Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Cedric Burnside has just released ‘Juke Joint‘, his latest single from his forthcoming Hill Country Love album due on Friday 15th April via the Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group that people are already referring to as being “deeply personal and artistically bold”.
Available digitally, ‘Juke Joint‘ brings to life the vibrant spirit of the local nightlife establishments fundamental to Burnside’s musical and personal development as it pays homage to these essential gathering places of the Hill Country community.
“The juke joint was more than just a venue to me,” Burnside reflected. “It was where I learned about life and music. It was my sanctuary from a young age, shaping who I am as an artist today.”
You can check out the a video of Burnside performing the track, ‘Juke Joint‘ here at RAMzine.
The album itself explore the subset genre of Hill Country blues, infused with Burnside’s singular experiences and musical heritage from the rolling hills of Northern Mississippi. The title track itself is a heartfelt tribute to Burnside’s roots and journey, and was the first single release that was accompanied by a music video directed by Jim Arbogast that you can check out here at RAMzine.
“I’ve been traveling my whole life, and the song ‘Hill Country Love’ gave me a chance to let people know that I love what I do and give a sense of how we do it in Mississippi,” said Burnside. “So that’s what I was thinking about as I was writing that song – where I come from and also where I’m going, and how my journey has been to get to where I’m at now.”
‘Hill Country Love’ was recorded in an unconventional location – an old building in the small town of Ripley, MS. This space, initially earmarked to be Burnside’s juke joint, created an authentic and resonant sound environment, capturing the essence of the album’s soulful and gritty aesthetic. Produced alongside fellow Mississippian Luther Dickinson, the album’s 14 tracks were completed in an extraordinary two-day session, highlighting the spontaneous and raw energy of Burnside’s music.
Burnside’s musical odyssey began when he was just 13, playing drums for his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside. His recording career spans more than a decade and is marked by critical acclaim and artistic growth, with GRAMMY nominations for Descendants Of Hill Country and Benton County Relic. Burnside’s artistic versatility is also evident in his film appearances and the portrayal of significant roles, reflecting his multifaceted talent.
Following the 2021 release of I Be Trying, Burnside won Best Traditional Blues Album at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The recognition solidified his place as not just the progeny of the Hill Country blues, but also the genre’s torchbearer for the next generation.
Hill Country Love stands as a testament to his family’s rich heritage and his innovative approach to music. The album is an intimate portrayal of his life’s experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Burnside’s commitment to authenticity shines through each track, offering a modern interpretation of the blues while staying true to its roots.
Beyond the music, Burnside’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and the enduring power of family legacy. His journey from drumming in his grandfather’s band to becoming a celebrated artist in his own right is a narrative of dedication and passion for the blues tradition. Hill Country Love is an immersive experience into the heart of Hill Country Blues, inviting listeners to partake in a musical journey that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Tracks featured on Hill Country Love are ‘I Know’, ‘Hill Country Love’, ‘Shake’Em On Down’, ‘Juke Joint’, ‘Smile’, ‘Closer’, ‘Coming Real To You’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Love You Music’, ‘Toll On Your Life’, ‘You Got to Move, Strong’,‘Funky!’ and ‘Po Black Mattie’.
Previous single release ‘Closer’ has been described as “a profound exploration of faith, resilience, and the unbreakable bond to one’s roots” Out now on all digital platforms, it serves as a testament to Burnside’s enduring spirit and artistic depth.
“This song is about living life and having faith. I wrote ‘Closer’ because I’ve been through a lot of things in life – I’m sure we all have,” said Burnside. “My faith got tested a bunch here on this earth, and I don’t always get it right. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but you gotta try to get it right the next time. All you can do is live as righteous as you can and stay as close to the Lord as you can. That’s what it’s all about.”
A soul-stirring blend of Burnside’s signature Hill Country blues sound, interwoven with deeply personal lyrics that reflect his life’s trials and triumphs, you can check out the video for the song, directed by Jim Arbogast, here at RAMzine.
You can order the album here.
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