Kid Ramos – Strange Things Happening
Label: Nola Blue Records
Release date: March 2025
Can’t Miss Tracks: I’m Working on a Building, Jesus Dropped the Charges, Satan’s Jeweled Crown
Kid Ramos – ‘Strange Things Happening’: A Soulful Journey into Gospel Blues
The legendary guitarist and producer Kid Ramos has graced our music libraries for over four decades. With his remarkable new album ‘Strange Things Happening,’ released after a five-year hiatus, he takes a heartfelt leap into gospel-blues, demonstrating his versatility and creativity once again.
A Unique Musical Journey
This new album is not just a collection of songs; it is an exploration of faith and musical storytelling. Taking its name from a classic song by gospel-blues pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, ‘Strange Things Happening’ stays true to its gospel-blues roots, providing a refreshing departure from Ramos’ well-known West Coast blues sound, while beautifully intertwining themes of spirituality and humanity.
Ramos has compiled a talented ensemble for this project, including featured vocalists Brian Templeton of The Radio Kings and his son Johnny Ramos. Together, they embark on a sonic journey filled with emotion and devotion, navigating through both classic gospel tunes and original compositions.
The Vision Behind the Album
The inspiration for this record arose from a conversation with a long-time pastor friend, James Rasmussen, who sought to support musicians who played gospel music. Ramos reveals, “He wanted to know if I wanted to make a God record. Of course, I had to call my brother Brian Templeton up, and he was down for the project.”
This passion for gospel music resonates throughout the album, as each track reflects the authenticity and heart behind the creation process, recording everything live within just two days.
Collaborators Galore
Chris Lizotte, a renowned singer-songwriter and worship leader, took on the role of producer, helping to shape the sound and spirit of the album. The core band features the exceptional talents of Dave Limina on Hammond organ, Mike Tuturro on bass, and Stephen Hodges on drums. Each musician brought their own unique flair, further enriching the gospel-blues fusion.
A Rich Tapestry of Sounds
The album boasts a variety of tracks that merge influences from gospel greats with elements of blues and rock. The title track opens with Templeton’s stunning vocals, singing, “Jesus is the holy light, turning darkness into light, there are strange things happening every day.” This bold statement of faith comes alive on the vibrant instrumentals, notably featuring Limina’s commanding organ playing, which adds a church-like atmosphere to the song.
Standout Tracks
Some highlights include:
– “How I Got Over”: A beautifully crafted song originally penned by Clara Ward, noteworthy for Limina’s stellar piano accompaniment.
– “I’m Working on a Building”: A joyful rendition with Templeton’s soaring vocals taking center stage, while backed by effervescent organ work.
– “Oh, What a Meeting”: A standout track showcasing Johnny Ramos’ high-pitched vocals that contrast beautifully with his father’s remarkable guitar work.
Moreover, standout covers of classics such as Bob Dylan’s “Every Grain of Sand” and “Jesus Dropped the Charges” keep the energy flowing while aligning with the core themes of faith and resilience.
Mixed with Personal Touches
In a delightful twist, the album also features “Satan’s Jeweled Crown,” a Tex-Mex tribute that sees Ramos switch to the bajo sexto, alongside his son’s engaging vocals. Ending with the duet “More Love than Power,” Kid and Johnny combine their voices beautifully to encapsulate the album’s themes of love and devotion.
A Celebration of Gospel Blues
‘Strange Things Happening’ is a testament to Ramos’ dedication to sincerity in music-making; it illustrates that good music transcends language and culture. As Ramos puts it, “Music transcends it all: language, borders, culture, everything.”
With each note resonating with soul, Ramos’ gospel-blues fusion proves to be a powerful balm for modern times. As we reflect on the tumultuous world around us, the uplifting spirit found within these tracks offers hope and healing.
The celebration of gospel and blues that Kid Ramos and his bandmates have woven together is not only emotionally stirring but also a fitting reflection of the human experience. Here’s to hoping for many more gospel-blues records in the future from this remarkable artist.
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