The last time we heard from
Luke Winslow-King, he was freshly divorced and still feeling the sting. 2016's
I'm Glad Trouble Don't Last Always was a break-up album if there ever was such a thing, and while it was a strong and well-crafted piece of work, sometimes it was hard not to feel a little bad for the guy. Two years later,
Winslow-King's broken heart has apparently healed, and if 2018's
Blue Mesa isn't free of bad luck and trouble, there's a stride in his step that confirms he's back on track.
I'm Glad Trouble Don't Last Always found
Winslow-King moving away from the vintage country and jazz influences of his earlier work toward a sound more akin to contemporary blues, and he doubles down on that on
Blue Mesa.
Winslow-King hasn't abandoned his love of American roots music, but these songs are dominated by electric, not acoustic sounds, and he sounds more than comfortable with the shift. There's an easygoing joy in "You Got Mine" and "Better For Knowing You," he edges into rock & roll on the playful swagger of "Born to Roam," there's a pleasing sass to the upbeat shuffle of "Chicken Dinner," and the folkie roll of "After the Rain" is subtle and satisfying.
Winslow-King's guitar work is splendid on these recordings, showing virtuosity without excess flash, and he's singing better than ever, giving life to his songs and making them instantly relatable. And if "Farewell Blues," written as
Winslow-King's father was battling cancer, isn't exactly cheerful, it sounds less like a man mourning a loss than a celebration of a life well-lived.
Winslow-King's accompanists on
Blue Mesa deliver strong work that complements the songs beautifully, especially guitarist Roberto Luti, keyboard man Mike Lynch, and drummer Chris Davis.
Blue Mesa may find
Luke Winslow-King going through some changes, but the result is some of his very best music to date. Talk about being on the rebound. ~ Mark Deming