KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD – Lay It On Down [Cars & Guitars Edition] (2017)

“Lay It On Down“, the ninth album from five-time Grammy nominee and critically acclaimed guitarist KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD, is out August 4 on Concord Records / Provogue. This is the “Cars & Guitars Edition“, a digipak including a book with photos and a bonus track.
“Lay It On Down” is Kenny’s first album of new material in quite a while (2014’s Goin’ Home was a homage to the greats) and there’s a feeling that for this one, the renowned Hot Rod Racer – Shepherd’s hobby – did everything at full throttle.

Nothing is off limits in this new Kenny Wayne Shepherd album.
Perhaps because he worked with a load of new writers (as well as some long-standing collaborators), perhaps his new producer Marshall Altman changed things up, but whatever, “Lay It On Down” lays it all out and takes the music to places it hasn’t been before.

It bursts out of the blocks with huge dollop of confidence. “Baby Got Gone” is a crunchy, punchy rocker. Coming complete with a brilliant hook, as openings go, it is right up there.
It says much for the stellar quality of this album, however, that it soon finds itself eclipsed. “Diamonds And Gold” a funky, soulful strutter with a horn section is a timeless classic.
Indeed, it seems everyone likes the vibe so much, they are at it again with “Nothing But The Night”. Darker, but drenched in wonderful organ, it drips with lust.

Not a record to be pinned down, the title track is off exploring laid back American roots. One of a few with obvious Nashville (where it was recorded) influences, if anyone bought singles anymore this would be a million seller.
The “anything goes” air here means that this followed up with “She’s $$$” which has the drunken mood of the honky tonk come last orders, and further with a heart-breaking ballad “Hard Lesson Learned”.

“How Low Can You Go”, is a cheeky bluesy rocker. “She took the house, she took the car, she threw my clothes out on the front yard” sings Noah Hunt. The track sees Shepherd really cut loose, with a fine solo.
Louisiana native Shepherd isn’t necessarily the type of artist you associate with intensely personal songs, but there’s a feeling that the wonderful “Louisiana Rain” might mean more to him than most.

This incredible – and incredibly varied – collection closes with “Ride Of Your Life” and when the hook “oohh baby, we’re gonna get a little wild and crazy” hits you’d best believe it is not a request. It’s an order.
This Cars & Guitars Edition includes as bonus a beautifully reworked title track on acoustics and relaxed mood.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd has built a solid reputation with some very good albums throughout almost 25 years, but “Lay It On Down” is a true career high.
This record is a perfect snapshot of exactly what Bluesy rock ‘n roll should be in 2017. And there is no one better at it.
Highly Recommended

01 – Baby Got Gone
02 – Diamonds And Gold
03 – Nothing But The Night
04 – Lay It On Down
05 – She’s $$$
06 – Hard Lesson Learned
07 – Down For Love
08 – How Low Can You Go
09 – Louisiana Rain
10 – Ride Of Your Life
11 – Lay It On Down (Acoustic Bonus Track)

Kenny Wayne Shepherd – guitars, vocals
Noah Hunt – lead vocals
Jimmy McGorman – keyboards
Chris Layton – drums
Kevin McCormick – bass

Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Down-Guitars-Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd/dp/B071NWYNSS
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