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 Bluesland Theme Park is a vibrant blues album that takes listeners on a thrilling musical journey inspired by two amusement park rides: the electrifying highs of HeavyDrunk’s big-band energy and the raw, primal slide guitar mastery of Watermelon Slim. Watermelon Slim, born William P. Homans III, is a decorated blues artist whose razor-sharp slide guitar (played with a spark plug socket), soulful harmonica, and impassioned vocals channel his life’s intensity. His nickname harks back to his days as a watermelon farmhand. HeavyDrunk, led by Rob Robinson, is a nine-piece powerhouse blending blues and soul, fronted by Robinson’s gritty vocals and stellar songwriting. The band’s name comes from a quip by blues legend Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, describing Stevie Ray Vaughan as “a heavy drunk!” With 14 albums to his name, Slim joins forces with Robinson, who has released 11 records, including four with HeavyDrunk. Their collaboration began serendipitously in Clarksdale, Mississippi, when Robinson was captivated by Slim’s performance of “Little Bighorn.” Learning the song had never been recorded, Robinson booked a studio session, igniting a creative partnership that led to this album and a 2024 European tour. The album kicks off with the horn-driven, raucous title track, “Bluesland Theme Park,” an invitation to a whimsical, dark carnival: “Sneak down the alley with junky in the dark / At the Bluesland theme park.” “New Wine” delivers a funky groove and spiritual resonance, buoyed by Etta Britt’s iconic voice: “In the winners’ circle, pointing up to God / On the mountain top, pointing up to heaven.” Slim’s philosophical lament, “Little Bighorn,” reflects on life’s impermanence: “Well I’ve had some bottles / And I’ve had some women / But the bottles get empty / And the women drift away.” A gospel-tinged “Church Bells (Little Zion)” conjures images of Delta reverence: “Church bells ringing in the delta / Guiding lost souls through the night.” Robinson’s collaboration with the late Tony Joe White on “Watermelon Girl” offers a playful ode to life’s sweetness: “Watermelon girls make the world go round.” Slim returns with “Road Food & Cheap Motels,” a raw, humorous take on the traveling musician’s life: “I know them beds and I know them smells / Rolling down this highway while my song still sells.” The tender ballad “You Make Me Want To” explores forbidden longing: “You make me want to up and run astray / And leave the only one that was ever truly mine.” In “Better Worser Too,” cryptic lyrics unfold over a haunting groove: “Voodoo woman and the preacher looked in his bible / Washed their hands in holy water / For better worser too.” The album’s latter half showcases Slim’s stark, acoustic take on “Little Bighorn,” followed by the chant-like “Australia,” where his harmonica mournfully underscores the harsh realities of the outback: “Now underneath the southern cross / Every man is his own boss / But you better take some water on the outback.” The finale, “Fresh,” bursts with Motown-style joy, inviting listeners to hit the dance floor: “Hold steady baby, I’m focused and ready / Gonna lift you up and celebrate you.” Bluesland Theme Park is a genre-defying rollercoaster of blues, soul, and creative storytelling, blending Robinson’s big-band ingenuity with Slim’s razor-edged authenticity. Buckle up and enjoy the ride through this musical carnival! Tracks: 01. Bluesland Theme Park – Rob Robinson 02. New Wine – Rob Robinson 03. Little Bighorn (feat. Watermelon Slim) – William B. Homans 04. Church Bells (Little Zion) – Rob Robinson & Eddie Wilson 05. Watermelon Girl – Rob Robinson & Tony Joe White (R.I.P.) 06. Road Food & Cheap Motels (feat. Watermelon Slim) – William B. Homans 07. You Make Me Want To – Rob Robinson 08. Better Worser Too – Rob Robinson 09. Little Bighorn Acoustic (feat. Watermelon Slim) – William B. Homans 10. Australia (feat. Watermelon Slim) – William B. Homans 11. Fresh – Rob Robinson Website: heavydrunk.com watermelonslim.com Opmerkingen zijn gesloten.
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