Hey there. It’s tough to meet expectations. Even tougher to exceed them. But Christone “Kingfish” Ingram’s done just that with his much anticipated 2nd album 662.
He’s still only 22-years old (sigh). But there’s a depth to this album that’s surprising. Then again maybe it shouldn’t be, because most of Christone’s life has been about music and especially the Blues.
His guitar work stands out (of course). There’s great variety and tone here; all perfectly placed. Makes me wonder if there’s anything Christone can’t play?
And then there are the songs. Several songs on this album could be hit singles – the material’s that good.
662 is a top-to-bottom great listen folks. And Christone’s definitely propelled his career (and the Blues) forward with it.
But after all, that’s been his intention from the start. Or, as he says in his song “Not Gonna Lie,” – “Got to keep it going, I promised Buddy Guy.” Well, promise kept!
Online Corner
Staying up nights and weekends to make your Blues exploration easier.
Videos
- GA-20 : They’ll be paying homage to Hound Dog Taylor with an album this year. So “Let’s Get Funky” just like Hound Dog.
- Joe Bonamassa: “I got miles under my wheels and notches in my walking cane.” Surprise! A new single – “Notches.”
- Altered Five Blues Band: Who doesn’t like a party song? You gotta find the fun where you can, “Holler If You Hear Me.”
- Lauren Anderson: She took a bad relationship, mixed in some whiskey, and voila! – a new song, “Love On The Rocks.”
- Johnny Tucker: The man can still sing (even at 75). This song’s the first one to drop from his upcoming 75 And Alive album.
Articles
- Tito Jackson: That’s Tito Jackson, Bluesman. Read about this side of Tito. One that you may not have known existed.
- Living Blues Awards: The 28th annual awards. Another strong list of Blues musicians for you to explore and enjoy.
- Eric Clapton: Here’s a re-run of a Guitarist interview. Eric got pretty candid about his work and his deep love for the Blues.
Podcasts/Livestreams
- Bruce Iglauer: Here’s a short interview NPR’s Scott Simon did with the Alligator Records’ founder. (Some great stories!)
Spotlight: Buddy Guy
Back in 2018, Buddy Guy received a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in his honor. A long overdue recognition for someone every Blues musician has recognized for decades.
And now (finally) there’s a documentary that tells Buddy’s story to the rest of the world. Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase The Blues Away.
It’s part of the PBS “American Masters” series. Air time is Tuesday, July 27th on your local PBS station. (Check your local listings.)
Buddy’s an original and a living piece of Blues history. Catch this unique look at the man behind that guitar – the one who’s inspired so many others.
Photo by Michael, CC BY-NC 2.0
New Blues Albums
Some terrific albums this week.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram knocked it out of the park. Bernie Marsden dropped his great tribute album (to B.B., Freddie, and Albert.) And more. The Summer’s heatin’ up!
Out Now
- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: 662 *** My Pick Of The Week ***
- Bernie Marsden: Kings
- The Deadbeat Cousins: Reverse Engineer – EP
- Clay Melton: Back To Blue – EP
- Johnny Davis: You Just Gotta Dance
- Ray Jaurique: Soul Remedy
- R.K. Turner: Out Here On My Own
- Oscar LaDell and Chris Armour: Right Kinda Wrong
Coming Soon
- Blues Traveler: Traveler’s Blues (Jul 30th)
- Lauren Anderson: Love On The Rocks (Aug 6th)
- Tito Jackson: Under Your Spell (Aug 6th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
Another week, another new set of Blues tunes added to the ATWB: New Blues Playlist.
That means Bernie Marsden, Clay Melton, Johnny Davis, The Deadbeat Cousins (love that name), and of course a handy helping of Christone. (And more.)
My list is the perfect partner for that brisk morning walk you’ve been meaning to take. It’ll get that blood flowing.
Enjoy on Spotify — and please Follow or Share.
Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash
I’ll Leave You With: Some Prince
“Blues In C” (AKA “If I Had A Harem“)
This is from the Purple One’s “Lovesexy” tour in 1988. I think it’s from Germany. (Which may – or may not – explain the lederhosen and boots.)
The man was born to entertain. Enjoy!
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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