As someone who’s just recently started delving into all the incredible artists, albums, and songs the blues has to offer, it’s pretty exciting to have a new release to dive headfirst into. Just last week, Cedric Burnside came through with his latest record, I Be Trying.
I Be Trying is his second full-length album as a solo artist, and you couldn’t ask for a better follow up to his 2018 release, Benton County Relic. The album itself is contradictory in a way, drawing on the hill country blues sound of his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside, but still managing to feel fresh and unique. Cedric Burnside does his own thing and proves that he is his own artist, and what an incredible one he is at that. I find that even after 10+ spins all the way through, I can’t stop listening – that’s how amazing this record is!
Vocally, he is incredible, delivering rich tones on the deeper “Bird Without A Feather” (a cover of his grandfather’s tune), and beautiful falsetto on the chorus of “Love You Forever”. His vocals are strong, soulful, and emotive, making this record all the more enjoyable to listen to.
He’s a remarkable storyteller - I Be Trying explores dark and unhappy themes as well as themes of love in an auditory mosaic of the human experience. Burnside’s strong vocals and stripped down use of instrumentation keep the listener engaged and on the edge of their seat for the next note and word.
There’s no distraction from over-production or overelaborate arrangements. There’s a beautiful simplicity to this record, with nothing more than a guitar, drums, bass, and vocals (with background vocals from Burnside’s daughter Portrika on the title track!) used to create the majority of this unique musical experience, and the talent he has joining him to put this whole thing together is impressive, with Zac Cockrell (Alabama Shakes) on bass, Luther Dickinson providing some licks on guitar, and Reed Watson doing some of the drumming.
Each track feels raw and authentic, with the instrumentation and Burnside’s voice lending themselves to the differing themes of each track so perfectly, and with something so raw and stripped down, there’s nothing to hide mistakes or prop up any weaknesses. There has to be some talent there, and Burnside does not disappoint on a single track. You can’t fake it when it comes to the blues, and that’s what’s so great about it. It’s a raw genre, and if you’re lacking in talent or authenticity, the listener is going to know it. Cedric Burnside is nothing if not authentic, and his talent shines on this record.
Whether you’re a long-time listener and lover of blues music, or you’re a newcomer like me, you’re going to fall in love with this record, I promise.
You can catch Cedric Burnside all over the country the rest of this year solo, with the North Mississippi Allstars for several dates this fall, and with Greta Van Fleet for two dates this August, which is where you’ll find me singing along to every word. Until those shows roll around, you can find me spinning this record non-stop, which is exactly what you should be doing!