Kirk Fletcher
Acclaimed blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Kirk Fletcher releases a new single “Afraid To Die, Too Scared To Live” from his upcoming album Heartache By The Pound, out July 29. The Los Angeles-born, Nashville-based musician recorded and produced the album at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals.
Regarded as one of the best blues guitar players in the world, Fletcher has been tapped to play with everyone from Joe Bonamassa and The Fabulous Thunderbirds to Charlie Musselwhite and many others, on stage or in the studio, inciting high global praise. He has been nominated for four Blues Music Awards and a British Blues Award.
“Afraid to Die, Too Scared to Live” is a blast of fresh air, blues influenced rock with Fletcher’s strong vocals and liquid magic on guitar. Pondering life’s struggles with his soul-shaking vocal and inspired riffs, the song is uplifting as Fletcher’s music always is, with powered groove, a tight horn section, and a locked down band. Kirk’s guitar playing cuts with the inspiration of a true guitar master and compelling soulfulness.
“Every time I pick up a guitar, I get down to business and play with a whole lot of soul,” Fletcher notes. “I’ve been doing it my whole life, so it’s an extension of who I am.”
Listen to “Afraid to Die, Too Scared to Live”
His seventh album, Heartache By The Pound, affirms Kirk Fletcher as an exceptional twenty-first century blues man. But this album goes beyond blues and moves into rock, gospel, soul and blues territory. He wrote Heartache By the Pound while living in Switzerland, collaborating with legendary bassist Richard Cousins (Robert Cray Band.) He’s oined by some of the best musicians in the business including drummer Terrence F. Clark and keyboardist Reese Wynans to Joe Sublett on sax, Mark Pender on trumpet, Jade MacRae on backing vocals, and Randy Bermudas and Travis Carlton on bass.
Early on Fletcher toured as guitarist for Kim Wilson’s Blues Revue and recording on Wilson’s Smoking Joint (2001) which earned a Grammy nomination. In between live guest spots for Cyndi Lauper and Michelle Branch, he performed on The Fabulous Thunders’ Painted On. A stint with The Mannish Boys and playing on five of their albums followed, as did his lead guitar position for Eros Ramazzotti. He joined Joe Bonamassa for legendary performances and tours such as “Bonamassa’s Three Kings Tour” with live records, including Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks and Live at the Greek Theater.
As a solo artist, Fletcher’s 2018 effort Hold On cracked the Top 15 of the Billboard Top Blues Albums Chart and garnered a nod at the 2019 Blues Music Awards in the category of “Best Contemporary Blues Album.” His 2020 release My Blues Pathway received widespread critical acclaim.
Kirk Fletcher website
Loved this article about one of my favorite guitarists. Great musical post, too!