Representing the heart and soul of Northern Mississippi, Cedric Burnside’s new album, Hill Country Love, reminds the modern listener how influential, impactful, and downright fun Deep South blues music is.
And who better to carry the torch for such a culturally significant genre than the grandson of a pioneer in that field, the late great R.L. Burnside.
Recorded in a ramshackle building in Ripley, Mississippi, (which has less than 5,400 residents) that Burnside had once envisioned as a juke joint, the album captures the authentic vibe and spontaneous energy that are hallmarks of his sound. Working alongside producer Luther Dickinson, the Grammy-winning blues artist has crafted a collection of songs that resonate with realness and passion, both pushing the boundaries of the blues and honoring its roots.
Hill Country Love kicks off with “I Know,” as Burnside charges into a frantic, slippery blues riff that soon gives way to his bold vocals and some tried and true blues harp. The raw muddy grit is felt quick and fierce, and listeners gather from the jump they’re in for a 14-track blues masterclass for the ages. And often the case with such a genre is the unmistakable gospel influence that shines through select songs.
The title track – which released as a single shortly after the New Year – delivers an unassuming yet delightfully bluesy electric guitar riff, soon followed by the rolling smack of the snare and toms, allowing the groove to set in- and then it’s off to the races.
“Early mornin’ / Crack a dawn / Already up / Write a few songs / Backpack / Bout to hit the road / A few more things / Before I go,” he sings in a short, sharp delivery, leaving the listener waiting to hear where it’s all headed. The simplicity and all-too-real lyrics are most appreciated, as Burnside does not try to get too convoluted and philosophical to the point of confusion with his lyrics, but rather keeps them grounded and most relatable.
The way Burnside belts the chorus line — “Hill Country Love” — is a thunderbolt of soul and emotion, locking the listener into an unshakable groove that follows. It hypnotizes with its steady driving percussive-blues excellence that doesn’t have a ton of changes, and rightfully so. This happens through the duration of the album, offering new tones and energies sprinkled throughout.
The fourth track, “Juke Joint,” offers a solid gold rolling blues groove that locks in tight, commanding the body to move in one facet or another. The slide guitar that slips in as the track picks up steam is the cherry on top to this epic number, reminding us of the raw power blues music harnesses.
The twangy blues pickin’ and deep soulful singin’ ebbs and flows, and you’d be hard-pressed not to bob your head to the groove or crack a smile in acknowledgement of how badass the track is. “Juke Joint” springs to life the electrifying spirit of local nightlife institutions crucial to Burnside’s development as both an artist and individual.
Accompanied by a music video depicting Burnside hammering through the track, “Juke Joint” pays homage to these critical gathering places within the Hill Country community. Reflecting on these places, Burnside states, “The juke joint was more than just a venue to me. It was where I learned about life and music. It was my sanctuary from a young age, shaping who I am as an artist today.”
Another standout track is the swampy and repenting groove that is “Closer,” along with “Toll On They Life,” which hooks the hell out of you yet again with the repetitive chorus, ”It can really take a toll / On they life.” It’s one of those things where after a while it almost becomes chant-like, and more about the hypnotic, repetitive delivery of the words rather than their meaning.
“Strong” offers a welcomed change of pace, with Burnside’s almost sing-song vocal delivery chock full of fun inflections. The song tip toes around the listener’s ears, creating a gentle and delightful sensation. Lyrically it’s uplifting, offering a message of persevering through life’s inevitable adversities.
Harkening back to the gospel numbers, the 11th track, “You Got To Move,” is a traditional blues number that most definitely caught this writer’s ear. And while I’m ashamed to say it, it was The Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers version I first heard years ago and fell in love with. That’s what turned me on to this reimagining of the track, and for that reason it’s another standout.
The album rides off into the sunset with “Po Black Mattie,” offering that familiar boogie woogie blues vibe that kicked the whole thing off. Its swampy repetitive charm – much like a number of other tracks – never gets old, and delivers the shot of adrenaline and hype we all could use from time to time.
Burnside took home a Grammy for his 2021 album, I Be Trying, and his latest album will be sure to turn a few heads as award season approaches again next year.
He not only bears the torch for the legacy of his grandfather, but he very distinctly makes (and has made) a name for himself in the contemporary blues world. Hill Country Love represents a central moment in Burnside’s career, as he combines his storied lineage with modern musical innovations.
“I have to be true to where I’m coming from,” Burnside states. “On this album, the feeling that I had was like, ‘I’m going to write what I feel, I’m going to write what’s going on.’ Life gives you good and life gives you bad, and you have to cope with it however you need to cope with it. My way of coping with things is through my music, so I thank the Lord for music.”
Burnside will embark on a massive North American tour on April 18th that kicks things off in Charlotte, North Carolina at The Amp Ballantyne. Full list of dates below.
2024 Hill Country Love Tour Dates
April 18 – Charlotte, NC – The Amp Ballantyne*
April 19 – Lexington, KY – The Burl
April 20 – Chesterfield, MO – Chesterfield Amphitheater*
April 21 – Bloomington, IL – Castle Theatre*
April 23 – Roanoke, VA – The Spot on Kirk
April 24 – Greensboro, NC – The Flat Iron
April 25 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater*
April 26 – Maryville, TN – The Shed*
April 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company*
April 28 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal*
April 30 – Athens, GA – The Foundry
May 1 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium*
May 2 – Decatur, AL – Princess Theatre
May 3 – New Orleans, LA – The Broadside
May 4 – Hattiesburg, MS – Saenger Theater*
May 9 – Houston, TX – Continental Club
May 10 – Austin, TX – 3Ten
May 11 – San Antonio, TX – Jo Long Theatre
May 13 – Santa Fe, NM – TumbleRoot Brewery & Distillery
May 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Music Instrument Museum
May 16 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
May 17 – Fresno, CA – Tower Theatre
May 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
May 20 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub
May 21 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
May 23 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
May 24 – Bellingham, WA – Wild Buffalo
May 25 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret
May 26 – Victoria, BC – Wicket Hall
May 28 – Boise, ID – Neurolux
May 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
May 30 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre
May 31 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
June 1 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
June 16 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads
June 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Dakota
June 21 – Aspen, CO – JAS June Experience
June 22 – Aspen, CO – JAS June Experience
June 25 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
June 26 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
June 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest
June 30 – Montreal, Canada – Montpellier Blues Festival
July 6 – Cognac, France – Cognac Blues Passions Festival
July 14 – Rotterdam, Netherlands – North Sea Jazz Festival
August 12 – Notodden, Norway – Notodden Blues Festival
September 12 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
September 14 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle
September 15 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle (Back Room)
September 17 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Cafe & Music Hall
September 20 – Camden, NJ – XPoNential Music Festival
*With JJ Grey & Mofro
