Randy Lee Riviere Concrete Blues
Randy Lee Riviere
Concrete Blues
New Wilderness Records
Recorded at The Soundstage Studios in Nashville, Randy Lee Riviere’s “Concrete Blues” is produced by the Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy). All of the songs are written by Riviere except for the title track co-written with Hambridge. The ensemble joining vocalist/guitarist Riviere includes guitarists Kenny Greenberg and Bob Britt; bassists Stephen Mackey and Robert Kearns; and keyboardist Mike Rojas. This album is the 7th Studio Recording from Riviere, and the follow-up to 2023’s “Blues Sky”, also on New Wilderness Records.
On “The Wayside” Riviere sings “He runs the big road haulin’ river stone, he hears what you say, you got no moral bone, he’s been cut, burned, can’t get ahead, but he ain’t laying on this death bed, he’ll survive until he dies, and ain’t living on the wayside…He don’t have much to say about politics, he’s got work to do…”.
“Just Trying To Get Back Home”, “Running heavy one more time again, The Dispatcher, well, he ain’t my friend, The scalemaster won’t bend, the banker won’t give no more loans. These logbooks will be my end, I’m just trying to get back home”. “Magic Bullet” follows.
“Stranger In My Head”, “I got a stranger in my head, met him down in Texarkana, I had no money, love or manners, I got a stranger in my head…they always said I’d amount to nothing, spend all my days drinking something, what they didn’t know is that I’d come to meet this stranger in my head”. “Thanksgiving” and “Moccasin Lake” follow.
On “Concrete Blues” Riviere sings “I carried the water from mountain to sea, but they did all they could to try to stop me, they got hold of my wrists and my feet too, should have seen them comin’, I’ve got the concrete blues”. “Sail On Big John” follows”.
On the closer Riviere claims “you’re alive, you survived, so drive”. Riviere, a wildlife biologist, has been involved with efforts to protect and restore important elements of the Native American landscape. He took a leadership role in protecting over 40,000 acres of habitat, with permanent conservation easements. Riviere prefers the peaceful life, living out in the country, his diverse songwriting involves the human condition and what’s happening to the natural landscape he loves. I think you will agree this is a crazy good Blues-rock album.
Richard Ludmerer
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
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
