I have talked and written a lot this year about all of the great new talents coming to the fore in the contemporary blues. One of them is a 25 year old out of New Orleans by the name of Kevin “Sonny” Gullage who is set to release his debut album Go Be Free on Blind Pig Records on August 23rd.
We are often judged by the company we keep and in Sonny Gullage’s case, his talent has already attracted the attention of two of the most prominent figures in the blues in 2024: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Tom Hambridge. Christone is one of the undeniable stars of the contemporary blues with 4 major awards at this past May’s Blues Music Awards ceremonies. And if I could pick anyone on the face of the earth to produce my first recording it would be Tom Hambridge. He is a fabulous drummer, long time associate of Buddy Guy, and arguably the most in demand producer of the contemporary blues genre. He just simply brings out the best in anyone he works with.
There is a maturity to the songs on this recording that frankly amazes me for someone so young. His duo with Christone on Worried About the Young is not only some badass blues but a thoughtful commentary about what is going on around them. The tune I’ve Been There is a beautiful consoling message to others struggling with life’s harsh reality. And the funky Things I Can’t Change is a wise beyond his years observation to stop worrying about what you can’t change and focus on what you can.
In terms of great catchy upbeat blues, the gospel infused title cut Go Be Free, the funky Just Kiss Me Baby, the blues rock infused File It Under Blues and the keyboard boogie song Stop That Stuff are sure winners. I also loved the blues shufflin’ Blues All Over You. And when Sonny slows the beat down and his voice becomes the center of attention…wow.. the songs Separate Ways, Tattooed Wings, Home to You are just simply great tunes.
Sonny Gullage is the complete package. His voice is soul infused sweetness, his songwriting is thoughtful and insightful, and his talent on the piano is patently obvious. I can see no future that does not include a nomination for the 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year for the album Go Be Free!!
Sonny Gullage – Go Be Free (2024 Blind Pig Records)
#blues #newblues #blindpigrecords #sonnygullage #musicnews
Ben Vee has been a radio host on Blues Music Fan Radio for over 6 years and has been writing about the blues on his blog at http://www.benveeblues.com since 2014. He now also writes for BMFR.
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