Christone Kingfish Ingram – Live In London
2 CDs/8 and 9 tracks In the heart of London, the blues took center stage, and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram wielded his six-string scepter with majestic prowess. "Live in London," recorded at the legendary UK club The Garage, is a testament to Kingfish
as a contemporary blues monarch.
Bursting onto the scene in 2019 with his self-titled debut album, Kingfish's star has only risen, and this live double-disc release encapsulates his musical kingdom.
From the first notes of "She Calls Me Kingfish," the opening track from his 662 album, the listener is thrust into the electric energy of a Kingfish performance. Clocking in at over 2-1/2 minutes, the instrumental showcase not only highlights Kingfish's virtuosity but also introduces the stellar backing players: Paul Rogers on bass, Christopher Black on drums, and the versatile Deshawn Alexander on keys.
"Fresh Out," a rocking anthem from his 2019 debut album, follows suit with soulful organ accompaniment and Kingfish's signature guitar flair. The setlist weaves through the blues landscape, showcasing the depth of Kingfish's songwriting. "Another Life Goes By," a poignant ballad addressing profiling and oppression, slows the tempo while amplifying emotional intensity. "Empty Promises" then plunges into slow blues, with Kingfish's guitar and vocals cutting through with razor-sharp precision.
As the journey unfolds, the first disc is a sonic exploration of Kingfish's blues roots. From the funky "Hard Times" to the soulful instrumental "Mississippi Night" and the intimate solo performance in "Been Here Before," the live recording captures the essence of Kingfish's authenticity.
The second disc raises the stakes, opening with "You're Already Gone," a beautiful ballad that intertwines acoustic and electric elements. "Listen" from Kingfish's debut album follows, delivered with passion, solid organ support, and mesmerizing guitar work. The blues anthem "Not Gonna Lie" and the energetic "Midnight Heat" keep the momentum alive.
Throughout the live recording, Kingfish's guitar prowess shines brightly. His emotive playing, coupled with the dynamic interplay with Deshawn Alexander's keys, creates a sonic tapestry that's both intricate and explosive. Tracks like "Outside of this Town" and "662" showcase Kingfish's ability to navigate between blues ballads and rollicking, uptempo numbers with ease.
The encore segment is a musical spectacle, starting with a thoughtful piano intro in "Encore Intro" and escalating into a boisterous instrumental finale. The concluding track, "Long Distance Woman," unleashes Kingfish's guitar to hit stratospheric heights, leaving the audience in awe.
"Live in London" is not merely an album; it's a coronation ceremony for a blues prodigy who has ascended to the limelight. Kingfish's ability to command the stage, backed by a stellar ensemble, reaffirms his status in the blues world. The extended durations of the tracks might be challenging for the faint-hearted, but for those who relish in the allure of a great blues performance, this live recording is proof that the blues, is thriving and evolving.
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