Stone Crazy
Gulf Coast, 2020
8/10
On this first album for the Gulf Coast Label, the veteran artist Kevin Burt has assembled an all star cast of Mike Zito, Doug Byrkit, Matthew Johnson, Lewis Stephens and Jimmy Carpenter to help flesh out the 10 originals and lone cover.
“I Ain’t Got No Problem With It” starts the album with warm harmonica from Burt as Johnson’s frisky percussion aligns with the bluesy delivery, and “Purdy Lil Thang” follows with a soulful approach as spirited guitar work complements Burt’s expressive singing.
In the middle, “I’m Busting Out” recruits plenty of grooves in the funky atmosphere, while “Same Old Thing” moves with much rhythm in its playful nature that even offers a stirring guitar solo. “Something Special About You”, one of the album’s best, then makes good use of acoustic guitar and Burt’s agile pipes as Southern Rock nods enter the equation.
Deeper tracks include the jumpy keys and harmonica solos of the funk friendly “Should Have Never Left Me Alone”, and “Better Off Dead”, where Burt puts his heart and soul into this precise version of the Bill Withers tune from 1971 . “Got To Make Change” then exits the listen cautiously and displays Zito’s guitar prowess on the reflective, powerful finish.
For two and a half decades Burt has proved time and time again that the blues are alive and well in his home state of Iowa, and on this superb outing he further cements his place as one of the most versatile and exciting bluesmen that exists today.
Travels well with: Erin Harpe- Meet Me In The Middle; Kat Riggins- Cry Out