Mississippi MacDonald – Heavy State Loving Blues
APM Records
10 tracks – 42 minutes
Mississippi MacDonald, a blues guitarist hailing from London, England, unveils his eighth album, "Heavy State Loving Blues," a soulful odyssey through the heartland of the blues. With a career rooted in a transformative experience witnessing Chuck Berry's performance in 1991, MacDonald's journey into the blues has been fueled by a deep passion for the Southern U.S. sound. This latest release follows a trajectory of critical acclaim and chart-topping success, making its mark on both sides of the Atlantic.
The album kicks off with "Howlin' Wolf," a tribute to the legendary bluesman whose influence left an indelible mark on MacDonald. His guitar weaves through the track, complemented by the deep resonance of his baritone vocals and synth horns, offering a homage to a blues pioneer who, according to MacDonald, laid down musical foundations that not everyone could comprehend.
The title track, "Heavy State Loving Blues," emerges as a soul-drenched blues anthem, delving into the excesses of life—fast cars, fast women, and an unapologetic love for the blues. MacDonald's deep, soulful delivery, backed by Phil Dearing's adept synth horns, captures the essence of the genre while adding a contemporary twist.
A notable collaboration occurs on "Blind Leading the Blind," where MacDonald joins forces with Memphis' Vaneese Thomas in a fiery duet. Their vocals intertwine seamlessly, creating a dynamic and impassioned performance. "Heading South" exudes a soulful yearning as MacDonald sets off for Louisiana, leaving behind a love that couldn't withstand the pull of the blues.
"(I Ain't Going to Lie) No More" explores the complexities of love with MacDonald's vocals pleading for understanding. The album takes a turn with the soulful rendition of O.V. Wright's "I've Been Searching," paying tribute to the soul great and infusing the track with MacDonald's unique blues flavor.
On the ballad "I'll Understand," MacDonald's emotive vocals express the ache of lost love, accompanied by a beautiful arrangement of horns and keyboards. "Trouble Doing the Right Thing," a blues treatment of Zack Logan's country song, adds a layer of versatility to MacDonald's blues repertoire.
"The Devil Wants Repayment" delves into a swampy blues narrative, exploring themes of sin and redemption. The slow, tasteful licks of MacDonald's guitar and the haunting atmosphere create a compelling sonic experience. The album concludes with "Blues for Albert," a tribute to Albert Collins, featuring Collins' styled riffs and a brief spoken story narrating MacDonald's own blues journey.
In "Heavy State Loving Blues," Mississippi MacDonald showcases his adept guitar skills, emotive vocals, and a deep connection to the roots of the blues. With each track, he pays homage to the blues greats while carving out his own space in the blues landscape. The album is a testament to MacDonald's commitment to preserving the soulful traditions of the blues while infusing them with contemporary energy.
As a next-generation blues artist, Mississippi MacDonald stands as a torchbearer for the genre, carrying forward the legacy of the blues and ensuring its continued vitality. "Heavy State Loving Blues" is a captivating addition to his discography, inviting listeners on a soul-stirring journey through the heart and soul of the blues
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