Sean Chambers 

Welcome To My Blues

American Showplace Music

Sean Chambers learned by fronting a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band. “Strong Temptation”, his debut recording, was released in 1998. While in Memphis in support of that album, Chambers was asked to sit in with Hubert Sumlin, the former guitarist for Howlin’ Wolf.  As a result Chambers spent the next four years touring with Sumlin as his musical director. At the time Britain’s Guitarist Magazine named Chambers as “one of the top 50 blues guitarists of the last century”. Chambers continued to record. He was signed by American Showplace Music in 2017. His sixth album and first for his new label was the critically acclaimed “Trouble & Whiskey”.

The new band lineup features Chambers, guitar and vocals; Todd Cook, bass; Moe Watson, drums and backing vocals; and John Ginty, organ, piano and percussion. The album was recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by Ben Elliot at The American Showplace Studios in Dover, New Jersey.

Of the eleven tracks eight are originals. The two songs that open the album were written by Chambers with Ginty; the appropriately named title track and “Black Eyed Susie” featuring Chambers playing slide with Ginty on the B-3. “One More Night To Ride” was written by them with guitarist Jimmy Bennett, and he gets to sit in. “You Keep Me Satisfied” is from Chambers, Bennett and bassist Cook. Three more songs are from Chambers including “Cry On Me” with Ginty switching to piano. “Boxcar Willie” was written by Ginty. On these Chambers’ solid leads and vocal clarity are outstanding.

Chambers covers “Cherry Red Wine” written and first recorded by Luther Allison on his 1995 Alligator Records album “Blue Streak”. Also covered are T-Bone Walker’s “All Night Long” originally waxed in 1972; as the outstanding rhythm section sets up Chambers and Ginty’s solos.

The closer is another composition by Chambers and Ginty. “Riviera Blue” is a slow burning instrumental that is so hot it seethes.

“Welcome to My Blues” builds on the success of “Trouble and Whiskey”. Chambers is one of the best blues rockers makin’ a scene.

Richard Ludmerer

[amazon_link asins=’B07H5VVJ8B,B00FEWQHS8,B01MUWH6WO,B00004C4O2,B002RX9PKO,B005HMHPD6′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’maasc-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9e1af507-d7fb-11e8-8f0b-e971e4b3b30e’]