Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band – Lay It On Down

27th July 2017 0 By Jon Deaux

Holy shit! It’s been 3 years since Kenny Wayne Shepherd released the album Goin’ Home. It doesn’t feel like that at all, considering the album is still on rotation in the office. So it was a lovely surprise when I was sent a copy of Lay It Down. This new album had some way to go to overshadow his last album. Bugger me with a broom stick, it doesn’t disappoint.

From the opening of Baby Got Gone, this album draws you in. The spine tingles with the horns on Diamonds & Pearls, the emotions start to flood with Nothing But The Night & it’s only on the 3rd track.

The title track, Lay It Down, is a beautiful slice of country blues followed up by what will be a line dancing favorite, She’s $$$.

Hard Lesson Learned, features some of the best guitar work I’ve heard Kenny record. A slow ballad of a number that tugs at the heart-strings especially as it’s coupled with an amazing slide guitar backing the vocal. Closely followed by a modern blues boogie, Down For Love brings the tempo of the album back up, right before Down For Love which has a similar feel to Little Richards hit, Lucille.

Louisiana Rain brings another change of pace. A stunning track & the album highlight. Think of the time you 1st heard Pink Floyds Comfortably Numbs emotive beauty & you’re close to what I felt when hearing this track. As for the solo, it’s a moment that any guitarist would be proud of. It’s up there with Kirk Hammetts solo from Metallicas Unforgiven for me.

Straight blues rocker Ride Of Your Life hits you like a baseball to the face, before an acoustic version of Lay It Down closes out the album.

This album is best experienced LOUD. In fact, put your headphones on & play this album as loud as your ears can handle. Lay back, close your eyes & let Kenny take you on a proper musical journey.

For fans of Walter Trout, Big & Rich

Score 8.5/10

Track List

1 Baby Got Gone
2 Diamonds & Gold
3 Nothing But The Night
4 Lay it on down
5 She’s $$$
6 Hard Lesson Learned
7 Down For Love
8 How Low Can You Go
9 Louisiana Rain
10 Ride Of Your Life
11 Lay it on down ( Acoustic )

Release Date
21st July 2017
Label
Provogue/Mascot Label Group