Don't Forget To Sign Our Guest Book
Site Designed and Created By:
|
|
|
A critically acclaimed bluesman with four albums to his credit, Chris Thomas King has consistently been ahead of his time. Now, on his self-titled new album for Scotti Bros./All American Music, the New Orleans native reemerges as a rocking pop and soul artist with blues roots. Produced, written, arranged and performed entirely by the artist himself, Chris Thomas Kingthe point where rock converges with earthy urban pop to create a resonant, neotraditional sound at King’s 2lCB Studio in Baton Rouge. Chris Thomas King features nine original tracks, plus a smoldering interpretation of the Albert King classic, "I’ll Play The Blues For You." Like Erykah Badu, Toni Tony Tone and D’Angelo, Chris Thomas King is creating rootsy pop and rock sound that speaks to a glorious past and a bright future. And though the album is ultimately a showcase for King’s bluesy guitar and emotive vocals, he further demonstrates his musical mastery by playing keyboards, bass and drums, as well as supplying the programming. King’s harp-like rhythm guitar conjures images of Memphis and Muscle Shoals circa 1968, while his rock-influenced solos possess a decidedly contemporary edge. King’s commanding vocals are no less extraordinary. On "LA Angel" and "Wonderful" he wraps his smoky voice around soulful melodies, while tracks like "Ain’t That A..." and "Weekend Rendezvous" take rock impressionism to new levels. |
| King’s musical prowess and keen pop sensibilities are evident on the album’s first single, "Impatiently." Steeped in the great r&b ballad tradition and punctuated by King’s razor-edged guitar solos, the tune excites a wealth of emotions. "I’ve been in love before where I was knocked down and had my heart trampled on," the singer says. "I vowed I’d never fall in love again, but I did. Whenever I write a song I go back to that first experience because it was the most traumatic. But it isn’t bitter. The melody is something that puts a little sunshine in your day." For King the new album represents a musical and spiritual homecoming. The former child prodigy recently returned home to Louisiana after spending five years abroad. |
|
| New Orleans’ rich musical heritage proved inspirational to King and it was in the Crescent City that he composed most of the songs featured on the new disk. Chris Thomas King is just the latest chapter in what has been an illustrious career. In fact, the album could be seen as the fulfillment of the singer’s own manifest destiny. King is the son of bluesman Tabby Thomas, who recorded several legendary Excello sides and is now best known as the operator of Tabby’s Blue Box nightclub in Baton Rouge. King apprenticed at his father’s club, and by age 10 he was backing artists like Lowell Fulson and Joe Tex. At 17, King became the youngest artist to record for Chris Strachwitz’s folk and blues-based Arhoolie label. Recording under the name Chris Thomas, he signed with Warner/Sire in 1990 and released Cry of the Prophets, an album described by the All Music Guide as "...a fine debut, full of gospel urgency and hard rock bite." Four years later he added rap to his potent blues-rock formula with his Private Music/BMG album, 21st Century Blues...From da ‘Hood. Now, with the release of his new album, this talented singer/songwriter makes a defining musical statement. To celebrate his creative evolution, the singer has added the surname King. The change is a reference to his real given name which contains an Arabic word meaning King, as well as a nod to blues luminaries, BB, Albert and Freddie King. Chris Thomas King is the work of a genuine visionary, a recording that surges with urgent, soulful energy. "I think it’s time for really melodic, uplifting music," King says. "This album is very positive and I hope it will make people feel good." - From Official Chris Thomas King Site | |
Don't Forget To Sign Our Guest Book |
|
Site Designed and Created By:
|
|