Buddy Guy/ The Blues Don't Lie

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Buddy Guy/ The Blues Don't Lie

Genre: Blues

Label: RCA Records/ Sony Music

Rating: *****

Having played in Mumbai five times, American blues legend Buddy Guy has built up his own fan base in the country. Though his set lists haven't varied much, his sheer guitaring skills and showmanship have repeatedly proved why he's such a delight to watch.

At 86, the maestro is not only active on the live circuit, but extremely skilful when it comes to creating fresh studio content. His latest album The Blues Don't Lie is as good as any from his illustrious six-decade-plus discography. Produced by Tom Hambridge, who's also written many of the songs with Gary Nicholson, it's a thrilling Chicago blues ride.

The songs range from the autobiographical and nostalgic to message-oriented tunes or songs that just describe the beauty of the blues. There are many crisp polka-dotted Fender Stratocaster solos, as expected, but what's impressive is his singing, which has that rawness and depth that come from experience and commitment. The presence of a few top-billed guest artistes adds variety to the mix.

The opening track 'I Let My Guitar Do The Talking' is self-explanatory, as he talks of moving from Louisiana to Chicago in search of a dream career 60 years ago, making "my own rules". The song has been written by Guy with Hambridge.

The title track talks about the honesty of the blues, besides referring to playing with harmonica genius Junior Wells. "If the love leave you, that's the blues, If you get sick, that's the blues, if you don't have any money, that's the blues, if you lose your job, damn right, that's the blues", he sings.

'The World Needs Love' is a call for peace and harmony, and Guy's soulful and piercing guitar lines are backed by a brilliant piano backdrop. "How the hell can some people be so damn mean?" he asks.

A few guest collaborations follow. On 'We Go Back', Guy teams up with rhythm n' blues singer Mavis Staples to talk of America in the late 1960s. "Times were bad, but what a time we had", they sing nostalgically. Then, Elvis Costello joins in on the uptempo, groove-filled 'Symptoms Of Love' and the great James Taylor appears on the singalong folk-blues track 'Follow The Money'.

There are strong doses of funk on 'What's Wrong With That?', featuring Bobby Rush. "I don't beat around the bush, I like what I like, what the hell's wrong with that?" goes the song, against the backdrop of a spitfire boogie-style guitar and tight rhythms.

'Gunsmoke Blues', featuring Americana artiste Jason Isbell, slows down the tempo, using a country and gospel feel. It talks of the senselessness of the gun culture, using hard-hitting lines like "A million thoughts and prayers won't bring back anyone".

The best thing about The Blues Don't Lie is the variety, both in terms of musical style and lyrical content. 'Backdoor Scratching' is your quintessential blues-rock stomp, and 'House Party' with jazz singer Wendy Moten is filled with energy. Covers of BB King's 'Sweet Thing' and Slim Harpo's swamp-blues gem 'King Bee' are fabulously done.

In all this, one thing is clear - Buddy Guy doesn't compromise on his roots and style. This album could have been released 50 years ago with the same punch and pizzazz. Yet it sounds so fresh to the ear.