Posted by Its hard to believe Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Trouble Is…” album is celebrating 25 years! What’s not hard to believe is that Ive been a fan of his before the “Trouble Is..” album was released! So it wasnt all that surprising to me when his single “Blue On Black” took the world by storm! But for me, the whole album could have been one long number one single. The entire album doesnt have a single weak link!
I had the pleasure of meeting Kenny and Noah when the Seneca Niagara Casino hosted him and the band for a “one off” at the Bear’s Den. For those who dont know, a “one off” is an extra, non-scheduled stop typically a “day off” during a national tour. At the end of the night, typical for most artists, it can be a hassle getting from the stage to their hotel rooms. I had offered to give them a ride from the backstage door to the front entrance of the Hotel, to which they were very appreciative! I may not have offered had they not been such humble and down to earth individuals, which only made me a bigger fan of theirs!
Starting off the show with the title track set the mood perfectly. We were there to hear great guitar playing and we were buckled in at the get go. Of course Noah Hunt’s velvety vocals only added and enhanced our listening pleasure. Although Kenny and the band played the album in its entirety, it was a treat to hear not only extended versions and solos of the songs that make Trouble Is…, but basically listening to the album on random mode! The major highlight of the night for me though, was his blistering solo from “Somehow, Somewhere, Someway”.
After they had finished the Trouble Is… set list, they stepped off stage for a quick break before coming back out and finishing the night with other career highlights and crowd pleasers, along with more blistering, extended solos!! Ill admit, when I’m amidst greatness, its hard to control my emotions. I could almost feel the emotions well in my eyes! Yes, it was that great!
I feel when bands share their life stories and how ideas to songs come to fruition, such as “I Found Love (When I Found You) there’s an additional connection and vulnerability to the band. The video montage for this song was personal and intimate and it really brought the crowd together. Thanks for sharing Kenny, I hope to see you again down the road and perhaps shake your hand for the amazing music.
Long Island Sounds 