Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

Zomba Records

With "Skin Deep" Buddy Guy has, at age 72, turned in one of the finest recorded efforts of his illustrious career. This disk is filled with great cuts and dream collaborations with some of the best musicians on the planet including Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Eric Clapton, and Robert Randolph. Buddy's singing and guitar playing are absolutely stellar throughout!! The disk begins with the funkified,"Best Damn Fool". This song is filled with Buddy's classic wah-wah'd guitar sound and distinct vocal stylings. On "Too Many Tears" Buddy is joined by the husband and wife duo, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. This amazing duo provides some smoldering, sexy blues vocals and some wicked badass guitar notes to this cut's funky groove. Trucks returns for the title cut, “Skin Deep.” It is a thoughtful song that takes a rare political turn for the blues in addressing the issue of race in our society.


Eric Clapton joins Buddy for "Every Time I Sing the Blues", creating an instant classic that offers passionate vocals from both artists. Their dark blue lyrics and piercing guitar work will shake you to the bottom of your feet. Double Trouble's Reese Wynans also adds some distinctive keyboard work to this cut. The best cut on the disk, “Out in the Woods,” takes us right back to the Mississippi Delta roots of the blues. Buddy is joined by Robert Randolph on this cut which evokes memories of early Howlin' Wolf. The lyrics contain the lines, "I live out in the woods. I got wolf blood in my veins." This is classic blues if it has ever existed!!! The raucous, "Show Me the Money," is yet another stand out track with standout backup vocals by Bekka Bramlett and Wendy Moten. The closing track, "I Found Happiness," is also everything a blues fan could ask for. With Wynans once again providing some gorgeous organ fills, Guy once again paints broad strokes on this masterpiece with powerful and emotional guitar wizardry. If "Skin Deep" doesn't scratch your blues itch, you might be a redneck (or a Celine Dion fan). It is an exciting and invigorating album that reinforces Buddy Guy’s legendary status with work worthy of his great talents.