CHRIS BEARD - PASS IT ON DOWN

CHRIS BEARD - PASS IT ON DOWN CONTEMPORARY BLUES LABEL: BLUE HEART RECORDS RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 Modern blues guitarist and singer Chris Beard has firsthand experience learning from the generation before, as the son of acclaimed bluesman, Joe Beard, and his famous friends who taught him the trade at an early age. His new album, Pass It On Down, is a living tribute to those who have come before, and a willing testimony created to appeal to the future generation.

 The ten-song collection is a mix of traditional blues and modern R&B produced by the Rochester based artist and his working band; Guitarist Brother Wilson and Marvin Parker on bass, drummer Carlton Campbell, keyboardists John Tucker and Jonathan Curry with special guest appearances from Johnny Rawls, Mary Ellen Haden, Richard Rodolph, Kenny Neal and his band and of course his father Joe Beard. The nine originals written by Beard include previously released tracks that have been carefully remixed and remastered and one special cover for his seventh career album and debut release on Blue Heart Records.

Campbell opens the album with a blazing display of his gospel drum chops on the funky rocker “Let The Chips Fall,” with fiery lead guitar and vocals from Beard. More fresh sounds follow on the tale of desperation, “One More Cry For Love.” The saucy number, “Big Girl,” is an old-school R&B groover about a man with a bad case of infatuation for a lady just beyond his reach. Beard shares the mic with Joe on the sentimental title track that blooms into an emotional father and son duet celebrating the family business. The dynamic power ballad “House Of Shame,” is given a new coat of polish emphasizing the nuances of the impressive performances. 

“When Love Comes Knocking” is a bundle of New Orleans street beat style funk with hot horn jabs and greasy organ ready to fill the dance floor. Beard traveled to Baton Rouge Louisiana to record “Son I Never Knew,” a gritty soulful lament that first appeared on Kenny Neal‘s 1989 album Devil Child and is reworked here with even more intensity. Beard demonstrates his dynamic vocal range on the lush ballad of love and devotion “Keeps Me Believing.” Fueled by a funky clavinet riff, “Who Do You Think You’re Foolin’” is a fun-loving throwback 70’s dance party anthem. Beard closes the set cast as a man done wrong on the down and dirty blues “Bitter Baby,” working out his feelings with his guitar. 

Pass It On Down by Chris Beard is a fine album filled with passion and power.  Rick J Bowen 

Playlist:

1.Let the Chips Fall
2.One More Cry for Love
3.Big Girl
4.Pass It on Down 04:18
5.House of Shame
6.When Love Comes Knocking
7.Son I Never Knew
8.Keeps Me Believing
9.Who Do You Think You're Foolin'
10.Bitter Baby

WEBLINKS

• OS: www.chrisbeardmusic.com
• FB: www.facebook.com/chrisbeardmusic

More Information: Betsie Brown, Blind Raccoon, betsie@blindraccoon.com