Terry Blade – Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues
Chicago’s Terry Blade is a singer/songwriter whose passion for everything-blues comes through perfectly on his latest output, Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues. An ethnographic account of both blues pioneers and an honest representation of Blade’s blues-based songwriting, Blade combines excerpts of interviews with innovators of the genre (think Theresa Needham; Jimmy Walker; Muddy Waters Jr., Willie Monroe; and Lefty Dizz), procured via public domain by Blade himself, with the soulful blues meanderings that fans of the genre have come to know and expect. These interviews from 1977 offer the listener a unique juxtaposition – a reverence for the trailblazers of the past mixed with Blade’s passion to keep the genre alive today.
There are two types of songs on Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues – song one (and every other song thereafter) features an excerpt from the aforementioned interviews, starting with the godmother of Chicago Blues herself, Theresa Needham. Theresa talks about the process of getting a license for her legendary tavern, as well as the storied pedigree of blues musicians that eventually made her way through her venue. It’s soundtracked by a moaning harmonica and a swung acoustic guitar riff, a perfect backbone for acknowledging Needham’s contributions to the city and the genre. Likewise, interviews from Muddy Waters Jr. highlight the importance of blues and how it’s rooted in true emotion; Jimmy Walker’s acknowledgement of the conditions that create great blues music; and more from Monroe and Dizz. It’s a strange but powerful way to experience a new album – both educational and emotionally heavy in a reverential way.
The rest of the album are from Blade – songs like “Gettin’ Tired of You” and “That’s Alright” highlight his excellent vocal performance, powerful lyrics, and the swinging root notes that propel blues songs with a swampy fervor. “Tell ‘Em” is a different approach, based more in a treble-y electric guitar pluckiness, but with no less gravitas than its predecessor. “Be Around No More” stands out for its use of piano, and “Fallen Sons” starts beautifully with its gospel-inspired vocal harmonies. A militant snare drum and unique auxiliary instrumentation (a theremin, perhaps?) add to the dark and dreary vibes here, making this one an excellent track to conclude the album with.
Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues is out February 28th, 2025.
Categorised in: Album Reviews
This post was written by Nick Sessanna