Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Ten Days Out Blues From The Backroads
Reprise #9362-49294-20
When Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s first release, LedBetter Heights, came out in 1995, Shepherd was heralded as an 18-year-old gun
slinger who could carry the torch of the blues and run headlong into the fire. This writer remembers seeing Kenny just after that album
came out. The kid cranked it up in this small club, and played like he was playing to an audience of 50,000. When I left I felt he would
quickly move on to bigger things.
When Kenny released the 2004 CD, The Place You're In, he had discarded his blues roots, and created a brand of sludge rock.
The fan base that was loyal to him were baffled by this move.
Finding a soul mate in music producer Jerry Harrison, Shepherd, along with the rhythm section of Double Trouble, set out with
recording/film crews to document a road odyssey that would honor traditional blues musicians. Some were in their 80s or 90s. Some
have passed on. Visiting the homes, clubs and other backwoods territories of these wandering minstrels, we get the behind the scenes
look. Playing with Buddy Flett at the gravesite of Leadbelly in an old cemetery located in Mooringsport, LA. is a treat with Flett giving a
rundown on the life of Leadbelly.
A jam session in Salina, Kansas, with members of the Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters bands show Shepherd being content in his role
as a sideman with refined playing. His ego is in check when he takes his turn and then quickly steps back. The rhythm section of Chris
Layton and Tommy Shannon are able to jam with these musicians at ease. Throw anything at them and they are in the pocket. Tight
grooves. Solidarity. Everything you want with a backbone.
This musical set was indeed long in the making. When the DVD wraps up, Jerry Harrison wonders who else they may have missed.
This CD/DVD set Ten Days Out just may be Shepherd’s best effort yet.
- Gary Weeks -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 2007
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