Genre: Blues Rock
Label: Mascot Label Group
Release Date: 29 September 2017
Line Up:
Chris Robertson – Lead Vocals/Lead Guitar
Ben Wells – Rhythm Guitar
Jon Lawhorn – Bass Guitar
John Fred Young – Drums
Tracklist:
- ‘Built For Comfort’– (Howlin’ Wolf),
- ‘Champagne & Reefer’– (Muddy Waters),
- ‘Palace Of The King’ – (Freddie King),
- ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ – (Muddy Waters),
- ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’ – (Albert King),
- ‘I Want To Be Loved’ – (Muddy Waters)
Black Stone Cherry was formed in 2001 in Kentucky as a hard rock band, although Blues has always been a huge influence on their music. Lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Robertson says, “Blues is the music we listen to when we sit around on the bus with a bottle of bourbon.”
This new project is a great selection of classic blues jams that they have chosen to cover to pay tribute to their influences. Their style and sound really accentuates the vibe of the songs and makes you really get into the groove of the music! If this direction is any indication of the dedication to their musical roots, their next album is going to be utterly epic. I really like the depth that their character brought to this genre of music.
The EP pays tribute to some of their favourite blues artists with covers of: Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King and Albert King
I really like how they opened with ‘Built For Comfort’ and I enjoyed the way their style filled the need for the heaviness that was brought together by their musical talents on this tune, I also find their approach smooth and appealing.
As they subtly slip into ‘Champagne & Reefer’, I don’t know if I would welcome the hangover from the champagne as much as I did the guitar riffs, but I do like the way they bring a modern sound and up tempo from the original version.
Their twist on ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ really breathes new life into the song. Eric Clapton fans will even be impressed, as he is one of the many artists that have covered this one in the past as they put their own unique sound on it.
It’s a great EP which makes this jam a great opportunity to sit around the fire with some bourbon. Remember with no roots, there are no trees.
Review by Cricket Hooks
SCORE: 8/10
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