KEVIN B.F. BURT — Kevin Burt & Big Medicine : Thank You Brother Bill - A Tribute to Bill Withers (review)

KEVIN B.F. BURT — Kevin Burt & Big Medicine : Thank You Brother Bill - A Tribute to Bill Withers album cover Album · 2024 · RnB Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
snobb
The very first album, released in 2024, which I put in my player is surprisingly not jazz, but a r'n'b one. Virtually unknown in Europe, singer / guitarist / harmonica player from Iowa, USA, Kevin Burt's tribute to Bill Wither's music.

Burt’s been playing through the Midwest for nearly 30 years, but recorded just a very few albums. On "Thank You, Brother Bill..." he sings/plays "Ain t No Sunshine" and many lesser known Wither songs.

For good, Burt doesn't try to copy or imitate Wither's vocals or music in general. Burt sounds often more like Joe Bonamassa than Withers himself, his vocal, if soulful, is more aggressive, and the music is much more blues against Wither's groovy r'n'b with folksy touch.

As a result, "Thank You, Brother Bill..." is an electric blues / blues rock album containing strong songs, B B King influenced guitar soloes and bursts of harmonica.

Some songs sound better than others here. Surprisingly enough, heavy and percussive "Ain t No Sunshine" is a weaker point. Burt's version lacks the spirit and subtlety of the original, we have also heard too many strong covers for decades as well. For my ears, Burt's strong side is heavier blues-rock pieces, such as the Wah-Wah guitar sounding opener "Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?" or "Grandma's Hands". Acoustic blues, "Another Day to Run", works well too.

The album closes with short Burt original - dedication to Bill Withers. Thanks to high quality musical material and an experienced band, the new year opened with a strong r'n'b album.
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