What My Eyes Have Seen…
Gulf Coast, 2020
9/10
Listen to What My Eyes Have Seen…
John Blues Boyd has a lived a life full enough for two people, and here, with the help of Guy Hale and Kid Andersen, they pen tunes that point towards the events that Boyd has lived through, i.e. the oppression, struggle and segregation of the Afro American community.
Boyd starts the listen with the charged guitars and gritty vocals of “In My Blood”, where rhythm and blues flow with a timeless quality, and the title track follows with soulful swagger as Boyd’s deep vocals complement the reflective tone well.
Boyd makes each of the 9 tracks count, as “I Heard The Blues” recruits spirited organs in the harmonica friendly setting, while “Why Did You Take That Shot?” trims the pace back with horns and plenty of emotion in the slow burning affair.
Near the end, the rock’n’roll shuffle of “That Singing Roofer” helps make this bouncy tune the album’s best, and “Got To Leave My Mark” finishes off the autobiographical record with strategic keys and plenty of warmth in the spirited exit.
Even though Boyd has lived through some very dark moments in American history, the music here is often glorious, uplifting even. An effort that should be required listening for those to understand just how detrimental to society racism and inequality are, Boyd’s brand of gospel just happens to be some fantastic modern blues that we will never tire of.
Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Billy Price- Dog Eat Dog