Kirk Fletcher: Keep On Pushing Review

Globally acclaimed guitarist / vocalist Kirk Fletcher returns with his eighth studio album titled Keep on Pushing. Co-produced with JD Simo, and recorded alongside some of Nashville’s meanest blues cats – the new record brings 10 tracks of raw, straight-from-the-heart blues emotion. Speaking about the album, Fletcher said: “My new record is called Keep On Pushing, which I feel is a positive message in these uncertain times. And for me a personal message to myself suffering a stroke just a couple years ago. I’m grateful to share this album with you.” The new album, released via VizzTone is due to hit the streets on August 15th.

Starting out with a Ruth Brown cover “It’s Love Baby”, the swinging rhythm rocks and rolls while Kirk delivers the catchy verses and brings clever blues guitar chops to the forefront. The band’s cohesion makes it seem as if they’ve played together every single night for 30 years straight – the vibe transports you straight to a smoky juke joint. A shuffling “Just a Dream” adds more dirt to the mix – Kirk’s vocal performance is absolutely stunning in this one. The finesse in his singing – it simply can’t be taught – you have to feel it! Bumping the tempo up a notch, “I’m Gonna Dig Myself a Hole” is an orb of pure blues energy. Just so irresistibly groovy!

“Every Dog Has Its Day” is ridiculously funky. The drum part keeps pushing the track forward with an infectious groove – crowned by a fun ride cymbal pattern in instrumental sections. This track features a couple of truly mind-blowing guitar solos – the kind that really tickle the brain and touch the soul. A slow 12-bar blues tune follows titled “Lost Love” – words will never do this track justice, it’s a proper late-night blues number that needs to be felt. “Croke” is one of the singles leading up to the release of the album – an up-tempo instrumental track that represents Fletcher’s salute to the West Coast Jump Blues.

The title track “Keep on Pushing” is built upon a nasty shuffle groove and spiced up with insane blues guitar licks. Sounds like a little nod to the great Freddie King. A cheeky guitar riff pulls you right into the slow storytelling blues that is “Think Twice Before You Speak”. Musicianship aside for once, the soul of this tune lies in its lyrics – clever lines deliver a powerful message, with a slightly humorous touch. Sticking with the 12/8 time signature, but slowing it down a bit whilst opting for a minor key, there is nothing humorous at all about “Here in the Dark”. It’s the bluest of blues. Ending this glorious album is a Delta – Chicago bridging, slide-infused instrumental tribute to Robert Nighthawk, aptly titled “Blues for Robert Nighthawk”.

Keep On Pushing is blues in its most authentic form. Concerned less about being spotless, and more about being felt as much as possible – which makes it perfect in it’s own way. It’s a real old-school blues record, with real old-school playing and real old-school production style – one could argue they don’t make them like this anymore. Fusing influences from all the different eras that we know and love, whilst managing to keep his own voice in it all, Kirk Fletcher walks us through the history of the genre and delivers a true blues masterclass. Mesmerising stuff!

The Review: 10/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– It’s Love Baby
– Every Dog Has Its Day
– Lost Love
– Keep On Pushing
– Think Twice Before You Speak

The Big Hit

– Every Dog Has Its Day