[2011-08-31]
Kenny Neal: "Bayou Blood"

"The future of Baton Rouge swamp blues lies squarely in multi-instrumentalist Kenny Neal's capable hands. Along with a select few others (Larry Garner, for one), the second-generation southern Louisiana bluesman is entirely cognizant of the region's venerable blues tradition and imaginative enough to steer it in fresh directions -- as his albums for Alligator, Telarc, and Blind Pig Records confirm.

You really can't go wrong with any of the guitarist's fine Alligator albums, but this one sparkles as brightly as any, with memorable outings like "Right Train, Wrong Track," "That Knife Don't Cut No More," and the steamy title track. Kenny Neal's albums are invariably dominated by well-chosen originals -- no small feat these days." ~ www.allmusic.com


Hamilton Loomis: "Kickin' It"
"Young Texas guitarist Hamilton Loomis' first disc for Blind Pig, Kickin' It, is a mixed bag of modern blues, modern funk, and slick soul. As a young man getting started in the blues, Loomis was mentored by Lone Star State legends Albert Collins, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, and Johnny Copeland. He seems proud to use those names in interviews and press releases, and rightfully so! You sense he is genuinely honored to have been taken under the wing of these elder statesmen. So, it comes as a bit of a surprise in the Kickin' It liner notes when Loomis brags, "This ain't yo' Grandpa's blues record," and how he's going to take "blues out of the box." If you associate Loomis' mentors with "grandpa's blues record," you probably won't get much enjoyment from Kickin' It." ~ www.allmusic.com