I admit to being confused, I thought I had a copy of Connor Selby’s debut album from 2018 called Made Up My Mind. I bought it for his Jeff Healey-like tones and understanding of the blues with soul. Now I have a press release that says his self-titled debut is being re-released in deluxe format with four bonus tracks yet none are on the debut record that I think I have.
Either way, this reworked version is actually of his 2021, self-titled album and that was a good, strong set too. Now on a major label (Mascot/Provogue), it has been released as a Deluxe edition with four extra tracks.
It opens with ‘I Can’t Let You Go’: a slow-burning blues as Hammond, horns and subtle guitar back Connor’s emotive vocals with guitar solos to show that he can really, and I mean really, play. This is followed by the funky blues of ‘Falling In Love Again’ with horny horns backing and not overpowering.
Elsewhere we get Southern-y blues-rock with ‘Emily’; acoustic gospel/blues/soul (and a great electric solo) on ‘Hear My Prayer’; more funk and horns on the (still) Healey feel blues of ‘Show Me A Sign’. Slow yet powerful blues dominate on ‘Anyhow’ (although I defy you not to sing ”First I was afraid”, after the opening piano run!)
Of the four bonus tracks, the fascinating take on Ray Charles’ ‘My Don’t Dig Me’ and the R’n’B beauty that is ‘The Deep End’ with its brilliant bass line, Hammond and guitar solos makes it essential. The bonuses on the Deluxe version are worth buying, even if you already have the original release.
If you haven’t heard Connor before, but love quality, meaningful blues, this is a grand place to start.
Connor is touring with Beth Hart until 21st March and then continues solo through March and April.
