Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues is Terry Blade’s Album Out Now
Good Day Noir Family,
With Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues, Terry Blade takes listeners on a profound trip into the soul of blues, drawing from the genre’s deep African-American origins.
Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues is Terry Blade’s Album Out Now
His latest album feels like an invitation to witness the birth of modern music itself, offering a fresh yet respectful take on the sounds that laid the groundwork for so much of today’s musical landscape.
The album opens with “Nothin’ But the Blues (feat. Theresa Needham),” a straightforward intro that doesn’t demand an explanation—just a pure, organic moment to settle into the rhythm of what’s to come. It’s a smooth lead-in to what feels like a living, breathing tribute to the roots of this music.
But it’s really with “Gettin’ Tired of You” that Blade starts to showcase his unique touch. The song’s rhythm is infectious, an immediate invitation to move. Classic chord progressions serve as the backbone while Blade’s voice injects a raw, vibrant energy.
The vocal performance carries the weight of years of passion for the blues, wrapping the listener in a warmth that speaks to the genre’s deep connection to emotion.
Then there’s “Tell ‘Em,” a track that feels like it speaks directly to your soul. Blade’s delivery here is haunting and intimate, with a voice that feels like it could be echoing from the depths of a quiet forest. It’s a rare kind of intensity—one that stays with you long after the song ends.
“Be Around No More (Original Version)” showcases Blade’s more reflective side, leaning into darker, mysterious chord progressions and minimalist arrangements.
The simplicity of the composition is striking, leaving room for the listener to sit with their thoughts while still being drawn in by the emotion that fills the space. It’s a hypnotic moment on the album, giving off a sense of introspection and quiet tension.
The album then picks up the pace again with “That’s Alright,” a song that delivers a punch every time Blade’s voice punctuates a line. It’s undeniably contagious, evoking the feeling of hearing a great live performance, where each note is met with a sense of mutual understanding between the artist and the audience.
Closing the album, “Fallen Sons” brings the listener full circle, echoing the past with a raw, field-holler quality. There’s a weight to the track, like a story being passed down from generation to generation. The lyrics, combined with the minimalist arrangement, evoke the history of a people, their struggles, their triumphs—tales carried through time on the wind.
The album’s concept is especially notable for its blend of musicality and storytelling. Tracks like “The Blues Is Pressure (feat. Jimmy Walker)” and “The Blues Is Not Written (feat. Lefty Dizz)” break the traditional structure of the album, offering a spoken-word exploration that digs into the heart of blues culture.
These moments ground the listener in the significance of the genre, taking the music beyond just melody and into the realm of cultural commentary.
Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues is essential for any blues enthusiast. Terry Blade has crafted a project that feels timeless and contemporary, offering a raw, honest reflection of the genre’s roots while infusing it with a modern sensibility.
Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues is Terry Blade’s Album Out Now!
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Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues is Terry Blade’s Album Out Now
Award winning singer-songwriter Terry Blade is at the forefront of Chicago’s contemporary Blues scene. Winner of the 2023 American Songwriter Song Contest, a four time Telly Award winner, two time Hollywood Music in Media Award Nominee and a two time Josie Music Award Nominee. Terry Blade is a multi genre artist whose music is a reflection of his experience as a Black Queer artist. His influences include but are not limited to such legends as BB King, Muddy Waters, Nina Simone, Tracy Chapman, Ben Harper and Amos Lee.
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