Chris Cain

Good Intentions Gone Bad

Alligator Records

Now seventy years old Chris Cain was born in San Jose, California to a Greek mother and African-American father. As a teenager he began playing guitar and went to study music at San Jose City College. Along the way he also mastered piano, bass, Clavinet, and saxophone. Cain released his 1987 debut recording, “Late Night City Blues” on Blue Rock’it Records, and the album received four Handy (Blues Music Award) nominations including “Guitarist of The Year” and “Band of The Year”. Cain signed a recording contract with Blind Pig Records and between 1980 and 1995 released three more albums. In 2001 Cain released “Cain Does King” and became one of the most highly regarded interpreters of B.B. King’s music. Cain who was inspired by Albert King, Ray Charles, Albert Collins and Wes Montgomery began to receive numerous BMA nominations often in the category of “Guitarist of The Year”. This new album follows on the heals of Cain’s 2021 Alligator Records debut “Raisin’ Cain”, and is his tenth album overall.

“Gone Intentions Gone Bad” was recorded at Kid Andersen’s Greaseland Studios, also in San Jose. All vocals are sung by Cain who is a passionate singer/songerwriter. He is accompanied by an ensemble including Greg Rahn, keyboards; Cody Wright or Kid Andersen, bass; June Core or Sky Garcia, drums; and the horn section of Mike Rinta, arrangements and trombone, Mike Peloquin, tenor saxophone, and Mike Galisatus, trumpet.

The lead-off song “Too Little, Too Late” deals with dysfunctional relationships with the lyric “the first time wasn’t that great”, this is a reoccurring theme throughout much of the album. “Fear Is My New Roommate” follows with Cain playing guitar, the Wurlitzer organ, and Clavinet; Jon Otis is added on Congas while Kid Andersen hammers a tambourine and cowbell. The title track “Good Intentions” includes Lisa Leuschner Andersen on backing vocals, and Kid on organ as Cain chants “I got some shorts for my girlfriend…I tried to make her happy but my good intentions turned out bad”.

“Waiting For The Sun To Rise”, “and I pray for the morning” includes Cain’s inspired guitar solo. On “I Was Wrong”, “the more we are together …when I ask what is goin’ on ? what is wrong ? you don’t have much to say…” “Time To Cry” includes a horn arrangement from saxophonist Peloquin and the lyric “don’t exactly have time for dinner…but I always seem to have the time to cry”. “Still Drinking Straight Tequila”, ” and maybe an occasional beer…but when it comes to straight tequila I haven’t had enough”.

On “Bad Dream” Cain is on both guitar and piano, as he chimes “I tried everything to please her, but she’s never satisfied…if my baby ever left me I don’t know what I’d do”. “Had About All I Can Take”, “this past year was exhausting” once again with a horn arrangement from Peloquin. “Blues For My Dad”, after giving Cain his first guitar, his father reminded him to “always remember to play a little blues for your dad”. “TGIF”, “I feel like throwing myself a party…I feel like painting this town red…thank god it’s Friday, it’s time to have some fun”.

“Never Let You Break My Heart” includes Dwayne Pate, bass; and Jon Otis, percussion, “you only wanted to use me from the start, right now I need a good stiff drink, cause I’ll never let you break my heart”. On the closer, “Thankful” the sound is reminiscent of a Sam and Dave duet with Tommy Castro joining Cain as they sing “I thank god, everyday, for having you in my life, I’m thankful for the way you make me feel”.

Today Chris Cain’s musical intentions are undeniably recognized by all. Ask any of your favorite guitar players, who they think is the the best master of the instrument, chances are Chris Cain is at the top of every list.

Richard Ludmerer
Contributing Editor/Making A Scene

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter