Garry Burnside – It’s My Time Now
This 11-track set features the youngest son of legendary bluesman R.L. Burnside — the acorn didn’t fall too far from the tree. The Mississippi-based Garry Burnside (vocals/guitar) unleashes some excitement from the start with “High.” It extolls a blues quality with fiery blues notes that spill from his fingers in a tight mix of blues vinegared up in a funk stew. The Pinky Pulliam bass is heavy & the recording is thick, but neither compromises the fine performance.
The more theatrical playing electrifies “Young Country Boy,” but the vocals aren’t entirely distinctive in a blues idiom. Garry’s more pop-soulful here & surrounds himself with immersive hot licks that give him a solid base. The singing isn’t as enthusiastic as the guitar playing on this tune & it could’ve been more commanding with certain lyrics emphasized. Garry seems to be a victim of the Roy Buchanan blues vocal monotone on this song.
However, there are tunes that find their incendiary level on It’s My Time Now (Drops Aug 15/Strolling Bones Records/48:38), produced by Boo Mitchell & recorded in Memphis. “Hanging In There” is a more rollicking workout that shifts gears with good aggression. It’s an excellent performance & this Burnside vocal is one with character. This is a far better vocal groove. The style is almost vintage blues with some Rolling Stones fusion. Some tunes have little blues-inflection — no John Lee Hooker authority, or rustic Furry Lewis grasp, or tantalizing sweep of Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller). But….
Garry does drive his playing wonderfully through his guitar instrumentals with always interesting precision & clarity. “It’s My Time Now” has darker notes, but his voice is still too pop-oriented in spots & needs gussying up. Often enough, the songs are well-written & performed. Garry isn’t following, fortunately, all the blues clichés. Mr. Burnside inserts many creative sounds throughout his repertoire & his guitar has a wild exponent of soul mixed with his blues.
A few tunes have a dated approach when the wah-wah effects dominate. That was fine for Jimi Hendrix, but today it’s antiquated. In a more mainstream manner, the bonus cut “Garry’s Night Out” is superb. “Ramblin,” keeps Garry maneuvering in a high-octane mode. On this, his vocals shine better. That’s the gear he needs to be in; to emphasize his vibe & he’s found it here. This is effective. Garry sounds engaged both vocally & with his always spirited guitar. He has modern-day guitar competition, but he is one of the best.
Highlights – “High,” “Young Country Boy,” “It’s My Time Now,” “Hanging In There,” “Ramblin’,” & “Garry’s Night Out.”
Musicians – Andrea Stanton (rhythm guitar), John C. Stubblefield (bass – “Hanging In There”), & Avery Dilworth (drums).
Color image courtesy of Garry’s website gallery. CD @ Bandcamp & https://strollingbonesrecords.com/garry-burnside & https://garryburnsidemusic.com/