Let Loose Those Chains
VizzTone, 2021
9/10
Listen to Let Loose Those Chains
The esteemed bluesman Hector Anchondo usually plays with a full band, but here he’s armed with a pair of acoustic guitars and a whole lot of heart to put a new twist on songs that go back 20 years in his arsenal and often point towards influences like John Lee Hooker, Keb Mo and even the Allman Brothers.
Anchondo places the title track in the lead off position, where his smooth vocals glide alongside folk ideas and bare but impactful percussion, and “I’m Going To Missouri” follows with a bouncy spirit of playful, bluesy guitar and crisp drumming.
The middle tracks offer us the very Southern influenced “Candy Shop”, where Anchondo’s meticulous guitar playing doesn’t disappoint, while “Legend”, the best track present, brings breezy Americana to the warm environment. “Strike It Down”, another excellent tune, then brings some gypsy jazz exploration into a very cultured and rhythmic display.
Approaching the end, “Momma’s A Hard Man” enters ballad territory, where Anchondo hits some high notes amid his reflective guitar work, and “You Know I Love You But You Got To Go” exits the listen with a light, soulful and charming blend of blues, folk and Americana.
An artist with an immense amount of talent, Anchondo’s got a set of pipes you won’t forget soon, and he can play a guitar with the best of them. Add Joe Corley on bass and Khayman Winfield behind the drum kit, and you’ve got one of the best acoustic blues records of 2021.
Travels well with: Henry Gray & Bob Corritore- Cold Chills; Bob Margolin- Star Of Stage And Screens