Kurt Allen – Live From The Red Shed
Titanium Blue LLC
9 Tracks – 52 minutes The blues, at its core, is a genre best experienced live – where the raw energy, the pulsating rhythms, and the searing guitar solos can truly ignite the soul. The Kurt Allen Band, a trio of true road warriors, encapsulates this spirit in their latest release, "Electric Reverie: Live at The Red Shed." Recorded on May 8, 2021, in Hutchinson, Kansas, this album captures the essence of a band that thrives on the stage, offering a sonic journey through classic blues-rock with roaring guitars and unbridled passion.
Kurt Allen, the frontman on guitar and vocals, alongside Gregory Schaberg on drums and Bill Morlan on bass, forms the three-piece powerhouse that has been hitting the road, playing up to 200 shows annually for over a decade. Hindered only by the pandemic, their previous album, "Whiskey, Women & Trouble," faced the unfortunate timing of release just before the world shut down. However, their resilience led them to review recorded performances, and what emerged from The Red Shed became a testament to their prowess.
The album kicks off with the fiery "Graveyard Blues," a classic blues-rock anthem where Kurt's guitar prowess blazes through, echoing the sentiment of facing adversity. The new addition, "Bad Love," growls with intensity as Kurt exclaims, "I’m so happy now that you are gone. You put me down for so long."
The slow, smooth burn of "How Long" showcases pure blues emotion, with Kurt's guitar whining in tandem with the heartfelt lyrics. Transitioning to the swamps, "Voodoo Queen" offers a funky tale driven by Bill's bass, delivering the narrative of a spellbound encounter.
"Watch Yo Step" is an all-out rocker, with Kurt cautioning, "I’ll be watching you," in a tale of suspicion and deceit. "When I Fall" introduces a slow boogie, providing a dynamic shift in tempo and mood.
The title track, "Whiskey, Women & Trouble," encapsulates the band's thematic core. With Kurt's preference for "whiskey neat" and the allure of a mysterious woman, trouble is inevitably on his mind. The cover of Son House's "Death Letter" adds a searing dimension to the album, depicting a haunting letter that heralds loss and farewell.
Closing the album with "Better Think Twice," Kurt's advice resonates with a vigilant tone. The roaring guitar, the pulsating rhythms, and the evocative lyrics converge to create a sonic experience that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.
For aficionados of roaring guitar licks intertwined with classic three-piece blues-rock, "Electric Reverie: Live at The Red Shed" is an album that not only captures the essence of a live performance but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the blues. The Kurt Allen Band, true to their road warrior ethos, delivers an electric reverie that beckons listeners to join them on a blues-infused journey.
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