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https://www.kyleculkin.com
 

Kyle Culkin - "Shades of Trouble" 

Produced By - Kyle Culkin

Recorded at Tonebucker Records

Frank Roszak - KBA Winner - Radio Promotions

 

 

 

              Clocking in at around 45 minutes Kyle Culkin delivers a sizzling set of sharp,catchy songs , some with horns that are solid , no fillers . A great mix of Americana music that isn't limited by styles and genres or expectations. Kyle thoroughly enjoys mixing things up, and he is comfortable with his love of country,blues,rock,jazz,funk , soul and everything in between. Why limit yourself to just one style? This is music that speaks to the human experience and pulls on your heart strings . Kyle makes music that is filled with honesty and integrity , reflecting who he is and that's what is important to him . 

                 

 "When I'm gone and people ask,"who was he"? I say,look to the music.It will tell you all you need to know." - Kyle Culkin

                   

                       Kyle Culkin opened for the great B.B.King on his 80th birthday tour when the "King of the Blues' proclaimed,"This kid can play". Kyle combines a fun and witty sense of humor within the struggles of life in every song. He uses taste,tone,and timing as the perfect seasonings for his lyrics,giving every song that perfect amount of flavorful goodness.He takes familiar themes and approaches them in a new or different way . Inspiration comes from all the challenges,failures,triumphs,and human experiences life has to offer . 

                         

                       This is Kyle Culkins fourth studio album that follows: 2020's"My Americana" ; "Pork Chops and Blues" from 2021; and 2023's release,"Shotgun Ridge" . His deep dives into country,rock,blues,and soul puts new twists on instantly familiar sounds.

                 

                        Kyle's deep belief in his family and friends,especially his wife and four children,that he will always be there for them when they need someone to lean on , and how inspiring and supportive they continue to be,runs deeply throughout this latest release . His mother,grandmother,and grandfather died while making this record.His mom didn't get to hear the final product but Kyle shared with mom all the rough mixes before she passed. The song "Love You My Way" is about his wife, a huge pillar of support . "Alora Rose" is an instrumental inspired by his youngest daughter.

               

                      Kyle's music is a nod to the past with a look into the future . He takes several classics on this latest musical odyssey and spins them into other orbits altogether , giving the originals the respect they deserve, but altering them in such a way that the song becomes a mirror of Kyle himself and the world around him . He is a Next-Gen singer-songwriter-guitarist who isn't afraid to take chances , explore alleyways and side streets , venturing off the expected path , and making his own way onto the musical landscape. He is changing music in a uniquely creative way that is highly entertaining and wonderfully interesting.

                  * "Have a Little Faith in Me" - Piano,organ,a choir and kyle singing "totally exposed with a few chords and the truth".

                   * "Ophelia" - By "The Band" - Kyle has loved this song since he was a child .Here we are gifted with Big guitar chords,a string section,a Grand piano, a B3 organ,and backing singers. Hey, if that isn't enough for you - there is an entire groove change and big harmonized guitar at the end. 

                   * "You've Been in Love Too Long" - Motown song from Martha and the Vandellas; covered by Bonnie Raitt in the early 70's. Kyle wanted to challenge himself with this one , putting his own spin on the song,adding some slide,horns,backing singers, and burning guitar solos, all the while paying tribute to the original song.

               

                     "If you need musical inspiration,fall in love and have a bunch of kids.I promise you,adventure awaits!" - Kyle Culkin

               

                     Listening to "Shades of Trouble" several times,over and over again , I was really blown away by the musicians , this musically adventurous team of A-Listers really poured their souls into the music , a lot of great sax;amazing B-3 organ;exciting guitar work;powerful,punchy drums; and musicians that move and play as a unit,showcasing a real musical connection , with enormous amounts of energy and passion . 

                

                    Let's hear it for the outstanding , heaven-sent backing vocals , who really enhance every song's groove,bringing back that sweet,soul music for all of us to rock with.

               

                     Thanks,Kyle, for taking us on a wonderful musical journey , a fascinating trip with unforgettable stops in Memphis,Clarksdale,Detroit ,Muscle Shoals, Macon,Georgia,and all points in between . "Shades of Trouble" (love the album cover)is a remarkable showcase for a voice that is wonderfully comforting and natural;mighty fine guitar work; ear-catchy hooks;and songwriting that certainly echoes the best of the 60's and 70's . Crossing musical boundaries , individualistic and unique , Kyle Culkin is the contemporary embodiment of what made 60's and 70's singer-songwriters so classic and unforgettable . Here are songs to sing along with;songs that will have you stomping your feet ; songs that will rock you ; and others that will touch your heart and grab onto your soul . Hopefully "Shades of Trouble" will get Kyle the level of recognition that he richly deserves. I know we'll be enjoying his uniquely original artistry for many years to come!

 

Thunderous Applause for the Musicians and Vocalists....

Guitars and Vocals-Kyle Culkin / Bass-Buford T. Shagnasty/Piano,B3Organ and Wurlitzer-Jamieson Trotter/Saxophone-Karl Hunter/Backing Vocals-Jade MacRae and bek Jensen/Drums-Adam Gust/Drums on "Shades of Trouble" - Shawn Nourse/ Ending Guitar Solo on "Don't Get Burned" - Carl Verheyen / Percussion on "One More Good Time" - Will Phillips

 

 

Special Thanks - and Check Out - The Amazing Interviews conducted by Michael Limnios Music Network - Q&A with songwriter/guitarist Kyle Culkin,American roots music that projects a truthful authenticity from hard learned lessons of life on the road - Michael Limnios-July23,2025

 

Review Enthusiastically Written By - John Muller

Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1