With half a dozen releases, New Orleans based bluesman Luke Winslow-King’s latest effort, Blue Mesa, is a collection of soulfully vivid songs that combine elements of traditional blues, boogie, country and rock n’ roll. After 2016’s excellent and melancholy I’m Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always release, Winslow-King returned to his native Cadillac, Michigan, after a long stint of time making music in the Big Easy. However, the change of scenery did stop there, with the recording of Blue Mesa done abroad in Tuscan Italy with a band including: Roberto Luti (guitar), Chris Davis (percussion), Mike Lynch (keys) and Christian Carpenter (bass). Notable tracks include: the soulful opening track “You Got Mine,” the tender road song “Blue Mesa,” the modified waltz “Break Down the Walls,” the laidback “After the Rain,” the ZZ-Top-esque “Thought I Heard You,” the catchy upbeat number “Chicken Dinner,” and the slow country finger-picked closing track “Farewell Blues.” Luke Winslow-King continues to raises the bar with each new album and leave you wanting more. Blue Mesa is an exceptional and polished album from a consistent young talent. – Written by JFelton
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