SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: GARRY BURNSIDE – IT’S MY TIME NOW

GARRY BURNSIDE
IT’S MY TIME NOW
STROLLING BONES RECORDS

There is something extraordinary about Garry Burnside’s new album, It’s My Time Now. He has created an album steeped in tradition in the classic blues rock arena, and at the same time has created something remarkably new and fresh. As one listens to It’s My Time Now, it is very hard to believe that it is his debut album. He has recorded tracks for compilations, toured a fair bit, and is the youngest son of the incredible Hill country blues singer, R.L. Burnside.  It’s My Time Now is the first chance to hear, in the comfort of our own home, pure Garry Burnside.

Burnside incorporates blues styling into tight, energetic rock ‘n’ roll. The title track, for example, “It’s My Time Now”, has a slow “Come Together” groove with some of the most fierce guitar work I have heard in many years. He explodes with his guitar and is not concerned that he is straying into uncharted territory for blues rock, he simply lets the music take him into his own world. The opening track of the album is a strong instrumental that prepares the listener for the sounds that are going to be coming out of your speakers or headphones. Instrumentals are not the easiest things to keep interesting, but with “High”, Burnside has no problem keeping the listener’s attention. Other tracks, like “Hanging In There”, are predominantly instrumental with few vocals that help accentuate the song, but I for one could listen to his guitar and strong backing band just play.

The music bursts with each new song. Some come out of the gate strong, then slide easily into a slow groove, such as the wonderful “Bad Luck City”. Another intriguing instrumental, it demonstrates his ability to create emotional and wonderful melodies with his guitar. Burnside is not afraid to show his influences or pay tribute to those who came before him, yet he does so in his own style. “Ramblin’” brings to mind Rory Gallagher, and elsewhere he pays tribute to those who came before him with songs like “Holdin’ My Woman”, which features strong vocals from Burnside.

Burnside is an incredible guitarist, and he is also a brilliant singer. He sounds much older than he is and his vocals are strong and full of emotion. Equally important is the production of the record. His vocals are front and center and he gives way for the brilliant solos. Otherwise, the mix of the album has the music being a strong support for him.

With It’s My Time Now, Burnside has very quickly established himself in the blues rock field. It is an incredible debut, and one that will stop people in their tracks and attract fans of the genre. While respecting the past, he is bringing something very new to the genre, and he is doing it extremely well. It’s My Time Now is a brilliant album.

Artist Links