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Kenny Wayne Shepherd—Trouble Is…25—Mascot Label
Group

Kenny Wayne Shepherd does not need any introduction to blues
fans. His career defining second album, “Trouble Is…” was re-
leased back in 1997 and since then he has gone on to be a five
time Grammy nominated, multi platinum selling artist. So here

we are 25 years on and the release of a reinterpretation of that
album aptly named, “Trouble Is …25”.

The album kicks off with ‘Slow Ride’ a gutsy powerful opener
followed by more power driven blues with ‘True Lies’. The classic ‘Blue On Black’ is enhanced
with some haunting guitar tremelo effects. There is a great rendition of Dylan’s ‘Everything Is
Broken’, I always smile when I hear these lyrics! There is a definite Hendrix vibe about the
Hendrix cover, ‘I Don’t Live Today’.

Things slow down a little with ‘I Found Love (When I Found You) but get funky once again with
the bluesy ‘Chase The Rainbow’. The title track ‘Trouble Is…’ is a blues infused instrumental and
the album closes with another Dylan cover, ‘Ballad Of A Thin Man’ which is a bonus track that
does not appear on the original release.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd has matured into a top class blues guitarist. His guitar work has good
phrasing, great tone and can build intensity without overplaying. You will find lots of Stevie Ray
Vaughan and Hendrix influences throughout this album with Kenny on top of his game. The
instrumental work throughout the album is spot on. You have the solid bass work from Kevin

McCormick, the force of the drums driving the music forward from veteran Chris Layton, subtle
keys underpinning and enhancing the music from Reese Wynans and long time powerhouse
lead-vocalist Noah Hunt on form, which all makes for such an impressive lineup.

So 25 years on is this album better than the original? Well to my ears probably yes. The album
is enhanced with good production and there is more energy and conviction here too which
makes for a top standout album. If you like rock tinged blues you will enjoy this album.

Ged Wilson

Roadhouse—2000 Miles—Cadiz

Roadhouse have had a bit of a rough time. Against the background
of the pandemic, front man Gary Boner faced the illness of himself
and his wife (his involved surgery). The band lost drummer Roger
Hunt, who died and guitar player Danny Gwillym ‘retired hurt’
with his own serious medical issues. Many lesser folk would have
called it a day and lived on past glories.

No so Gary. Pulling together a new band. Chris Walker, an
experienced session musician joins the band while long-term band
dep Frank Dymore takes over the drum stool. Kelly Marie who
sang on Roadhouse releases “Sea of Souls” and “Dark Angel” has
rejoined the band and marries her voice with that of original Roadhouse songstress, Mandie G.
Bill Hobley remains on the bass and Gary is of course on guitar and vocals.