It has been such a long time since I’ve had a Sunday Spotlight post, and I am super excited to share this new CD release from Guthrie Kennard with you!
From the first time I met Guthrie at a songwriter swap, I fell in love with the raw honesty of his music. We have become great friends.
And now Guthrie has a new album out! And it’s fantastic from start to finish!
Guthrie started his music career at the age of 14. He has played with music greats like Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Doyle Bramhall, Sr. on Bird Records, and opened for numerous national touring acts, including Robin Trower, John Mayall, Taj Mahal, Leon Russell, and Donovan. He toured Europe with Grammy winner Marc Benno and co-wrote “Laverne” on Benno’s album Snake Charmer.
He is deeply immersed in Delta Blues and funk music, and this new album is a fine showcase of just how deep!
The CD opens with “Tremelo Rain,” written by Kennard and 8 Ball Aitken. While the song is a little too long for radio airplay at 4 minutes 18 seconds, it tells such a big story. “Mr. Tom is a shady cat down on Bourbon Street. He’ll pick your pockets, steal your watch and go gambling on a Riverboat Queen…” Of course, that’s just the beginning of the story. It unfolds throughout the song.
You’ll find a lot of Louisiana flavor in Guthrie’s songs. When asked about that, he replied, “I played music down in Louisana for many years and their music, as well as their culture, always resonated with me. I guess that’s why I bring it into a lot of my songs.”
Well, I have to agree with Guthrie, I too love Louisiana bayou music!
The intro to “Steel & Wood” sets the mood with a slide guitar riff.
It is impossible to listen to “Miss Honey” and not tap your foot or shake your booty! See for yourself!
The title track, “Riverside” is sinister and perfect for the spooky Halloween season. “Ain’t nobody here ever survives. Nobody crosses Riverside…Wham bam another man down. Wham bam blood on the ground…”
Another favorite of mine on this album is “Mama’s Cookin’.” A slice of life told with a raw funkiness that makes you hungry.
“Two Dollars Down” is another story song set in the old Storyville prostitute district in New Orleans in the 1800s. “Two dollars down, boy, will keep you satisfied…”
If I was forced to pick only one song from this CD as my number one choice, it would hands-down be “Across The River.” It is poignant and laced with so many paradoxes. The melody, lyrics, harmonica, and Guthrie’s signature guitar roll create an atmospheric song that moves me. “So, pick me up in the morning, take me for a ride, on the road outside of Richmond across the river to the other side. And I sing hallelujah, hallelujah…”
The album ends with “Rustle in the Corn.”
From start to finish, this is a CD I will listen to over and again. Guthrie does not shy away from his truth. With a raspy voice and unique funkiness, there is no one like him. The album is produced, engineered, and mastered by Ryan Tharp, who is a phenomenal guitarist.
I hope this piques your interest enough to head over and download some of his music. I know he will appreciate it from the bottom of his heart!
Thank you, Guthrie, for giving us another album filled with awesome music!
Sounds very interesting! Next year, Memorial Day Weekend, the Silver City Blues Festival should be back on again. All sorts of blues–and it’s FREE! Have a featured big name or two, some locals the rest from all over. I’ll have to check out your friend.
That sounds like a wonderful event, John. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment1
What fun! Congrats to Guthrie. Have a beautiful new week, Jan. Hugs on the wing!
Thank you, Teagan! I wish you the same! Hugs back!
I’m unfamiliar with Guthrie, but I listened to one of the songs before I read your comments and immediately thought of Leon Russell. Interesting that he opened for Leon.
That’s a great observation, Pete. He also reminds me a little of Bob Dylan. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Thank you for the introduction to Guthrie, Jan. 😁
My pleasure, John! Thanks for dropping by!
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Congrats to Guthrie on his new release! I’m always impressed when someone goes after their dreams and even more when they start as a young teen!
I agree, Jacquie. Thank you for stopping by!
Enjoyed this very much, Jan! Thanks for introducing us to another amazing artist!
My pleasure, Mary. Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you for introducing us to a new style of music Jan.. Congratulations to Guthrie for launching a new album.
My pleasure, Balroop! Thank you for stopping by!
Wonderful introduction to Gutherie, Jan. I’m headed to Spotify to listen more!
I’m so glad it piqued your interest enough to go listen to more. Guthrie is a very unique artist and I’m thrilled to spotlight him today!
Thanks for introducing us to Guthrie and his music, Jan. What a great picture of you two!
It is my pleasure, Jill. Thank you for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the picture!
A lot of passion in this music, Jan, and talent! Thanks for introducing Guthrie and sharing your fun photo.
My pleasure, Gwen! Thank you for stopping by and giving him a listen! I appreciate your comment!
I am with Roberta. The songs sound very intriguing but I really had to become a little more used to the style. However, thank you for introducing us to this special artist, Jan.
Guthrie is a very unique artist and such a storyteller! Thank you for leaving a comment, Erika!
You are very welcome, Jan. And thank you for connecting people.
HI Jan, this is not music I’m very familiar with but it is very nice. Thanks for the introduction to Guthrie.
Hi, Robbie! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate you taking the time to listen!