Tom Hambridge – Blu Ja Vu
Quarto Valley Records
13 songs – 44 minutes
Renowned tunesmith, producer, and drummer, Tom Hambridge steps into the spotlight with his latest album, "Blu Ja Vu." With a career spent mostly behind the scenes, Hambridge's return to the forefront is a treat for blues enthusiasts. Hailing from Buffalo but rooted in Nashville, Hambridge has an extensive background working with blues legends, earning accolades, and contributing to Grammy-winning albums. "Blu Ja Vu" features an array of guest appearances, including Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Kingfish, and Josh Smith.
The album's title alludes to its exploration of previously recorded material during Hambridge's production endeavors. Penning all 13 tracks, many in collaboration with Richard Fleming, Hambridge revisits and revives these bluesy gems. Recorded in various Nashville studios, the album boasts a stellar lineup, including Rob McNelley, Bob Britt, Tommy MacDonald, Kevin McKendree, and Chuck Leavell.
Kicking off with the lively "Ain’t It Just Like Love," featuring Buddy Guy, the album spans blues-rock with "That’s My Home," where Joe Bonamassa lends his guitar prowess. Hambridge takes a solo spotlight in the steady rock beat of "Wear You Out," praising a '54 Stratocaster, a Cadillac Eldorado, and an unsatisfiable woman. "Blues Don’t Care" features Kingfish, proclaiming the blues' indifference to states and hatred.
"Sick With Love" lets McNelley shine, "Automatic" celebrates a '65 Ford Thunderbird, and "Symptoms of Love" explores the cure found in a good woman's embrace. The instrumental "Brother John Boogie" features James Cotton on harp in one of his final sessions. "Get Outta Town" invites dancing with its uptempo two-step, "Smarter Than I Was" sees Josh Smith's guitar artistry, and "Johnny Winter" questions the bluesman's Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame absence.
"Meet Me in Chicago" rocks with McNelley and pays tribute to the city's blues legacy, while "End of the Line" closes the album with a lament for being the last to leave after a night of music.
Tom Hambridge proves he's not just a maestro in the control room but a star on stage with "Blu Ja Vu." It's a must-listen for blues fans who appreciate the artistry of a seasoned musician stepping into the limelight.
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