Along with fellow wonderkid Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd (KWS) was once branded the heir to heroic, blues revivalist Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV). Even if you dismiss the triple-pronged, abbreviated initials that both guitarists are best known for, shrugging off the dogged critics and straight-up ‘SRV-clone’ accusations can’t have been easy in those early days for such a prodigious talent.
Bringing in the entire Double Trouble band for his second LP Trouble Is… (1997) probably didn’t help matters either, but it’s not every day you’re a self-taught, Fender Strat-wielding teenager. But just like the gusty first few lines that buccaneer this record, Kenny defiantly surfaced ‘up from the ashes, out of the flames’ and now stands as one of the most respected and electrifying guitarists on the planet.
It’s hard to believe 30 years has passed since his breakout debut Ledbetter Heights (1995), which helped redefine modern blues rock. Going gold within months, pinching Platinum by early 1996, it’s a scorching listen of raw, youthful energy, and fulminating, guitar-driven blues, named in honor of a historic neighborhood in his hometown paying tribute to blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.
And yes, there’s more than a few rampant shades of SRV with the patented Strat tone down pat and emotive phrasing, but what blues players in recent times haven’t been influenced by the iconic Texas bluesman? It’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Given he was just 17 when he recorded the album, it’s fascinating to hear Shepherd’s seasoned maturity on this highly polished revisit, with all 12 tracks evolving into more richer and deliberate arrangements.
Of course, the most noticeable difference is the presence of Noah Hunt — the long-time, unique voice of KWS’s band since 1997, replacing stellar blues vocalist Corey Sterling, who was the raspy lead singer during the original recording.
While Kenny’s technical prowess is still on full display and the fiery fretwork still smokes, there’s plenty of subtle tweaks and tinkering to be discovered on Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions). The brakes are firmly applied to the tempo of sprawling opener “Born With A Broken Heart” with the keyboard taking its fair share of the limelight, while Kenny’s solo continues to pick up steam and inevitably burn the house down.
Hunt lends emotional depth and mellowness to the intoxicating, powerful potion of “Deja Voodoo.” It’s blues with a big punch, as Kenny’s spellbinding guitar wig-out makes every note talk. The tone, the licks. Wow. The same can be said for the pure emotion of “Shame, Shame, Shame,” where the keyboard is again off the charts and Hunt’s soulful touch taking Kenny’s wailing guitar to a place us mere mortals could only dream of landing.
Legendary drummer Chris “Whipper” Layton (a founding member of SRV & Double Trouble) is once again the rhythmic engine, keeping the wander crisp and tight on the greatly refined “One Foot On The Path.” Those fingers once more effortlessly dance across the strings on the melodic and meaningful “Everybody Gets The Blues,” before “Riverside” is trickled down in cadence and given a fresh identity.
The funky title track “Ledbetter Heights” brings the passage of time full circle, as Kenny lets rip on the 1995 guitar rig he used for the original recordings, only this time it’s entouraged by years of touring, recording, and collaboration.
I’m sure many other KWS fans always wondered what this album would sound like with Noah Hunt at the helm. While it’s impossible to recapture the fearlessness and groundbreaking nature of the original, there’s a deeper picture of nuance and intention on this rare second look, manifested by the coruscating chemistry that emanates between Shepherd’s undeniable six-string mastery and the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Hunt.
Both these men have been flying high for well over a couple of decades and like a fine wine, age is only staggering them to greater heights. And Ledbetter ones at that.
The Review: 8.5/10
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