Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2 picks up where Volume 1 left off last year. It’s a modern blues-rock album that showcases Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s self-taught, six-string brilliance. You’ll want to check this one out when it drops on September 20 via Mascot/Provogue Records.

Kenny shares, “These are two unique albums that stand on their own, but together, I think they make for such a compelling package. We’ve had tremendous success in my career and I’m so 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.”

The opener, “I Got a Woman,” takes me back to Shepherd’s outstanding 2004 release, The Place You’re In. Catchy, bluesy, hornsy, with a memorable chorus and expected blazing solo. It’s a great start!

I’m not a hardcore blues fan, but I couldn’t help being drawn to “My Guitar is Crying.” It’s everything you’d think a song with that title should be – and more. Kenny’s stripped-down guitar tone exposes every perfectly played note.

“Long Way Down” is the latest single and it’s ready for radio. This track is a great example of his classic “less-is-more” style. Fans of the blues, rock or country will all swing with this one.

Hitting the stage for the first time at only 13 years old and influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kenny’s chops shine on “Never Made it to Memphis.” Stevie is no doubt happy about what he’s hearing in heaven!

Maybe my favorite track on the album is “Watch You Go.” “I hate to see you leaving, but love to watch you go…” I think we all know what he’s talking about here. Don’t miss the blistering solo on this hot track. 

“She Loves my Automobile” closes out Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 2. If this song doesn’t instantly transport you to a hot, sweaty, smokey, Louisiana blues bar, I don’t know what will. This is a master class in the blues and a showcase for Kenny’s BB King-like fretwork. 

There’s nothing NOT to like on this album. In fact, listening to it made me go back into Kenny’s catalog to see what I’ve missed since 2004. He’s just pure talent, making music that he loves. Is there anything better than that??

Review by I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski

Album Review by Steve Pawlowski