Kenny Wayne Shepherd Shares New Single And Video ‘Best of Times’
Five-time Grammy nominated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd shares his new single and video “Best Of Times” from his upcoming album ‘Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1’ out November 17th on Provogue/Mascot Label Group. Known for consistently redefining the essence of blues in the modern era, this new single showcases the essence of the album, amalgamating urban undertones with poignant socio-political observations, without losing sight of the soulful depth that is quintessential to Shepherd’s work. Fans will recognize the signature touch of producer Marshall Altman, whose work on ‘Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1’ marks his first collaboration with Shepherd.
With a delicious groove, Kenny Wayne Shepherd surprises us all with “Best Of Times,” a down and dirty blues-rock tune with a funky wah wah-drenched guitar riff. KWS is a thrilling performer to watch and the video for this new tune reveals exactly why. Complete with rock swagger, Kenny Wayne exhibits the magnetic quality that draws all eyes to him. Even though his guitar riffs and solo appear to be effortless, they are downright blistering. He trades vocals with vocalist Noah Hunt, a nice touch on this gritty tune about working hard to pay the bills and saving every dime.
“Best Of Times”
Pre-order ‘Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1’ HERE
Having kicked off his Fall 2023 US Tour in support of his upcoming album ‘Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1’, the record was recorded in the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The record chronicles Shepherd’s journey of musical evolution, touching on stories of loss, redemption, and memorable melodies, all crafted by an elite team of songwriters. As Shepherd himself describes it, “Every record I make is a moment in time. And this is a really special moment.”
Throughout, as the album title suggests, the grit and emotional honesty of these new songs is prized above guitar pyrotechnics (even for one of the modern scene’s most valuable players). Of the ‘Dirt On My Diamonds’ guiding philosophy, “Life has imperfections, and I actually prefer it that way. The imperfections are what make it interesting.”
With material this strong, no polish was needed. As on any KWS album, songs are the currency, and the seven originals from ‘Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 1’ demand to be heard, lifting listeners above their circumstances at a time when life often feels bleak and bone-raw. “I didn’t want this record to be dark or dreary,” considers Shepherd. “There’s not a lot of incredibly heart-wrenching or difficult subject matter…My goal is always to make music that makes people feel good, regardless of what it’s about.”
Shepherd has just announced a series of live performances for Winter 2024, which will follow the release ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1’ and his fall tour currently underway. These newly revealed dates kick off on February 6th at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando, FL and will then head west for a Texas run, beginning in Tyler at the UT Cowan Center on February 14th, before wrapping up at the famed ACL Moody Theater in Austin on February 17th. The tour will also include standout performances at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN on February 24th and the iconic Beacon Theatre in New York City on March 15th.
For more information and tour dates/tickets see HERE
Kenny Wayne Shepherd website
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