Albums

The month's best guitar music - a hand-picked selection of the finest fretwork on wax

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Christone 'Kingfish' IngramHard RoadRed Zero Records (available now)

Impeccable, impassioned phrasing ignites what could have been a journeyman modern blues record

A couple of years back, this writer was pottering about at home when he suddenly became aware that whoever was on the radio in the other room was playing seriously great blues guitar. At the end of the song, the announcer revealed the guitarist was Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram. What stood out then, as it does now, was what brilliant timing and feel this young man has - as well as a fusillade of very tasty faster licks he can call down on command, it seems.

His latest, Hard Road, does nothing to disappoint those high expectations, though one still senses an artist trying to find his strongest suit in terms of songwriting. Opener, Truth, lays down a solid funk groove as Christone tells his story of upbringing in the Delta and the meaning of blues music in his life, letting rip with the wah pedal on a typically fluent, propulsive solo. As affecting as the song's origins story is, we can't help feeling he's on even richer musical ground on the soulful Standing On Business, with its touches of gospel and sharply observed 'better off without you' breakup story. It's intriguing stop-start groove feels more distinctive than some of the skilled but mainstream blues-rock numbers on the album. Likewise, the striding shuffle of Hard To Love sees Christone dig really deep on guitar over its soul-influenced minor blues that's played with an intriguingly upbeat vibe that lifts it above the conventional. Quality work from a real-deal blues talent who shines brightest when he departs from the script. [JD]

Standout track: CrossesFor fans of: BB King, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales

John SmithGatheringsCommoner Records (available now)