Holt is backed on Kind of Blues by guest players on bass, slide guitar, pedal steel, drums and keyboards but alas there is nary a trumpet to be heard. Holt himself plays both acoustic and electric guitars on the record as well as piano and organ, and he handles all the vocal parts. The singer states that the title Kind of Blues indicates "a reflection of the styles within the sound of the album; a blend of blues, country, Americana and rock 'n' roll." Holt penned all but one of the songs here, with "Don't Give up on Me Baby" being a soulful and sweet mid-tempo southern rocker, reminiscent of something that the late Gregg Allman might have done; "Bobby" on the other hand is a mournful modern country song (with a killer guitar solo) about the instability that comes along with cocaine use. "Before I Trusted You" is a mid-album highlight about mistrust with lyrics like "I'd give my vote to Nixon � before I trusted you," with music that sounds as ominous as the lyrics. "Give the Dog a Bone" finds Holt in an upbeat mood, and no wonder; the song has him portraying a man who comes home to find his woman, well, rarin' to go. And fans of Creedence Clearwater Revival will hear familiar sounds in "The Bourgeoisie." A cover of Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady, Lay" closes the album.
Holt has previously released an album called The Sunday Troubadour and he has also released an EP featuring a couple of songs he cut at Sun Studios in Memphis, versions of Howlin' Wolf's "Killing Floor" and the Johnny Cash chestnut "Folsom Prison Blues." Holt has shows scheduled throughout August; find a list of dates and more here.
Share this article
Mother's Day Gift Guide Part 2
Mother's Day Gift Guide Part 1
Root 66: New Riders of the Purple Sage- Gene Clark- More
Robert Plant, Yes and Willie Nelson Among Stars Coming to Ozarks Amphitheater
Live: Heart and Cheap Trick Rock Tampa
AC/DC Reveal 2nd Batch Of 50th Anniversary Reissues
Rush Star Geddy Lee And Alex Lifeson Have Been Jamming Band's Classic Songs
Motley Crue Share Video From Secret Intimate Show
Prince's Cloud 3 Guitar Highlights Julien's Auctions Music Icons
Yes Legend Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Announce New Album 'TRUE'
Kittie Announce 'Fire' Album With 'Vultures' Video
KING 810 Reveal First Episode Of 'Under The Black Rainbow' Episodic Film Series
Big Head Todd And Ben Harper Lead Blues from the Top Music Festival Lineup