
In the intervening years between albums, Bramhall established himself as one of the most distinctive and sought-after guitarists around, performing with a dizzying array of artists that includes Roger Waters, Elton John, Gregg Allman, Allen Toussaint and T-Bone Burnett, to name a few. More significantly, Bramhall had spent over a decade as Eric Claptonâs musical right-hand man, collaborating closely with the legendary guitarist both in the studio and on stage. Heâs also produced albums and written songs for Sheryl Crow and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, among others.
Shades is a spellbinding blend of grungy blues, raucous garage rock, transcendent psychedelia, and soothing, soul-stirring ballads that sees Bramhall reaching new heights as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist while responding to his heartâs most urgent commands as a lyricist and arranger.
âThe new record finally feels like Iâm comfortable in my own skin, like I donât have anything to prove other than trying to express myself as honestly as I can,â says Bramhall. âAs an artist, writer and producer, Iâm in a good place, and I think I can allow this flow of music to come out and form a real body of work that my fans can appreciate. Iâm thrilled to have them go on this journey with me.â
Throughout much of Shades, Bramhall addresses deeply personal themes â on the R&B-laced âEverything You Needâ and the elegant ballad âSearching For Love,â he examines matters of the heart. But on the gritty, soulful rocker âLove and Pain,â he takes on gun violence, a song inspired by last yearâs concert massacre in Las Vegas.
Performing alongside Bramhall on Shades is an ace group of musicians heâs worked with over the years â bassist Chris Bruce, multi-instrumentalist and string arranger Adam Minkoff, and drummers Carla Azar and Abe Rounds â and there are also notable appearances by friends and luminaries: Eric Clapton, Norah Jones, the Tedeshi Trucks band, and Austin buds the Greyhounds. âWithout appearing immodest, I can admit that Iâve led a pretty charmed life,â Bramhall says. âIâm thrilled and honored to have all of these incredible people guest on my record.â âShadesâ
Track Listing:
1 Love And Pain
2 Hammer Ring
3 Everything You Need (feat. Eric Clapton)
4 London To Tokyo
5 Searching For Love (with Norah Jones)
6 Live Forever (feat. Greyhounds)
7 Break Apart To Mend
8 She'll Come Around
9 The Night
10 Parvanah
11 Consciousness
12 Going Going Gone (feat. Tedeschi Trucks Band)
Available Formats: Standard 1LP, CD and Digital
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