Carl 'Buffalo' Nichols sees things around him shifting, adapting, and progressing to these new world in 2023 . Everything but his genre of the blues, and he's out to change that.
The Milwaukee bluesman recorded, produced, mixed and played nearly all the instruments for his latest and second record, The Fatalist. In recent years, Nichols left Wisconsin for Austin, Texas. It was upon moving back home to Milwaukee where he found inspiration and his love for creating music again.
Carl 'Buffalo' Nichols writes songs that reflect our current times and issues, so it seems natural for him to want to bring the music into the contemporary as well. The list of instruments Nichols plays on the album is, well, surprising. Synth? Drum machines? On a folk blues record? Take a listen to 'Long Journey Home' and you'll hear how it takes a tradition of music and turns it on it's head slightly. Not a 180, but a shift that is noticeable and taps into the present world.
While The Fatalist comes in at a brief 8 songs, Nichols presents a full experience and listen.
Take a listen to our KAXE featured Album of the Week below.
-
Contributed/BandcampWhile presented in a shiny package, Say She She channels optimism in "Cut & Rewind" through sound, and keeps it grounded in realism through words. -
Contributed/Neko CaseThe indie-rock and alt-country icon's new album features expansive orchestration and a wide-eyed enthusiasm. It's her eighth solo — arriving seven years after "Hell-On." -
Contributed/Bear Family RecordsLouisiana born bluesman Buddy Guy honors the blues genre in his latest album, "Ain't Done With the Blues," released on his 89th birthday. -
Danique van Kesteren/Bandcamp"Dark Sky Reserve" by Robin Kester is KAXE's Album of the Week for Sept. 15-21, 2025. -
Contributed/Margo Price"Hard Headed Woman" by Margo Price is KAXE's Album of the Week for Sept. 1-7, 2025. -
Contributed/Ketch Secor'Story The Crow Told Me' by Ketch Secor is KAXE's Album of the Week for Aug. 25-31, 2025.
