Welcome To The Land
Little Village, 2021
8/10
The duo of Damion Pearson (vocals, harmonica, guitar) and Cam Kimbrough (vocals, drums, guitar), as Memphissippi Sounds the pair bring influences from their Memphis and North Mississippi backgrounds into a very exciting and well thought out brand of blues.
“Who’s Gonna Ride” starts the listen with plenty of rhythm and soul as the gritty yet tuneful pipes guide the lively energy that addresses George Floyd, and “Groove With Me” follows with a calmer pace as well timed harmonica and thick guitar indeed cultivates plenty of grooves.
Halfway through, “You Got The Juice” get a bit dreamy as spirited guitar and soft singing makes for a very memorable album highlight, while “Crossroad” blends the agile drums, warm harmonica and emotive singing into a very southern blues affair.
Nearing the end, “Saturday Morning” thumps with a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ appeal that’s quite stylish and hypnotic, and “Look Out For The Wolf” exits the listen with a more bare strategy that’s no less powerful in its precise and genuine delivery.
Essentially combining the best blues ideas from Tennessee and Mississippi, Pearson and Kimbrough are equally adept at penning political songs about today’s trying times, just as they are surrounding themes of romance, and their raw, timeless song craft resonates with tremendous skill here.
Travels well with: Zac Harmon- Long As I Got My Guitar; Chickenbone Slim- Serve It To Me Hot