Slim Semora

Growing up in Houston, Texas in the 60’s it was easy to love music and Slim was no exception. He taught himself guitar at a young age and couldn't get enough of the wide array of sounds that were surfacing on the music scene at that time. Anything from blues, rock and funk to industrial and folk. Influenced by Lightnin’ Hopkins, Ray Charles, Waylon Jennings, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, JJ Cale, Elvis, Bob Dylan and the like. He confesses to initially being rebellious when it came to country music, it being the music his folks listened to. His mother was originally from Nashville and his father Arkansas. However, the first record he ever owned was Johnny Cash, Live in San Quentin!

Semora’s early years were tumultuous to say the least. His music reflects the rocky road that became the foundation for many a song. Through it all, he clung to music for his sanity.

Semora played in a few bands over the years, all of which disintegrated in some not-so-newsworthy fashion, typical of most bands. He owned recording studios in Austin, Houston & Wichita. Eventually the lure of bright lights led him to California and then later he spent time in England and Europe.

Attempting to make a living with a band proved even more challenging in England. Not only were there the usual conflicts with band members not showing for rehearsals or even festival gigs at times, attempting to play in pubs could be challenging due to the size of the venue. Even as a solo performer, Slim sometimes found his guitars and equipment were not always able to fit into such small spaces. Equipment had to be hoisted onto shelves or shuffled around accordingly throughout the night!

Slim still decided to go it alone. Along the way he had started introducing various guitars, slide, harmonica and combination of unique foot accompaniments. He has always been against using backing tracks, even now when they appear to have become the norm.  He gravitates towards a gritty, authentic rootsy sound which he believes can only be attained organically. Part of his set up was an old suitcase which contained a foot drum. His fans found this Texan that was invading their space rather intriguing and started nicknaming him “Suitcase Slim”.

It was a naturally evolving process which brought Slim Semora aka “Suitcase Slim” to play Americana, country blues, rockabilly and outlaw country with a hint of folk. It is the perfect fit for this Texan who can’t help but be passionate about the handcrafted blend of Roots and Blues that he has become synonymously known for.