Review: Robert Finley ‘Black Bayou’
By Martine Ehrenclou
A gumbo of blues, gospel, soul and rock, Robert Finely shares fascinating tales of his life in North Louisiana on his fourth release ‘Black Bayou’ produced by Dan Auerbach and released on Easy Eye Sound.
“A song should tell a good story,” says Finley. “By the time you hear it beginning to end, it should be like reading a short story or novel.” And each of the 11 songs on Black Bayou live up to that promise, with the master storyteller himself at the helm. Together with Dan Auerbach, Finely created the songs live on the floor in Auerbach’s studio. With his soul-drenched voice, he takes the listener on a captivating journey through his adult relationships and growing up near the Arkansas border.
Working as a carpenter, the now 70 year-old got his start as a bandleader and musician in the U.S. Army when he was 17. Later as a professional carpenter, he performed in juke joints and sang gospel in churches. Blending Southern soul, swamp blues and rock, Finley’s dynamic style landed him spots on America’s Got Talent, Late Night With Stephen Colbert, CBS Saturday Morning and more. Black Bayou is Finley’s fourth critically acclaimed album with Dan Auerbach.
Finley is cooler than cool, and that’s part of his appeal. “I decided to put as much of the Louisiana lifestyle as I could on this album,” Finley says. “A lot of people in the city have never been to a swamp or seen a live alligator.”
Black Bayou opens with a groove based tune “Livin’ Out Of My Suitcase,” sung by a seasoned singer and someone who has LIVED. Robert Finley opens this amazing album with a voice that’s gravely and worn, blistered and fostered by hard times and joy. Hill Country-style guitar weaves through Finley’s tale, along with organ and bluesy harp. His voice could break your heart before the song’s even over.
More swagger comes ‘round with “Sneakin’ Around,” a blues number about a cheating woman. Finley’s voice boasts an impressive falsetto and he uses it on this song. Interesting guitar riffs reminiscent of Albert Colins appear courtesy of legendary guitar player Kenny Brown. Speaking of superb musicians, the band includes drummers Patrick Carney (The Black Keys) and Jeffrey Clemens (G. Love & Special Sauce), bassist Eric Deaton, legendary Hill Country blues guitarist Kenny Brown along with vocalists Christy Johnson and LaQuindrelyn McMahon—who just happen to be Finley’s daughter and granddaughter.
Amidst a couple of rock & roll gems “Miss Kitty” and “Waste of Time” that continue the portrait of North Louisiana, “Can’t Blame Me For Trying” struts on legs of groove and Finley talking over the rhythm section. A blues done-me-wrong-song, he tells the story about a woman who used him for money. The music is brilliant in the sparest of ways—all guitar, bass and drums wrapped in down and dirty rhythm.
“Gospel Blues” is a standout. Finley marches in with a gritty voice that lures you into the story enhanced by subtle but intrinsic harp. He sings “I’m trying to get to heaven y’all and I’m doing the best I can.” And you believe him. The slide guitar is a delight and as swampy as they come.
And then there’s heartbreakers like “Nobody Wants To Be Lonely.” Finley shares the reality of older people in homes who have been forgotten about by their adult children, family and friends.
Each song on Black Bayou has its own sparkle and Louisiana shine. “You Got It (And I Need It)” is another standout with Finley singing falsetto. The music is all about delicious rhythm, percussion and swamp. And of course, Finley’s magical quality of strength, swagger and talent. It’s a funky blues tale with Finley’s history all over it. After losing his wife, and his sight to Glaucoma, he had to retire from professional carpentry and finally pursued his music career. He became a star in his sixties, the vehicle his life story.
The album closes with “Alligator Bait” that rides on spare acoustic slide guitar as the drums slink in and Finley’s voice rides shotgun. He shares a true story of his grandfather who used him as bait to catch an alligator when he was a child. You can hear the ache in his voice as he speaks then sings this blues jewel. “Put on your swamp boots Baby. We’re going for a ride.”
Get ready.
Order Black Bayou HERE
“Alligator Bait”
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