Album Review: Kent Burnside – Hill Country Blood
Born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, guitarist Kent Burnside is the eldest grandson of legendary bluesman R.L. Burnside. Schooled in the blues by his grandfather, Kent’s formal start in the music business came with his tenure touring with Buddy Guy in the early years of the new century. Burnside has been recording and releasing albums for more than a decade; his latest, Hill Country Blood was cut in Memphis with Grammy-winning producer Boo Mitchell.
Hill Country Blood opens with “My Daddy Told Me.” As its title makes plain, the song is steeped in the blues’ autobiographical tradition. Accompanied only by his electric guitar, Burnside weaves a compact history of his time on Earth, proudly exclaiming, “Look at me now!” The rhythmic contrast between Burnside’s vocal line and his guitar work is inspired and fascinating.
The rest of the band comes in on the album’s title track. Spare, assured and rock-solid accompaniment from bassist Garry Burnside and drummer Jake Best provide everything needs to carve out a bluesy (but very rock-oriented) arrangement. The simmering, seething track showcases both Burnside’s taut and impassioned yet restrained lead vocal, and his sinewy lead guitar work.
Loping, distorted guitar is at the core of Burnside’s reading of the blues standard “Crawling King Snake.” Memphissippi Sounds’ Yella P contributes some searing harp work, engaging in musical dialogue with Burnside’s vocals. “I Heard” features a lean and mean arrangement that once again shines the spotlight on Burnside’s fiery guitar work.
The smoky “I Go Crazy” takes its time to unfold, and Burnside’s vocal strikes an appropriately menacing tone. For “One More Chance,” Burnside sings in unison with his lead guitar line while Yella P’s harp wails in the distance; the song’s atmosphere is impressive and memorable. The chugging “Rob and Steal” has a haunting, dangerous vibe; Best’s insistent snare skillfully heightens the tension.
The slow, contemplative blues of “I Can Feel It” makes effective use of the spaces between the notes, and Garry Burnside’s subtle bass work gives the track its foundation. The guitarist’s understated wah-wah pedal work on “You Better Run” is a model of careful and effective restraint. For the record’s closer “I Miss You,” Burnside sets down his electric axe in favor of an acoustic. Joined by Garry on second acoustic plus Yella P, it’s a strong and soulful way in which to end Hill Country Blood, likely one of the year’s best new blues albums.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.