Genre-Sweeping Luke Winslow-King Shares Deeply Personal New Album BLUE MESA
By: Tori Hartshorn Apr. 30, 2018
Hitting the road in support of his brand new album, Blue Mesa, Luke Winslow-King is planning a special stop in New York, NY at Mercury Lounge on May 14.
His latest album is an example of craftsmanship at the highest level, radiating a warmth and timeless elegance. Adept at mixingcountry, blues, R&B, rock 'n' roll, and folk influences intuitively and masterfully, Luke shapes a mood from many sources and shepherds it to a unifying place of acceptance and hope. Blue Mesa is both stately and approachable, manifestly proficient but deeply personal.
What sets this album above the singer and guitarist's previous work is how he's absorbed the offerings of a life in music. Born and raised in the Northern Michigan town of Cadillac, he moved to New Orleans at 19 and spent the next 15 years fully immersing himself in the musical waters that flow through there. Now that he's moved on, it is the larger world, and the people and places in it, that enthralls him. From these travels and friendships comes a deeper and richer perspective on the American musical traditions he fell in love with at an early age.
From the first track, Luke effortlessly draws the listener into his genre-expansive, dynamic world. "You Got Mine," co-written with friend and legendary local musician "Washboard" Lissa Driscoll (who passed away in September 2017), enchants with its laid back grace. The subtle Stax-inflected soul of the title track casts a disintegrating relationship against the inspirational scenery of the desert Southwest. "Farewell Blues," a song written after he found out about his late father's cancer diagnosis, has a resolute drifter's wandering heart to guide it.
In addition to holding down residencies at numerous venues and releasing four studio records over the course of nine years, he has toured extensively in North America and Europe, appearing on notable stages such as Austin City Limits, New Orleans JazzFest, Azkena Rock Festival (Spain), Paradiso (Netherlands), Maverick Festival (UK), and countless more.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
May 9 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Hard Rock Café
May 10 - Washington, DC @ Pear Street Warehouse
May 11 - Rehoboth Beach, DE @ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
May 12 - Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
May 13 - Cambridge, MA @ Atwood's Tavern
May 14 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
May 15 - Rochester, NY @ Abilene Bar & Lounge
May 16 - Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
May 17 - Nashville, TN @ The High Watt
May 18 - Newport, KY @ Southgate House Revival
May 19 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
June 7 - St Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
June 8 - Manhattan, KS @ Larry Norvel Band Shell
June 9 - Topeka, KS @ Uncle Bo's Blues Bar
June 15 - Ferndale, MI @ Otus Supply
June 16 - Delton, MI @ Buttermilk Jamboree
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