The multitalented Kenny Neal offers up a real treat with Bayou Blood, which features mostly original songs seasoned with a very few covers. Neal's guitar work is excellent and his smoky voice is a pleasure, but it's his harp playing that really shines, especially on "Howling at the Moon" and "Big City Ways." There's plenty of variety, from the fast-paced shuffle of "Right Train, Wrong Track" to the slower, attitudinal "Gonna Put You out of My Misery" to the smooth "Smoke Signals." "That Knife Don't Cut No More," "Do I Have to Go That Far?" and the title track are especially memorable, and a tasty cover of "You Ain't Foolin' Me" closes this album with style.
Showing posts with label KENNY NEAL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KENNY NEAL. Show all posts
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Kenny Neal - 2001 - One Step Closer [256]
Authenticity will never be an issue with regard to Kenny Neal’s music. The oldest son of Baton Rouge mainstay Raful Neal, he was born to the blues. On One Step Closer, Kenny conjures up Louisiana’s rich, musical traditions and steers them in imaginative, new directions. Tackling a wider range of material than ever before, Neal manages to put his signature on all twelve songs. One Step Closer includes soulful renditions of Bob Dylan’s "Walk out in the Rain," Nick Lowe’s "High on a Hilltop," John Hiatt’s "Lover’s Will," and Colin Linden’s "Hidden in Plain Sight" and "Remedy." Not only is the guitarist/singer/harmonica player one of the most consistent talents in contemporary blues, Neal is also a seasoned songwriter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)