Street Party
Music Maker, 2025
9/10
The Houston bluesman Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown returns with a sophomore album, where the 10 tracks continue his gospel influenced songwriting that surrounds 7 decades of experiences and anxieties.
The soulful spirit of the percussively strong “Theme” opens with many voices alongside Brown’s inimitable guitar licks, and the title track follows with a warm groove and some funk flavor that’s immediately infectious.
Halfway through, “Don’t Wanna Get Up Blues” uses playful bass lines amid the crisp drumming and Brown’s inestimable pipes, while “Mojo Bag” brings plenty of southern swagger to the powerful and emotive album highlight.
Moving near the end, “News With Blues” comes with a contagious energy and meticulous guitar playing that’s mesmerizing, and “Big Blues Show” exits with breezy melodies and harmonic backing vocals that invites singing along.
A timeless effort of authentic blues, Brown’s got a voice you’ll immediately enjoy and his guitar playing is unparalleled across this memorable record.
Travels well with: Anthony ‘Big Al’ Sherrod- Torchbearer Of The Clarksdale Sound; Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown- Blues Is Calling Me