#749- > Brody Buster - Redemption (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2025 – self-release
Release Date : April 20, 2025
 
By Phillip Smith; May, 26, 2025
 
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Redemption, the first album in eight years from Kansas City-based blues artist Brody Buster has really caught my attention. Buster wears his life on his sleeve and in his music as he sings about overcoming hardships and personal battles. After one listen and you will find this is an artist who begs to be heard. Buster’s art of song-writing pairs quite nicely with his mastery of harmonica and guitar. His talent was duly recognized at the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee as he pulled down two awards: the Lee Oskar Harmonica Award along with securing Second Place in the Solo/Duo category.  Alongside Buster on this nine-track album is Jackie Myers on organ, Ian Pond on drums, Terry Dry on bass, Howard Mahan on slide guitar, Jacque Garoutte on bass/rhythm guitar/backing vocals. Also making a special guest appearance on a couple of songs is Danielle Nicole.

 I’m over-the-top impressed from the very beginning of this record with “Can You Hear Me”.  Buster’s whisky-soaked voice and tight-as-hell band behind him hit me with full force. I noticed the little hairs on my arm standing tall, and I’m quickly reminded of the first time I heard the Black Crowes.  The riveting harp, sonic waves of organ, and lyrics which reflect a hard-scrabble life, tie this up to total perfection. Buster sings of high hopes and bad luck in “Deadwood Shuffle” as he totally rips it up on harp. I dig that classic Nashville country twang he pours all over “Working For The Devil”. It sounds terrific.  “The Color Blue” is such a beautiful song about escaping the dark. I absolutely love it. The harmonizing vocals of Buster and Danielle Nicole are magical. I can feel every word sung. The album comes to a close with “This Time I Got the Blues”.  Written by the late Kansas-City-based bluesman Billy “Beale” Woods who sadly lost his life to cancer in 2019, this track is the definition of the Blues.

Brody Buster’s Redemption is the head-turner of the year so far. This record is sure to land on many best-of lists for 2025.

 

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For more information about Brody Buster, visit his website https://brodybustermusic.com/