On his 89th birthday, Louisiana born blues legend Buddy Guy is proving he’s still got plenty left to say, and play. His new record, Ain’t Done with the Blues, is a love letter to the genre that’s defined his more than 50-year career.
For his 34th studio album, Guy blends originals with covers of classics from John Lee Hooker, Earl King, Guitar Slim and more, over a whopping 18 tracks. It showcases his dedication to the genre by tying in the history and impact of the blues, while weaving in his personal stories.
The album opens with Guy picking at a John Lee Hooker riff on an unplugged electric guitar. The one-minute sample ends with him saying, “That’s the first thing I ever learned how to play.” It’s a simple, intimate moment that ties past to present, a reminder of where the blues started for him and where it’s carried him.
Guy surrounds himself with friends and fellow torchbearers of the blues. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Joe Walsh, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Joe Bonamassa and Peter Frampton all make appearances. The record is produced by longtime collaborator Tom Hambridge, who also provides drums and percussion throughout.
Despite his age, Guy’s voice remains crisp and clear. From the slow burn of "Blues on Top," the doo-wop sounds of "Send Me Some Loving," and the gospel fire of "Jesus Loves the Sinner" alongside The Blind Boys of Alabama, the album is textured and authentic, never slick or over-done. This is Buddy Guy’s blues: raw, real and deeply personal.
This new album follows his surprise appearance in the buzzed-about movie Sinners, and cements his place as one of the giants and all time great champions of the Chicago blues tradition.
Must listens
- "Been There Done That"
- "Blues Chase the Blues Away"
- "Where U At (ft. Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram)"
- "Blues on Top"
- "How Blues is That (ft. Joe Walsh)"
- "It Keeps Me Young (ft. Peter Frampton)"
- "One from Lightnin'"
- "Upside Down"
- "Talk To Your Daughter"
