Acoustic Burnside
Dolceola, 2022
8/10
On his first new album in 17 years, the former member of the North Mississippi All Stars Duwayne Burnside brings his acoustic guitar to a very diverse and genuine blues record of performances around his home in Holly Springs, Mississippi, between June 2018 and September 2019.
Burnside starts the listen with the gritty, southern blues of “Going Down South”, where his guitar emits much warmth alongside his raw singing, and this formula continues to the quicker pace of the rhythmic “See My Jumper Hanging On The Line”, as well as the firm strumming of “She Threw My Clothes Out”.
In the middle, the powerful and soaring “Dust My Broom” showcases the depth of Burnside’s pipes, while “Stay All Night” touches on folk ideas in the romantic spirit of one of the more upbeat selections.
Towards the end, “44 Pistol” showcases some of Burnside’s most meticulous guitar work in the hypnotic landscape, and “Lord Have Mercy On Me” exits with a gospel angel to the textured appeal that welcomes Dan Torigoe on piano.
Burnside takes influence from B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and his father, R.L. Burnside, as he navigates around Delta blues, country blues, and folk blues with incredible balance, authenticity and timelessness.
Travels well with: Cedric Burnside- Benton Country Relic; Bob Corritore- Do The Hip-Shake Baby!