CD Review
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
The Place You’re In
(Reprise)
by Tony Engelhart
Review Date: May, 2005
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Kenny Wayne Shepherd rode in as a blues rocker who drew comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughn. While critics dismissed the teen protégé as being all technique who lacked soul, he was an instant hit with blues and rock fans alike. Since his debut, Ledbetter Heights, Shepherd has been slowly straying further from the blues into classic album rock. Following a five year absence he returns in full rock mode which actually suits him better than blues ever did. Dressed in black leather with a gothic cross hanging from his neck on the cover sets the tone for what’s inside. With hard driving rock and roll, heavy power chords and sweltering solos, the record rivals any of the 1970 arena rockers on their best days. Long gone are the days of covering other people’s material as Shepherd penned every track with multi-instrumentalist/producer/engineer Marti Frederiksen. While the disc reincarnates the screaming guitar pitches of such groups as Humble Pie, Grand Funk Railroad, and Foghat, Kenny & company update the antiquated sound in the same way Lenny Kravits has. Adding a bit raunchiness to the disc, Kid Rock lends his star power and his unmistakable voice on the rough and ready ‘Spank’. Shepherd blends acoustic with electric on ‘Believe’ giving the tune a Bad Company ambiance. Kenny Wayne has not only grown as a guitarist but his vocals have matured as well. However, he still lays low on a couple of tracks as ‘Believe’ and ‘Burdens’ features Noah Hunt on lead vocals. With a nod to all the guitar heroes before him, the disc ends with a high volume instrumental – ‘A Little Bit More’. Even though the revamped Kenny Wayne Shepherd will most likely lose his crossover appeal with blues fans, hardcore rock supporters will definitely revel in his new sound.
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