Brody Buster: Redemption Review

Brody Buster has released his eighth album, and not only is it new, original music, but it’s a reflection on his career and life, entitled Redemption.

As a very young man, Buster found himself playing alongside the musical legends B.B.King, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Keb Mo, Lee Oskar, and many others. He was a child prodigy poised to dominate the blues world, but sadly, personal setbacks and demons took him off course.

Anyone in the business will tell you that there are untold talented musicians who aren’t on the charts. Many have recounted missing their one opportunity.

But this album signals Buster’s comeback, both professionally and personally, and it sure has the chops to give him another shot.

It features raw, gritty vocals backed by solid musicians, highlighting the harmonica mastery of Buster, who B.B. King once called, “One of the best harmonica players of our time.” The album is a straight-up mix of blues and fun rock and roll, with a consistent sound from beginning to end.

The opening track, “Can You Hear Me,” echoes the plea of all those musicians looking for their second – or first-crack at the charts. Forceful vocals are mixed with organ and guitar before giving way to moody blues harp.

Seven of the nine tracks were written by Buster, with the exceptions of “This Time I Got the Blues,” which was written by Eugene Smiley Sr., and “The Wants,” penned by Billy “Beale” Woods.

“Born To Be Bad” gives Buster a great showcase to demonstrate good old-fashioned harp-driven traditional blues, wrapped in an all-too-familiar theme. Clearly autobiographical, the song recounts the struggles now behind him. Powerful harp solos fittingly propel it forward, signifying talent over demons and making Buster “a brand new man.”

It’s followed immediately by “Deadwood Shuffle,” a fun, upbeat rock-infused blues tune. The momentum keeps building and it leads right into a rollicking “Working For The Devil,” with a healthy dose of slide guitar and solid back beat.

Clever lyrics are front and center in “Protection From Your Affection,” an up-tempo song featuring organ and guitar leads and more of Buster’s fine harmonica work. Given the theme of the album, there’s some doubt as to who – or what – is offering the unwanted affection. A mid-song tempo change highlights “Wish These Blues Would Stop,” giving it some added depth and punch. Here, the artist offers an emotional, slow-blues tune, matching harp, keys, and tempo to the lyrics. Danielle Nicole provides background vocals.

Kicking it back up a notch, Buster launches into another fun tune entitled “The Want,” featuring a bouncy rhythm, organ, and funky bass line.

“This Time I Got The Blues” closes out the album, with stripped-down instrumentation behind Buster’s gritty vocals. It builds by adding guitar, organ, and harp as it moves along, providing a good, solid bluesy finish to Redemption.

In addition to Buster contributing harmonica, vocals, lead guitar, and Nicole with background vocals, the album includes Ian Pond on drums, Jackie Meyers on organ, Terry Dry handling bass duties, Howard Mahan on slide guitar, and Jacque Garoutte providing additional bass, background vocals, and guitar while also handling the role of producer.

Buster’s commanding vocals, interspersed with distinctive solos from harmonica, organ, and guitar, produce a consistent sound and quality through the album. So if you like the opening track, you’re going to love Redemption.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Deadwood Shuffle
– Working For The Devil
– The Color Blue
– Can You Hear Me

The Big Hit

– Can You Hear Me