By Scott Bampton
Out March 16 on Ropedope Records, The Neo-Blues Project is the new studio release from young, contemporary bluesman, AJ Ghent.
A third-generation singer-songwriter, lap and pedal steel guitar player, AJ Ghent was guitarist for Colonel Bruce Hampton’s band. The Neo-Blues Project is a high-energy mix soul-infused blues, rock and funk.
Ghent throws a blues tradition into the mix by opening the album with a classic, “Do The Rump,” a soulful reimagining of the Junior Kimbrough track, which Ghent makes all his own. Adding some heavily processed slide guitars and a “boom clap” drum beat, Ghent brings the classic up to date. In his own words, “It was an honor to cover Junior Kimbrough. I wanted to put my spin on it adding a bit of slide guitar and synth with a touch of jam.”
An ambitious sonic landscape that effortlessly mashes electronic samples with fuzzy guitars, “Power” struts and strolls with the same confidence as Ghent demonstrates in his lyrics. It’s a triumphant anthem that twists and turns modern blues in a new direction, placing Ghent in the same league as The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, and Larkin Poe.
Incorporating influences from blues, gospel, funk, rock, pop and soul across the record, Ghent’s guitar playing is sharp – gritty and raw and yet beautifully melodic. It’s not surprising that AJ Ghent is producer on the record as his raw natural talent blends seamlessly with the modern production techniques on the record.
For example, on “Long Lost Friend,” Ghent strips back the instrumentation, allowing the soulful pop sensibilities of his vocal tones some space in the mix. With high wails contrasting with raspy lows, there are strong echoes of Gary Clark Jr, Lenny Kravitz, and Prince in Ghent’s voice – both on this track and the record in general.
As a stark contrast “Gonna Rock” is a 60’s inspired, soul-shaking rock’n’roller. The effects processing is minimized, giving the track an authentic and nostalgic feel; Ghent’s ability to call on such an eclectic range of influences at different times confirms his status as one of blues music’s brightest prospects.
Certainly, Ghent’s time recording and producing the record himself at his “Ghent Factory” studio in Atlanta was time well spent. As a result of his labors, Ghent’s new record could not feel more deeply personal. From tribulation to celebration, Ghent poignantly captures his own highs, lows, and everything in between over the record’s six tracks. A fully rounded guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer with legitimately energetic passion, The Neo-Blues Project is AJ Ghent’s own inspiring tribute to the spirit of never giving up.
Ghent was born into a legacy of famous lap steel guitar players. His great uncle, Willie Eason, was the creator of the “Sacred Steel Tradition” and his grandfather Henry Nelson, was the founder of the “Sacred Steel” rhythmic guitar style, used by Robert Randolph and others.
For more information on AJ Ghent and The Neo Blues Project:
Website: https://ajghent.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajghentmusic/
Apple/itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-neo-blues-project-ep/1328499208
Too cool, I am gonna buy this.
Mont Daniel, glad you like his music!