Various artists – Tell Everybody! 21st Century Juke Joint Blues From Easy Eye Sound
Easy Eye Sound
12 Tracks – 45 Minutes
In the heart of Nashville, where the air resonates with the soulful strains of blues and the spirit of authentic music creation, Dan Auerbach's Easy Eye Sound studio stands as a beacon. Billboard's Label of the Year in 2022, Auerbach's studio is not just a recording space but a haven for artists who share a passion for the raw, unfiltered essence of Juke Joint Blues. The latest offering from Easy Eye Sound, "Tell Everybody! 21st Century Juke Joint Blues," is a 12-track, 45-minute odyssey that transcends time, melding the classic with the contemporary.
Kicking off the album is R.L. Boyce's rendition of "Coal Black Mattie," a track steeped in Delta blues tradition. Boyce, mentored by luminaries like R.L. Burnside and Mississippi Fred McDowell, sets the stage for a musical journey that echoes the roots of blues while paving the way for the contemporary artists featured on this compilation.
Robert Finley, the 69-year-old Louisiana native, takes the reins with "Tell Everybody," a song that beckons listeners to join the shack party. The Hill Country sound is vividly alive as Auerbach's electric guitar weaves through Finley's invitation to revel in the musical celebration.
The Moonrisers, a two-person band comprising Libby DeCamp and Adam Schreiber, inject a moody instrumental, "Tall Shadow," adding a touch of introspection to the juke joint festivities.
Auerbach steps into the spotlight with "Every Chance I Get (I Want You in the Flesh)," a track that propels the blues into the 21st century. The thumping ride, enhanced by synthesizers, marks a direction toward modernity without compromising the genre's essence.
The album seamlessly blends the old and the new, as exemplified by Jimmy "Duck" Holmes' "Catfish Blues," presented in its original mono form. Holmes, from Bentonia, Mississippi, pays homage to the blues lineage with this classic, popularized by Muddy Waters.
The collaboration between Aaron Frazer of Durand Jones and The Indications and Gabe Carter yields "Anything You Need," an original song born from a street performance that caught Auerbach's attention. The result is a fresh take on the juke joint blues, breathing new life into the genre.
Nat Myers' "Willow Witchin'" provides a serene interlude, showcasing porch-style music with the haunting resonance of Myers' dobro. This Kansas native, now settled in Northern Kentucky, captures the quiet beauty of the blues.
Leo Bud Welch's "Don't Let the Devil Ride" echoes the deep moans and burning guitar work of the Mississippi blues. Presented in mono, this track immortalizes Welch's contribution to the blues, leaving a lasting impression.
The Black Keys contribute "No Lovin'," an exclusive track for this compilation, embodying the Hill Country sound with Auerbach's ripping guitar and Patrick Carney's steady drumbeat.
Glenn Schwartz, an influential guitarist with a storied career, leaves his mark with "Daughter of Zion" and "Collinwood Fire." Auerbach pays homage to Schwartz's Cream-flavored sound, showcasing the versatility of the blues genre.
"Tell Everybody!" is more than a compilation; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of Juke Joint Blues. Auerbach's curation bridges generations, offering a mosaic of styles that honors the legacy while pushing the boundaries. As mono recordings enhance the sounds of older artists, Auerbach crafts a sonic journey that unites the past and the present. In the halls of Easy Eye Sound, the call resounds: Tell Everybody about the 21st Century Juke Joint Blues revival!
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