I know that my love for R&B has shown here, many times. Even though I think the origin of blues in today's Rhythm & Blues are difficult to detect (or not at all present in the first place), I love that old fashioned blues. The riffs, whether they come from the bass, guitar or piano, I simply love as much as the stories of life. Even when I discover music from old legends like Bessie Smith and BB King, I usually end up wondering what happened to this sound.
On the Internet, I have discovered this sound is still alive in many clubs, in many blues bands, around the globe, but now it's going to get a great push. The Rolling Stones have released a little teaser of their new material.
"Blue & Lonesome" is the name of their upcoming studio album, due for release very soon. The press has already received copies to review, but I assume mine got lost in the mail... I have to work with that one teaser on YouTube that actually has got me excited about a Rolling Stones album. I don't think that has ever happened.
The reason for my excitement has everything to do with that good old blues sound that they are showcasing in the teaser. In all of the reviews, it's become clear to me that this really is a good representation of the sound on their new album.
I understand that blues was the foundation of many musical genres, including rock music. I even know that the Rolling Stones originally started out playing blues, but for them to be returning to this sound has still managed to surprise me. It's kind of like the fact that Elton John returned to his piano rock sound on his latest album. You're happy they are going back to what made them break through (kind of like returning home), but at the same time, you start to wonder why. Are they wrapping things up? Like coming full circle? Let's face it, The Stones and Elton John could retire by now.
And just like the blues album with which The Stones did their debut in '64, "Blue & Lonesome" contains all covers. Chances are that most will be new to me. Even though I have been introduced to artists such as Howlin' Wolf through my dad, when I was little, it's been too long ago since I heard any of his music. The Rolling Stones are covering his "Commit a Crime" on this album. Buddy Johnson is also a name that sounds familiar to me.
The Stones have released one song on vinyl, "Ride 'Em On Down", to promote the upcoming album once it hit pre-order stage (which is a few days ago). I will wait for it to hit streaming services, but can't wait to hear it. Eric Clapton is also appearing on it, so another reason to check it out.
