Kirk Fletcher - Keep On Pushing

Artiest/Band: Kirk Fletcher Album: Keep On Pushing Release: Out Now Label: Vizztone Records Format: CD/LP/DL/Digital Genre: Blues The VizzTone label group is thrilled to join the music world in celebrating the triumphant return of internationally renowned blues guitarist/singer Kirk Fletcher with the release of his inspiring new album, KEEP ON PUSHING, on August 15, 2025.......►►►

The VizzTone label group is thrilled to join the music world in celebrating the triumphant return of internationally renowned blues guitarist/singer Kirk Fletcher with the release of his inspiring new album, KEEP ON PUSHING, on August 15, 2025. While we faced uncertainty and concern when Fletcher experienced a stroke onstage at Tennessee's Eastside Bowl in July 2023, it's incredibly uplifting to see him back recording and shining in peak form—just as Joe Bonamassa calls him "one of the greatest traditional blues players of all time."The VizzTone label group is thrilled to join the music world in celebrating the triumphant return of internationally renowned blues guitarist/singer Kirk Fletcher with the release of his inspiring new album, KEEP ON PUSHING, on August 15, 2025. 

While we faced uncertainty and concern when Fletcher experienced a stroke onstage at Tennessee's Eastside Bowl in July 2023, it's incredibly uplifting to see him back recording and shining in peak form—just as Joe Bonamassa calls him "one of the greatest traditional blues players of all time."

Kirk feels strongly about this release: "My latest record is called KEEP ON PUSHING, which I feel is a positive message in these uncertain times we live in. And for me a personal message to myself suffering a stroke just a couple years ago. I'm grateful to share this album with you"
Fletcher worked with co-producer/guitarist JD Simo, bassist Ron Eoff and drummer Jason Smay, along with engineers Glenn Nashida and Joe McMahon in East Nashville's Wow and Flutter Studio. Their intimate sessions captured the “live in the studio” immediacy of some of Kirk's all-time favorite recordings. The release mines some classic songs by Big Bill Broonzy, Arthur Crudup, Percy Mayfield, Ruth Brown and more, along with originals by Fletcher and a tribute to Robert Nighthawk co-written with JD Simo. The leadoff single, "Croke," is Kirk's uptempo instrumental nod to West Coast Jump Blues.
Fletcher has been a force in the blues for his whole life. Born and raised in Bellflower, CA, Kirk cut his teeth playing guitar as a youngster in the Compton Church where his father served as pastor and his older brother inspired him with his guitar playing. Fletcher has been a deeply respected player on the international blues scene since his 1999 debut recording. He has performed at countless festivals and clubs around the world and made his mark as a bandleader, a member the Mannish Boys and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and appeared alongside the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Charlie Musselwhite, Josh Smith, Nick Curran and more.
This Summer once again finds Fletcher touring the globe. he’s been playing in Sweden, Portugal and Romania, before returning to North America for the Calgary Blues Festival, the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas, and the Eastside Festival in Austin, Texas. This Fall takes him back to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Spain, Portugal and France.. 

 TRACKS

• It's Love, Baby (Ted Jarrett)
• Just A Dream (Big Bill Broonzy)
• I'm Gonna Dig Myself A Hole (Arthur Crudup)
• Every Dog Has His Day (Edward Bocage)
• Lost Love (Percy Mayfield)
• Croke (Kirk Fletcher)
• Keep On Pushing (Kirk Fletcher)
• Think Twice Before you Speak (Al K. Smith)
• Here In The Dark (Bernard Anders)
• Blues For Robert Nighthawk (Kirk Fletcher, JD Simo)

Lovers of honest blues around the world are feeling a true connection to Kirk and his music, and the early reviews have been nothing less than ecstatic:  "Kirk Fletcher invites the listener into a room where the old ghosts still dance, the tape is rolling, and every note feels more lived in than looked back on."     Lauren Leadingham, American Blues Scene  “ 'I got soul from my head to my feet,' guitarist/singer/songwriter Kirk Fletcher once sang. And through six previous studio albums plus countless live dates, he has proven that simple statement to be true… He’s capable of fast and flashy, yet keeps those talents on low boil. And, like he sang years ago, his fine, slightly grizzled baritone voice just oozes soul. Kirk Fletcher is as talented as those more recognized in the blues world. With the wonderful ‘Keep on Pushing,” it’s clear he deserves to be one of them."     Hal Horowitz, Rock and Blues Muse  "Keep On Pushing is blues in its most authentic form. Concerned less about being spotless, and more about being felt as much as possible – which makes it perfect in it’s own way. It’s a real old-school blues record, with real old-school playing and real old-school production style – one could argue they don’t make them like this anymore. Fusing influences from all the different eras that we know and love, whilst managing to keep his own voice in it all, Kirk Fletcher walks us through the history of the genre and delivers a true blues masterclass. Mesmerising stuff!"     Neven Tili - Blues Rock Review - 10 out of 10  "There is one contemporary bluesman whose career we are watching like a hawk, it is Kirk Fletcher. Captivating and moving from start to finish, miss this, and die an idiot!"     Patrick Dallongeville, Paris Move - SIX STARS, "Indispensable"  "Fletcher is one of the most complete guitarists on the scene today, as he knows how to play rhythm behind a harpist or vocalist and make them sound better. …We are grateful to be able to once again enjoy a healthy Kirk Fletcher."     Richard Ludmerer, Making A Scene  "Gleefully smiling as he’s pictured playing his gorgeous all-natural Gibson ES 345 guitar on the CD cover, Kirk Fletcher shares the sounds of this magnificent instrument on the ten songs residing within. Fletcher’s vocals capture each syllable tunefully and the spaces between the phrases allow his guitar the freedom to roam. By the end of the last song, you are wishing it was a double CD."     Pete Sardon, Southland Blues