The In Between
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
On his first release in 6 years, the guitarist and singer Kevin Gordon treats us to 10 songs of his bluesy flavor, where plenty of friends lend a hand.
“Simple Things” opens the listen with dense guitars, as Dave Jacques’ lively bass and Luella Wood’s warm backing vocals complement the rootsy nods, and “Keeping My Brother Down” follows with a swampy mood, where Ron Eoff’s rugged bass enters the Southern spirit.
The middle track belongs to “Tammy Cecile”, which recruits Josh Hunt’s skilled drumming and Fats Kaplin’s intimate fiddle to the calm delivery, while “Coming Up” thumps and shakes with an infectious energy via the timeless country rock that showcases fluid guitar and gritty yet melodic singing.
Arriving close to the end, “Catch A Ride” displays Todd Balden’s well timed backing vocals and Bryan Owing’s animated drums, and “You Can’t Hurt Me No More” exits with Kaplin’s strategic pedal steel amid emotive vocals and a unique dreaminess that’s heartfelt.
In addition to the above, Joe V McMahon handles guitar on all tracks, and it helps makes this excellent effort after a hiatus due to cancer thanks to Gordon’s thoughtful vision and ability to mix blues, country and rock into his own brand of Americana.
Travels well with: Ted Russell Kamp- California Sun; Jeffrey Halford & The Healers- Soul Crusade