Terry Blade is a true blues artist, and his record Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues is undeniable proof. Not only does Blade play the blues with skill and soul, but he also deeply understands and appreciates the genre’s rich history. That reverence and talent resonate throughout this remarkable album.
The record opens with “Nothin’ But the Blues,” an introduction featuring exceptional harmonica playing. Few can bend notes the way that is done on this track, demonstrating a mastery that distinguishes an authentic blues musician from an imposter. The piano echoes a classic blues riff as a raw and organic interview plays in the background: “The people haven’t wanted to hear anything but the blues.” The interview, and all interviews on this record, now public domain works, were meticulously curated by Blade from the Chicago Ethnic Arts Project Collection of the American Folklife Center at the U.S. Library of Congress. Throughout the album, these archival voices provide a historical foundation, beginning with the words of Theresa Needham, a legendary figure known as the “Godmother of Chicago Blues.” Needham founded Theresa’s Lounge, a South Side club that hosted blues icons like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Buddy Guy. Her posthumous induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001 solidified her status as a crucial figure in blues history.
“Gettin’ Tired of You” follows, marking the first time listeners hear Blade’s incredible vocal abilities. His voice soars with raw emotion, complemented by a powerful acoustic blues arrangement. The track pays homage to the genre’s roots, echoing the timeless sounds of blues legends who came before him.
James Williams, also known as Muddy Waters Jr., is featured in the next interview interlude, “Ain’t Been Through No Changes.” He speaks to the essence of the blues, explaining that it is born out of hardship: “The blues is what it’s all about, man. You got to feel it to do it.” His words underscore the idea that without struggle, one cannot truly understand or perform the blues. This authenticity defines Blade’s music, making it all the more compelling. If you don’t have the blues, you can’t feel the blues, and you can’t play the blues well. Terry Blade has got the blues.
“Tell ‘Em” is a standout track, recorded live with an electric guitar that weaves intricate jazz chords and bluesy lead riffs. The song is charged with emotion, serving as both a personal expression and a protest anthem. Blade addresses systemic racial inequality and oppression, delivering lines like, “Tell my brother always watch your back, because I know the system won’t give my brother no slack.” His passionate vocal delivery, including an unexpected country-style yodel toward the end, adds a unique touch. Blade’s declaration, “Tell my people that I will die for them, just so they can be free of the system,” cements his role as both a musician and an activist, using the power of music as a form of resistance against the powers that be.
Tell ‘Em was the hardest to record because it was one live take straight through. I had to be present and in the moment. I had to lead with my raw feelings and let the performance come out however it was going to come out, no matter how it sounded. – Terry Blade
Another interview interlude, “The Blues Is Pressure,” features blues legend Jimmy Walker. He speaks to the weight of societal struggles, reinforcing the album’s theme of challenging oppressive systems. The blues, he argues, is born from that very pressure, a sentiment that rings true throughout Blade’s work.
One of the album’s most captivating tracks, “Be Around No More,” explores the end of a relationship and the release of responsibility over another person. The song’s bluesy acoustic guitar carries a warm, resonant tone, while the piano provides rich harmonic depth. Blade’s voice is filled with palpable emotion, making this one of the album’s most soulful and memorable performances.
Lefty Dizz makes an appearance in “The Blues Is Now Written,” emphasizing the genre’s profound influence on rock and pop music. His words reinforce a crucial message: the blues is the foundation of popular modern music. For those looking to delve deeper into this history, Amiri Baraka’s Blues People: Negro Music in White America is an essential read, providing valuable insight into how African American culture has shaped American music.
“That’s Alright” introduces a shift in tempo and tone, offering a brighter, more energetic blues performance. The guitar work is intricate yet fluid, and Blade’s distinctive vocal tone makes the track truly shine. His ability to blend technical skill with natural expressiveness sets him apart as a contemporary blues artist of remarkable talent.
In “The Blues What They Call It,” Willie Monroe speaks about the emotional weight of heartbreak and loss. His words highlight the deeply personal nature of the blues, reminding listeners that the genre is not just music but a reflection of life’s struggles and triumphs.
Fallen Sons is my favorite song because it’s an amalgamation of American Roots music. Blues is its foundation, but then there’s a layer of gospel, a little bit of country and western, and some retro soul too. They stand on the shoulders of the blues. Then there’s the message behind the song–the loss of too many sons to gun violence. I drive this message with metaphor by re-imagining the most violent parts of Chicago as an old town in the Wild West where cowboy gunslingers face off in quick-draw duels. It’s poignant, painful and personal. – Terry Blade
The album closes with “Fallen Sons,” a powerful and haunting gospel-infused track dedicated to victims of gun violence in Chicago. Featuring a breathtaking choir, the song carries the spirit of a funeral hymn while also serving as a protest anthem against violence. The marching-style beat and layered instrumentation amplify its emotional impact, leaving the listener with a profound sense of loss, resilience, and hope.
Terry Blade’s Chicago Kinfolk: The Juke Joint Blues is more than just an album. It is a masterful tribute to the blues, a historical preservation effort, and a socially conscious work of art. Blade keeps the spirit of the blues alive, ensuring its stories, struggles, and triumphs continue to be heard. This is an essential record for any music lover, whether a dedicated blues fan or someone seeking to understand the roots of modern music. With this release, Blade not only honors the past but also cements his place in the future of the blues.
Listen to this incredible record now:
Written by Ryan Cassata
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