Blues Sky
Wilderness, 2023
8/10
The blues and roots enthusiast Randy Lee Riviere brings along Kevin McKendree, Kenneth Blevins, David Santos and Ann, Regina and Freda McCrary for these 11 modern and memorable tunes.
“American Redoubt” begins the listen with Riviere’s sturdy pipes and spirited guitar alongside Blevins’ thumping drums for the dense blues rock, and “You’re So Kind” follows with a hint of grunge, as the thick guitars are met with Santos’ agile bass playing.
In the middle, the more cautious “Spit Shine” layers the guitars amid the dreamy rhythm section, while “What You Know About Pain?” brings some soulfulness into the restrained blues ideas that makes good use of McKendree’s well timed keys.
Residing near the end, “Joseline” emits a timeless, melodic appeal that helps make this the album’s best and recruits warm backing vocals from the McCrary’s, and “Cold Cold River” exits with a stirring intimacy that hints at gospel, and flows via a heartfelt demeanor, all with soothing backing vocals from the trio.
A diverse and thoughtful body of work, Riviere’s vision is certainly steeped in the blues, but his country and Americana influences won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated, either.
Travels well with: Jason Ricci And The Bad Kind- Behind The Veil; Johnny Rawls- Walking Heart Attack