The ten new originals and an inspired cover reflect his love of rock, soul, blues, roots, and gospel.
Buenger is once again joined by award-winning guitarists Teresa Russell from Los Angeles and Rafael Tranquilino from Mexico City as well as Pacific Northwest cohorts, guitarist Chris Eger, Richard Williams on bass, and drummer Cyrus Zerbe.
Opening foot stomper “Above The Sun,” is a joyous Tulsa blues train shuffle with a tent revival melody. Dramatic love song, “Start A Fire,” mixes neo soul vocals with gritty blues harp and sizzling lead guitar. Blues of desperation, “That Ain’t Right,” flaunts some swaggering drums, more hot harmonica, and snarling vocals from Buenger convincingly playing the part of a man done wrong. “Mean Things” is a deceptive title for a cheeky easy going acoustic ramble with sweet guitar picking about a man trying to “do right,” while battling his inner demons.
Buenger and company do their best Orange Blossom Special styled country fiddle tune, “Get With Me,” as he tries to sell himself to a prospective love interest. The vocal showcase, “Don’t Stop,” is akin to a number from the Blind Boys of Alabama with its message of hope and inspiration delivered with layers of soothing harmonies. The ultra-smooth ballad “Feel Alright,” is a powerful acoustic driven piece of modern R&B with high production value. “Fight No More” showcases more of Buenger’s vocal skills as he handles all the harmony backups on the track with a simple guitar accompaniment and harmonica colors in a fresh creative way. The Piedmont Blues update, “Talk To Me,” is a sweet solo acoustic track that mixes trad style with modern energy. “Soul Of A Man,” first recorded in 1930 by blues evangelist, Blind Willie Johnson, is transformed into a soaring hymn of personal testimony and praise for an uplifting benediction. Rick J Bowen
TRACK LIST
- 1. Above the Sun – 2:43
- 2. Start a Fire – 5:31
- 3. That Ain’t Right – 3:12
- 4. What You Gonna Do – 4:43
- 5. Mean Things – 3:21
- 6. Get With Me – 3:46
- 7. Don’t Stop – 3:30
- 8. Feel Alright – 3:49
- 9. Fight No More – 2:45
- 10. Talk To Me – 3:58
- 11. Soul of a Man – 3:26
After more than a decade in the US military and another near decade in corporate America, Tom Buenger emerged bringing with him a renewed focus on vocal performance, musicianship, and simplicity back to blues, gospel, roots, and American music. From dark Texas bars, Southern music halls, California wineries, and Pacific Northwest breweries, Tom Buenger draws inspiration from the likes of Ray Charles, Earth Wind & Fire, Howlin’ Wolf, Eric Bibb, Amos Lee, and more. Tom Buenger holds on tightly to the blues, while paying homage to America’s gospel roots. In 2021, Tom released his debut album, Suburban Gospel, showcasing Tom Buenger on acoustic guitar, bass, harmonica, and vocals, accompanied by award-winning electric guitarists Teresa Russell & Rafael Tranquilino who delivered spectacularly. Tom’s second album, Blues From Caucasia, is planned for release on Sept 8, 2023, featuring Teresa Russell, Rafael Tranquilino, Richard Williams, and Chris Eger.
These days Tom plays most of his music north of Seattle solo acoustic, as a duo with Rafael Tranquilino, or as a trio with Richard Williams and Chris Eger...never sticking to one genre while always remembering his blues & gospel roots.
WEBLINKS
OS: www.thomasbmusic.com
FB: www.facebook.com/tombuengermusic/
NOTE TO RADIO
Focus Tracks
1. Above The Sun, 3. That Ain’t Right, 4. What You Gonna Do, 9. Fight No More
Betsie Brown, Blind Raccoon, betsie@blindraccoon.com
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