2019 – Alligator Records
By Phillip Smith; May 25, 2019
I first heard of Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
a couple of years ago, while watching a YouTube video. I remember being amazed at his guitar prowess and
being enamored by the sheer depth he plunged himself into the Blues. Earlier this month, I was fortunate to have witnessed
a live performance of this Clarksdale, Mississippi blues prodigy at Beale Street
Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee.
It was indeed a rare treat for this blues music loving soul.
Ingram’s debut
album, simply titled Kingfish, has
finally been released, and I’m absolutely loving it. Produced and co-written by two-time Grammy
winner Tom Hambridge, the album features notable guest performances from
Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, and Billy Branch. With Kingfish holding court on vocals
and guitar, and Hambridge behind the drums, the band is comprised of guitarist
Rob McNelley, bassist Tommy MacDonald, and Marty Sammon on
B3 organ/piano.
From the beginning, I was hooked by the dynamic
groove of “Outside of This Town”.
Kingfish’s fearless delivery and robust vocals stand tall in the saddle. Buddy Guy who has stated “Kingfish is
the next explosion of blues.”, appears with Keb’ Mo’ on the delightful
gem of a tune “Fresh Out”. This track
about being down and out has a cool vintage quality about it. Sammon’s piano accompaniment is
terrific. “Before I’m Old” is another great
song. It is funky, soulful, and topped
with more searing guitar. Keb’ on
this one too, as well as three other smoking tracks. One of which is “If You Love Me”. With Billy Branch on harp and Chris
Black on drums, it’s a downright jamboree.
One of my absolute favorites on the album is, “Been
Here Before”. Kingfish plays this
amazingly-reflective song on acoustic guitar and sings it with heart. I remember being wowed and captivated by his
performance of this song at Beale Street Music Festival. It really stuck with
me.
Kingfish
is one of those albums, every blues fan will want in their collection. It’s
that damn good.
For more information about the artist, visit this
website.. www.christonekingfishingram.com
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