Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram Surprises Fans Drops New Album ‘Live In London’ Review
By Martine Ehrenclou
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram surprises us all with a new live album that drops today, September 15 via Alligator Records. That’s right, no advance notice–just a surprise from one of the most talented artists in the world of blues and rock today.
Live In London by Grammy Award-winner Christone Kingfish Ingram is released on all digital services today. The album was recorded on June 6, 2023 to a sold out, standing room only crowd at the famous UK club, The Garage. And if you’ve ever seen Christone live, you know the crowd was on their feet, praising this extraordinary artist, the energy full tilt.The CD and LP will be available October 13th.
Live in London reveals how far guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone Kingfish Ingram has come since he released his first two albums Kingfish and 662. He’s light years from his first album, and even then he was hailed a blues prodigy. Branching out to more blues-rock, funk, contemporary R&B and jazz, he’s added an edge to many of the songs on the two-disc set. All of this makes for an expanded and mature Christone Kingfish Ingram who has come into his own on Live In London.
From start to finish, Live In London takes fans on a thrilling journey. Christone Kingfish Ingram has full control of his guitar and voice, and has mastered both in a way that puts him in a new category altogether. He’s become next level and has now outclassed many of the current blues and rock artists performing today. Not because he’s faster on the fretboard or can dazzle with pyrotechnics—it’s because confidence and experience has allowed Christone to play and sing with true soulfulness and personality. He takes his time, and rips on guitar when he chooses to. And his voice is rich and soulful, complimenting his guitar chops. Not many artists in his league can sing as well as he can.
On Live In London, Christone calls up the talents of not just The Three Kings but those of George Benson, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Bootsy Collins and more.
Christone’s band is incredibly tight and consists of bassist Paul Rogers, drummer Christopher Black and Deshawn “D-Vibes” Alexanderon Piano, Hammond B3 Organ
The album blasts off with “She Calls Me Kingfish.” You haven’t heard this version–almost an entirely new song with deep groove, organ fills, and a crazy-good rhythm section. His guitar solo is not just smoking but controlled fire on the fretboard.
“Fresh Out” has a new, fresh take. It’s jazzier, with more attention to groove and tone. It’s a wonderful rendition of the song originally performed with Buddy Guy on Christone’s debut album. There’s new confidence and mastery here.
“Midnight Heat (Live)”
The world has embraced Christone Kingfish Ingram too. The young blues superstar has already headlined multiple U.S. and European tours, opened for The Rolling Stones, performed and toured with Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell, Steve Miller and Buddy Guy, with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits. He made his own appearance on CBS Saturday Morning and was interviewed in Forbes, The Washington Post, and was featured in Guitar World, Guitar Player, and more. In addition to his Grammy Award win, Ingram has earned 10 Blues Music Awards.
On songs like “Another Life Goes By,” his vocals are rich, bassy and beautiful. The keyboard player here has the great Ramsey Lewis in his musical DNA. This tune and others are jazzier, which has added flavors and colors, more depth.
“Hard Times” get the funky treatment with a rock foundation. This song has transformed since its original incantation. It’s upbeat, raw in its rhythm.
From songs like “Mississippi Night” where Christone effortlessly bends strings B.B. King style, to “Been Here Before” where he’s implemented groove in the way of Keb’ Mo’ or Taj Mahal, Christone is now a total pro who hasn’t lost one ounce of his authenticity or soulfulness. And he sounds like he’s having fun.
Live In London is available digitially today. The 2 CD set and a 2 LP set will both be available on October 13. Both the CD and LP include the concert’s encore performances as bonus tracks.
Pre-order Live In London HERE
Christone Kingfish Ingram website
Live In London on Spotify
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