Recently, we told you about the latest release from the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, which incorporates a bit more of an Americana sound than we’re accustomed to hearing from the band. Those who prefer your blues-rock somewhat heavier and more intense might want to check out Texas guitarist Lance Lopez‘s Live in NYC (Cleopatra Records), a rocking, 7-song set produced by Johnny Winter Band guitarist and GRAMMY Award-winning producer Paul Nelson that captures a performance from Lopez at New York City’s B.B. King’s Blues Club.
Having started his career at the age of 14, Lopez served as guitarist in the bands of both soul man Johnnie Taylor and drummer Buddy Miles as well as band leader for Lucky Peterson before venturing out on his own, also holding down lead guitar and vocalist duties for the Supersonic Blues Machine (from whom we expect to hear a sophomore album sometime in the coming months).
Here, Lopez is deepest in the blues on songs like the shuffling opener “Come Back Home”, a hard-driving cover of Robert Johnson’s “Traveling Riverside Blues”, and the slow, burning blues of an 11-minute “Lowdown Ways” , with the remainder of the songs delving a bit further into, say, Van Halen territory, all delivered through Lopez’s gruff vocals and gritty, stinging guitar.
If it’s tough, hard-rocking blues-edged music you’re seeking, then Lopez’s Live in NYC is a good place to turn!