countrified acoustic guitar, hillbilly harmonies and the hallmark of every good country song--a good story. But, since he grew up listening to not only his parents' Johnny Cash albums, but also '80s rappers such as Grandmaster Flash and LL Cool J, he decided to mix in a 1980s sounding keyboard breakbeat and his own raps. Alternating between cowboy campfire country and Casio accompanied rap with ease, both styles are steeped in interesting, thought-provoking and often humorous ideas. Despite the reputation that comes with his chosen moniker, Sandman does all these things without even slightly putting his audience to sleep. In fact, his hooks are so catchy that they stick in your head afterward like Bubblicious in a bad perm.
--Angela Jossy