Who Is He?
VizzTone, 2022
9/10
Even though he’s just 21 years old, the vocalist Dylan Triplett sounds like a seasoned vet on this stunning listen, where blues, R&B, jazz and soul are fleshed out with the guitarists Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Johnny Lee Schell, Sean McDonald, the drummer Ryan Marquez, keyboardist Mike Finnigan, and sax players Joe Sublett and Kyle Turner.
“Barnyard Blues” opens the listen with Triplett’s soaring pipes complemented by bright keys, thumping drums and soulful backing vocals making for a powerful lead off, and “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” follows with a more cautious spirit that welcomes R&B nods in the smooth climate.
In the middle, “Junkyard Dog” showcases vibrant, bluesy guitar amid Triplett’s incredibly rich singing, while “I’ll Be There Waiting” steers into balladry with moody keys and well timed sax that suites the stunning singing from Triplett’s 4 and a half octave.
Deeper still, “Feels Good Doin’ Bad” brings both grit and melody into the album’s best selection, and “All Blues” exits the listen with some frisky grooves illuminating meticulous guitar solo and vocal acrobatics.
If you haven’t heard of Dylan Triplett yet, well, you will soon, as he’s probably the next big blues star. Best to familiarize yourself now with these superb tunes.
Travels well with: The Nighthawks- Established 1972; J-Rad Cooley- Yard Sale