KWS and the boys get a little wild and crazy to hit a career high point
Getting on for three years back, MV saw The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band play an incendiary concert and was moved to say this: “The new Bonamassa? Nah, he’s too good to be in anyone’s shadow. How about in years to come, some young blues guitarist from a future generation is the new Kenny Wayne Shepherd.”
Consider this: KWS is not yet 40. And yet he released his first record not far off a quarter of a century ago. “Lay It On Down” is his first album of new material in quite a while (2014’s magnificent “Goin’ Home” was a homage to the greats) and there is a feeling that for this one, the renowned Hot Rod Racer – KWS’ hobby – did everything at full throttle.
Nothing is off limits here. Perhaps because he worked with a load of new writers (as well as some long-standing collaborators), perhaps his new producer Marshall Altman changed things up, but whatever, “Lay It On Down” lays it all out and takes the music to places it hasn’t been before.
It bursts out of the blocks with huge dollop of confidence. “Baby Got Gone” is crunchy, punchy modern blues rock. Coming complete with a brilliant hook, as openings go, it is right up there.
It says much for the stellar quality of this album, however, that it soon finds itself eclipsed. “Diamonds And Gold” a funky, soulful strutter with a horn section is a timeless classic. Indeed, it seems everyone likes the vibe so much, they are at it again with “Nothing But The Night”. Darker, but drenched in wonderful organ, it drips with lust.
Not a record to be pinned down, the title track is off exploring laid back country. One of a few with obvious Nashville (where it was recorded) influences, if anyone bought singles anymore this would be a million seller.
The “anything goes” air here means that this followed up with “She’s $$$” which has the drunken mood of the honky tonk come last orders, and further with a heart-breaking ballad “Hard Lesson Learned”. The lap steel work here only heightens the emotional impact.
What there isn’t a lot of on “….”Down” is a classic 12-bar blues shuffle. “Down For Love” changes that, and “How Low Can You Go”, is a cheeky take on the genre. “She took the house, she took the car, she threw my clothes out on the front yard” sings Noah Hunt. Yet it is this one that sees Shepherd really cut loose, with a fine solo.
Louisiana native Shepherd isn’t necessarily the type of artist you associate with intensely personal songs, but there’s a feeling that the wonderful “Louisiana Rain” might mean more to him than most.
This incredible – and incredibly varied – collection closes with “Ride Of Your Life” and when the hook “oohh baby, we’re gonna get a little wild and crazy” hits you’d best believe it is not a request. It’s an order.
It is also a fitting way to end what is for Kenny Wayne Shepherd, a true career high. “Lay It On Down” is a snapshot of exactly what Bluesy rock n roll should be in 2017. And there is no one better at it.
Rating 9/10
