Last November, multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated global superstar Kenny Wayne Shepherd released Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 1, and that numerical indicated another might be anticipated, but did anyone expect – Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2 to be released so soon?
Well, it’s out now on Mascot/Provogue Records, as is infectious new single ‘Never Made It To Memphis‘, a driving, soul-infused track that comes with a captivating lyric video that you can check out here at RAMzine.
The song tells a lighthearted tale of a man on a whirlwind pursuit of love across the States, full of twists and unexpected detours. Shepherd explained, “It’s a pursuit situation that never works out. Every turn the guy takes, nothing pans out exactly the way he thinks it’s going to. But in the end, he winds up with the girl, so everything is OK, regardless of all the wrong turns in the journey.”
Blending his blues-rock roots with an uptempo groove, Shepherd crafts a narrative that resonates with humour and soul. The song captures the spirit of classic rock ‘n’ roll, where every misstep leads to a new adventure. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of the journey, describing a “hellbent mission” with the protagonist as a “black sheep child raised on rock and roll.” Despite never quite reaching his intended destinations – Whether it’s Memphis, Detroit, or Austin—he ultimately finds what he’s been chasing: “I never made it to Memphis, but girl, I made it to you.”
The album is expected to solidify Shepherd’s status “as a powerhouse in modern rock”, and the charge was led by vibrant first single in ‘I Got A Woman’ earlier this summer, then followed by the smoldering ‘Long Way Down’ that takes listeners on a deep dive into a moodier, more introspective side of Shepherd’s sound. With its gravelly textures and selective, searing guitar solo.
A testament to Shepherd’s mastery of less-is-more, the guitarist himself reflected: “It’s the least flashy solo on the record, but it cuts deeper because of it.”
Regarding the former single, where Shepherd’s powerful riff is complemented by a dynamic horn section, he commented: “To me, it’s the answer song to ‘Woman Like You’, the first track on The Traveler,” noting that, “On this record, he’s got her, and she’s everything he hoped for.”
Both singles are available digitally, and you can check out their videos here at RAMzine.
Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2 expands the musical journey that began with Volume 1. “When I started writing these songs, two distinct identities emerged,” Shepherd explained. “Both albums share the same spirit, but the songs, sounds, and grooves are unique. We decided to stagger the releases to match how people consume music today – essentially creating a double album. Our creative momentum was strong, so we kept it rolling.”
The tracks on Volume 2 were born during the writing sessions at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. “The whole reason we went down to Muscle Shoals was to soak up the vibe that’s been left in that room for so many decades,” Shepherd reflected.
Tracking took place at the Band House Studios in Los Angeles just days before the studio was demolished. “It was a really cool intimate old-school studio with analogue everything, but they tore it down straight after we made these records,” said Shepherd.
Forced to hold back new material for the first time in his storied career, Shepherd admits that keeping these latest songs under wraps has been torture. “They’re sounding great in rehearsals and we’ve been dying to get out there and play them,” he said.
“These are two unique albums that stand on their own,” said Shepherd, “but together, I think they make for such a compelling package. We’ve had tremendous success in my career so far, and I’m so surprised and grateful for that. But even now, I still feel like there’s always more to explore musically. I just want to keep pushing the limits.
With heavy Stateside touring due this summer, you can stream‘I Got A Woman’ via digital services, check out the video here at RAMzine, and order can order Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2 here.
