In this column, the latest album releases from Louisiana bluesman Tab Benoit, Northern Irish trio Snow Patrol and Philadelphia native Biscuit Rouse are reviewed.
Title: I Hear Thunder (Whiskey Bayou Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tinsley Ellis, Anders Osborne, George Porter Jr.
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Tab Benoit is back with his first new studio album in 13 years, the wonderful I Hear Thunder. A first-rate singer and guitar master, Benoit's return is a glorious listen filled with his signature mix of Louisiana-soaked Swamp blues, soul and Chicago blues; guitar legend Anders Osborne is featured across the release and his work enhances the stunning collection of original material. The winning title track, bouncy Cajun blues rocker "The Ghost of Gatemouth Brown," soulful ballad "Still Gray" and heavy Hendrix-flavored blues rocker "Inner Child" are early highlights on the album. The sparse "Overdue" (showcasing Benoit's expressive vocals), Southern blues rock nugget "I'm A Write That Down" and sizzling aptly-titled closer "Bayou Man" shine on the album's last half. Information: tabbenoit.com.
Title: The Forest Is The Path (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: U2, Keane, Doves
Tell me more: Snow Patrol is back with their first new album since 2018's Wildness. The Northern Irish trio (Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly and Johnny McDaid) offers a decidedly mature take on the mystery of love beautifully painted with an immersive and mood swept sonic palate that builds on the territory established on the band's previous seven albums. The 12-track disc is a wonderful return, stretching from the bewitching opener "All," reflective "The Beginning" and explosive art rocker "Everything's Here And Nothing's Lost" to the expansive "This Is The Sound Of Your Voice," impenetrable "Years That Fall" and heartbreaking confessional "These Lies." Other standouts include the electronica-styled "Your Heart Home," the driving "Hold Me In The Fire" and tender "Talking About Hope." Information: snowpatrol.com.
Title: Biscuit and Buddy (Leopard Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Miles, Prince, Jimi Hendrix
Tell me more: The late George Allen "Buddy" Miles Jr. (Sept. 5, 1947 - Feb. 26, 2008) was a musical titan, earning accolades as a composer, drummer, guitarist, singer and producer. In addition to his stint as a member of Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys, he was a founding member of the Electric Flag, leader of the Buddy Miles Express and other musical groups. Now, James "Biscuit" Rouse (Lauryn Hill, Vivian Green, Sylvan Johnson) has released the first ever tribute album dedicated to the late Buddy Miles, the wonderful Biscuit and Buddy. Early standouts on the album include the infectious dance-minded "Don't Mess With Cupid," shimmering R&B take on Neil Young's "Down By The River," grooving funk-fueled original "Gi-Gina," inspired dance rock version of Miles "Them Changes," horns-adorned rocker "Train" and funk-blues version of the Isaac Hayes-David Porter classic "Wrap It Up." Later highlights include the soulful "Life Is What You Make It" and the mesmerizing Rouse original "Shine." Rouse will accept the award for the late Miles at the R&B Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 6. Information: jamesbiscuitrouse.com.
Robert Kinsler
No comments:
Post a Comment