REVIEW: Joey Stuckey “King of Strings”

Joey Stuckey – King of Strings – EP

This is Macon, Georgia’s Joey Stuckey’s final release. Instead of a new endeavor, it became an epilogue. A durable sign-off. He was only 53. It’s happened before; David Olney died between songs on stage & apologized to his audience before departing. Otis Redding left us “Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay,” before he made his exit. There are others, Willy DeVille, Robert Hazard, Jackie Leven, & blues guitarist John Campbell.

Sad stories because these artists had just completed new albums. New beginnings. New exciting music. Some may have expected their demise like Kinky Friedman who had been ill, Dolly Parton who didn’t look or act ill but knew it, and most recently Pennsylvania rock singer Donnie Iris (“Ah, Leah”) who gave his last concert a month before passing. That’s life…but fortunately we can remember them & smile as we listen to their music & appreciate their talent.

This 6-song EP King of Strings (Dropped Oct 23/Senate Records/23:42) is Joey’s 7th — a well-crafted finale. The set opens with “Temple In the Wind” with a funky guitar line & Joey’s (vocals/guitars) pristine vocal. There’s a retro-undertow beneath the melodic propensity. Joey’s voice is only slightly dipped in echo to give the tune a tint of atmosphere & vintage sweetness. Joey’s lead guitar plays with the divine structure of Leslie West. Instead of fireworks, Joey lays down melodic sparks that provide luminous musicality.

A little heavier is the fuzz urgency of “Born To Be Your Toy” that has more Leslie West punctuations done quite well. As good as the guitar frames the tune, this song is more of a shining showcase for Joey’s vocals. Bluesy, growly & it only gains altitude as Mr. Stuckey proceeds. Blind since 2, Joey managed to play music, write it & build a recording studio used by many name artists & did it for 30 years.

Despite some similarities in his blues, Joey’s vocals & guitar remain in a signature style – his voice keeps the genre well within its tradition without going too typical. The achy intonation is there but doesn’t boil over the rim he follows the path of many traditionalists. “Hertsmere Blues” is a powder keg.

Even Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” is more ruralized than the original – well, he’s from Macon & Cream is from England. That DNA certainly penetrated their tune. He gives a listener the opportunity to hear what an old-time blues vet would have done to it. The trio rewires this old song & heat up the coils nicely. Farewell, Joey, I’m sure Roy Buchanan, John Campbell, Jeff Healey, Alvin Lee & Leslie West will have a place for you. You deserve that.