Hey there. A special album hit this week. Tommy Castro’s A Bluesman Came To Town.
It’s a concept album. One that tells a complete story. A tale of a man’s musical odessey, from his humble begininngs on the farm “Somewhere.” Through his struggles and successes on the road as a musician. And then finishing up, back where he started, a wiser and better man. It’s the Hero’s Journey of a Bluesman told in 13 song-chapters.
And the album works – big time!
It works because the songwriting is excellent and the execution, from the band to the engineering board, is outstanding. Every song on this album can stand up all by its lonesome.
Of course Tommy Castro and producer Tom Hambridge have proven track records that are decades long, so this shouldn’t be a surprise. Tommy’s guitar work sparkles. And he’s still got that voice that instantly engages you. Well done fellas.
There’s a certain risk/reward to producing a concept album. The risk is the album can land with a thud. Then the artist has to drag that failure along with him or her for years to come. Ahhh, but the rewards can be glorious. An award or two for starters and an album that might just last a generation.
A Bluesman Came To Town is one of those albums that has me thinkin’ there’s an award or two in its future. Don’t pass this one by; give it a serious listen and enjoy the journey.
Online Corner
Photo by Simon Abrams on Unsplash
The Internet’s a full-time job. If you want to find the good stuff, you need to work at it from dawn till dusk (and beyond).
Dion’s back at it (new album due in November). Adia Victoria is making a splash (and some waves). Sue Foley’s seems to really like “Southern Men.” (Hmmm, does a guy from SoCal count?) And more.
Videos
- Dion: Wants you to “Take It Back.” It’s his new single featuring some mouthwatering solos from Joe Bonamassa.
- Adia Victoria: Here’s a brand new take on an old Blind Willie McTell tune, “You Was Born To Die.” (Guest star alert!)
- Sue Foley: Is singing about “Southern Men.” Just a little tease for her upcoming album, “Pinky’s Blues.”
- Will Johns: Back on stage and making the most of it with his version of B.B. King’s “Sweet Little Angel.”
Articles
- Joanne Shaw Taylor: A behind the scenes take on recording her new album. (And working with that Bonamassa character.)
- B.B. King: Legends never truly die. Gibson has some big plans ahead for a B.B. King movie, TV channel, and more.
New Blues Albums
It was really tough to choose this week because several noteworthy albums hit the shelves. Here are the ones that I took a liking to.
Tommy Castro is at the absolute top of his game. (Don’t miss this one!) Adia Victoria demonstrated what a serious artist sounds like. Ronnie Wood finally got around to putting his Jimmy Read tribute out. Colin Linden made it look easy. And Larkin Poe rose to stereophonic heights.
Out Now
- Tommy Castro: A Bluesman Came To Town …This album spins you through the life of a Bluesman – and doesn’t miss a beat.
- Adia Victoria: A Southern Gothic …Hypnotic voice and songwriting on this one. This album begs for headphones.
- Ronnie Wood: Mr. Luck – A Tribute To Jimmy Reed …A greasy, modern, (and live) treatment of classic Jimmy Reed tunes.
- Colin Linden: bLOW …A Bluesy set of original tunes that satisfy. Colin’s still cranking out music at a really high level.
- Larkin Poe & Nu Deco Ensemble: Paint The Roses (Live In Concert) …A delicious addition to your Lovell sisters library.
Coming Soon
- Joanne Shaw Taylor: The Blues Album (Sep 24th)
- Avey Grouws Band: Tell Tale Heart (Sep 24th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
Photo by Elice Moore on Unsplash
Sometimes you just want to lay back, relax, and listen to some good tunes. Am I right? So check out my playlist ( ATWB: New Blues Playlist ). I’ve done all the heavy lifting so you can do all the easy listening.
Listen to some of the new stuff from stars like Tommy Castro and Ronnie Wood. But I’ve snuck in a couple surprises too.
Catch them on Spotify, — and please remember to Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Lightnin’ Hopkins
Here’s Lightnin’ Hopkins, best guess, circa 1962.
He’s singing “Baby Please Don’t Go” which was one of those traditional Blues tunes that was reworked, revamped, and remade so many times it seemed to have a dozen different sets of lyrics.
The song definitely had staying power though because it even made its way onto an AC/DC record and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
It’s rumored that Hopkins recorded more songs than any other Blues musician. Maybe that’s why he looks so cool, calm, and collected in this video. (Or maybe it’s just the cardigan.)
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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