22. March 2025
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Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Young Fashioned Ways

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Young Fashioned Ways

Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Young Fashioned Ways
4.8

Rating

 4.8/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Great collaboration of two blues legends
  • Versatile, well written songs

I have to admit that I was quite in a rush regarding the album reviews as of 21st March 2025. I had a lot of options, but especially the afterwork of the 2025 Country To Country in Berlin did take much longer than I expected. Thus, I completed this review, Young Fashioned Ways, just the day before the release of the album. Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd join their blues and blues rock forces for the first time on a record. Here is my review.

 

Bobby Rush – About The Artist

Bobby Rush is a 1933-born blues artist, who was born in Louisiana. He also included funk and rap elements to his music. Being an active musician since 1951, he released 33 albums (including live recordings and compilations) as a solo artist. He won twelve Blues Music Awards. In 2017, when Bobby Rush was already 83, he won a Grammy Award with Porcupine Meat as the Best Traditional Blues Album. In 2021 and 2024, he won the award in the same category as well.

 

Kenny Wayne Shepherd – About The Artist

Kenny Wayne Shepherd is a US-American blues, blues rock and hard rock guitarist. He was born on 12h June 1977 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Apart from his very own Kerry Wayne Shepherd Band, he was also part of The Rides. He released eleven solo albums. While the most recent ones did not chart, eight of his releases, including the 1995 debut Ledbetter Heights, topped the US Blues Charts. Overall, his albums received three platinum and a golden record. Additionally, the 1998 single Black on Black was a platinum one (all in the USA) as well.

 

B. Rush & K.W. Shepherd – Young Fashioned Ways – Track by Track

The ten track album lasts 48 minutes.

1. Who Was That

The album starts with one of the two single features. Who Was That sets the direction for Young Fashioned Ways, presenting a rather classic blues sound with a rich instrumentation. The song is a treat for lovers of the genre, coming with the right vibes on the vocal as well as on the instrumental side.

2. 40 Acres (How Long)

The following 5:41 minutes are taken by one of the longest tracks of the album, 40 Acres (How Long). The family drama story comes with a slower rhythm, which makes it feel even more dramatic. The arrangement is thinner and rather concentrates on the instruments, which are absolutely necessary. The monotony in the song feels depressing, but the storytelling is really nice.

3. Hey Baby (What Are We Gonna Do)

With the second single release of the album, Hey Baby (What Are We Gonna Do), the album heads back to a rather typical blues sound. However, Shepherd and Rush also invest a lot in instrumental virtuosity. Especially the guitar lines add a lot of nice vibes to this four minute track.

4. Uncle Esau

Uncle Esau is the most zestful song on the album so far. With the present rhythm, the song even has some pop attitude. However, the guitars are taking control of the lead rather soon. A nice one.

5. Make Love To You

Make Love To You is slowing down the pace of Young Fashioned Ways a bit again. However, the song especially strikes on the emotional side and the nice instrumentation. Furthermore, the mixture of stomping and clapping rhythm turns this one into a special listen of the album.

6. Long Way From Home

With just over three minutes, Long Way From Home is the shortest track of the album. Nonetheless, it leaves a mark at the listener. It is rather straight and has a nice ease. Thus, it is a really enjoyable one.

7. G String

G String is more epic again, working with nice, funny storytelling and beautiful instrumental elements. The song has been recorded in an acoustic setting, which leads to a very intimate atmosphere.

8. You So Fine

The concept of You So Fine reminds me of Hey Baby (What Are We Going To Do). It is rather fast, rocking, and comes with a straight message. The rather short track delivers its message well and is a treat for blues and blues rock fans.

9. Young Ways

You just have to think about Muddy Waters when you listen to Young Fashioned Ways. The (somehow) title track is also the longest listen of the album, almost reaching the seven minute mark. It not boring at all, though, and leads to a really variable and fascinating listen.

10. What She Said

Another six minute song is the closing What She Said. The heartbreak track leaves the listener rather with sad and melancholic feelings – just what the blues is not too rarely about. A lovely finale.

 

B. Rush & K.W. Shepherd – Young Fashioned Ways – Spotify

Here is the album on Spotify:

 

B. Rush & K.W. Shepherd – Young Fashioned Ways – My View

Two big names of the genre are joining forces. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bobby Rush and their record Young Fashioned Ways simply could not lead to a bad result. And: the legends deliver. Especially if you are into blues, you just have to dare a listen.

Favorite Songs: Young Ways

 

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