Buddy Guy – Ain’t Done With the Blues
This showcase, produced by songwriter Tom Hambridge (drums/percussion), is a classy package from the 89-year-old Louisiana-born Buddy Guy. Ain’t Done With the Blues (Drops July 30 – Happy Birthday, Buddy/Silvertone/RCA Records/64:00) provides 18 tracks on his 14th studio LP. The 8-time Grammy Award winner welcomes guitarists Joe Walsh, Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram & the Blind Boys of Alabama (vocals).
Fortunately, some vintage genuine blues artists are indeed captured with modern technology by producers who understand the blues. Unlike those in the ‘70s who were victims of special effects, flash, psychedelia & electronics.
The blues are a feeling first, not cutting up, though it can be entertaining. The blues isn’t always show business. If you’ve got the blues, you ain’t got joy. Buddy’s soul & inspiration are in these recordings. It’s pristine, vibrant, he sounds young, self-assured & has all the fire required of Chicago electrified blues.
I understand the need for a few modern-day commercial success type numbers, but blues purists will find “Been There Done That” & “I Got Sumpin For You” as too far from the genuine blues. Guy nonetheless lays down a solid groove with expertise on each. The ”Blues Chase the Blues Away” is more in the tradition of Buddy Guy. Biting guitars & impulsive piano runs. This is a cool piece. “Where You At” is funkier, but with Guy’s voice dominating the atmosphere that pours forth from the funkified notes. A chocolate-covered blues. His distinctive playing maintains its signature sweep & the piano rocks. The late Sly Stone could’ve benefited from Buddy for any of his comebacks. Guy certainly had the juice.
“Blues On Top” slides back into a ‘50s slow burn. Almost has Billie Holiday insulation “Fine & Mellow.” This is Buddy Guy’s “Fine & Mellow.” Seductive, sad & inspiring. “How Blues Is That” with Joe Walsh (slide guitar/vocals) electrifies. No surprise.
“Send Me Some Love” with its ‘50s blues-balladry is borderline doo-wop, but its imposition is in its charm. “It Keeps Me Young” & “Love On a Budget” are steeped in the dynamics that led to R&R. “Jesus Loves the Sinner” has a Mark Knopfler-type guitar groove & “Don’t Forget” is simply powerful, biting & reflective.
Highlights – “Hooker Thing,” ”Blues Chase the Blues Away,” “Where You At,” “Blues On Top,” “How Blues Is That?” “Dry Stick,” “It Keeps Me Young,” “Love On a Budget,” “Jesus Loves the Sinner,” “Don’t Forget,” & “Send Me Some Love.”
Musicians – Buddy (vocals/Martin BG acoustic & varied Fender Strats), Tal Wilkenfeld & Glenn Worf (electric & upright bass), Chuck Leavell (Wurlitzer/B3/piano), Rob McNelley (guitar/slide & acoustic guitar), Kevin McKendree (piano/B3), Mike Rojas (B3/keys), Max Abrams (sax), Steve Patrick (trumpet/fluegelhorn), & Michael Hicks (bgv).
The CD is expertly designed, befitting the stature of such an artist.
Color image by Lyndon French. CD @ Amazon & Apple + https://www.buddyguy.net/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Buddy Guy “This Is Buddy Guy!”
