Amani Burnham: Roots & Wings Review

Amani Burnham has a background and approach to music that manages to put a fresh, unique spin on combining traditional blues connection with a highly-charged electric presentation.

Blind Pig Records has a strong belief in his future as he’s among the featured artists in a very strong roster. In an accompanying press release to his debut album, Roots And Wings they offer: “It’s fitting that Amani’s first album opens with a song called “Fastlane,” as his career has been pedal to the metal.” And they proudly boast: “It was surreal to see a 19-year-old on Instagram wielding a white Fender Stratocaster with such dexterous ferocity and sensual charisma.”

Burnham deftly represents the ‘next generation’ artist, making full use of social media by “gaining massive online popularity through his signature thumb-driven guitar style.” And added to this are his strong and welcoming vocals.

Born in Ethiopia but raised in Connecticut to adoptive parents, the 20-year-old has developed a style steeped in traditional blues handed down by the icons, Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon but transformed into a fun and sparkling new articulation of blues-rock.

He says he was influenced from all corners of the guitar world, including icons Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robin Trower and Buddy Guy. But there’s little doubt it was Hendrix who left the strongest impression in both guitar and voice.

Adept at both lead and rhythm, Roots And Wings features several blistering guitar solos. And maybe it was his beginnings as a drummer that account for the sometimes backline-dominating drums in the final mix.

As promised by the release, Burnham catches your attention right out of the gate with an excited guitar-drum-driven instrumental, entitled, “Fastlane.” It’s brimming with the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan.

“I Wanna Know” is more deliberate with a slower paced bluesy rhythm before delivering some more electric guitar bridges.

The title track, “Roots & Wings,” conjures immediate images of Hendrix, even employing the classic ‘Kiss the Sky’ phrase. Burnham is not shy about putting his guitar skills out front and centre. Driving, sometimes overbearing, drums keep a strict backbeat throughout. The song is personal as Burnham shared, “I don’t know who my birth parents are, and that plays a big part in my life.”

In fact, Burnham has stated, “The Last Thing I Remember,” “I Wanna Know,” and “Roots & Wings” are all highly personal themes of identity and belonging, reflecting his experience as an adoptee.

Next up is “The Last Thing I Remember.” It paints a clear picture of a nightmarish encounter. Guitar pyrotechnics overlay another drum-heavy rhythm.

“Bluejay” is an upbeat barn-burner with a catchy bridge and literal expression of the freedom of a bird released from a cage.

Weighty tom-toms open “You Can’t Heal What You Hide” before it settles into an upbeat shuffle. Lyrics offer hope for anyone in need of a helping hand.

“Sideways Thru Time” is a clever narrative set to an infectious rhythm. It gives way to “Waiting By The Window.” It’s a straight-ahead rock and roll song with a classic feel.

A tale of lovers governed by destiny, “Lovers Till They Die,” is wrapped in an upbeat rollicking rhythm, once again punctuated by Burnham’s guitar highlights.

It isn’t until “Midnight Waterfall” that things slow down with a more melodic, thoughtful time of reflection for the performer that manages to carry the listener along.

The tempo resumes with “Some Sorta Love.” Here Burnham cleverly intertwines the story contained in the lyrics with musical metaphors.

The final track is a longer piece, opening with some fine slow blues. Adding some space between the notes gives the listener a little more time to appreciate the nuances of Burnham’s guitar prowess. Written by Elmore James and Marshall Sehorn, it represents the only piece not penned by Burnham and Jeff Schroedl, who also doubled as producer.

The band is backed by drummer Ray Hangen and bassist Matt Raymond.

Roots and Wings is a fitting album title for a young man expressing his connection to the roots of blues through an album marking the flight launch of his young career. There promises to be a thrill ride ahead as younger audiences are bound to be swept along by this charismatic, blues-rock alchemist.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– I Wanna Know
– Fastlane
– The Last Thing I Remember
– Midnight Waterfall
– Roots & Wings

The Big Hit

– Roots & Wings