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ALBUM REVIEW: BLUES People "The Skin I'm In" (Album/2024)

*KELTON COOPER - VOCALS / GUITAR *VICTOR BURKS - PIANO *MIKE GRIOT - BASS / ORGAN / RHODES *GENE LAKE - DRUMS

This dynamic and high-energy outfit from Northern New Jersey have thrilled crowds and mesmerized both judges and critics at the 2024 International Blues Competition in Memphis, rocked crowds at large festivals, and created a frenzy at sold out club appearances.

 Their crowd-pleasing concerts have earned them a HUGE following, and their instant connection with every audience is just amazing!  Mike Griot, Kelton Cooper, Gene Lake and Ron Thompson are a tight unit, a solid group of seasoned musicians completely in sync with one another. Everyone shares a common vision, and this makes every song especially memorable and creatively unique. Their individual skills blend beautifully on stage, and on their debut release "The Skin I'm In". 

Blues People - "The Skin I'm In" - Debut Release - 9 songs: 

 

A fresh take on contemporary blues that is heavily influenced by funk, rhythm and blues, the soul sounds of Stax and Motown, and hard-hitting blues courtesy of Kelton Cooper's spectacular guitar work and searing solos. Blues People takes on the stories of everyday people, folks who walk, sleep, and live the blues today. This band isn't afraid to kick down doors and smash through barriers - "The Skin I'm In"; " Smoke & Mirrors"; "Knee Off My Neck"; "Troubled Times"; "Hey Joe: Revisited" - opening up plenty of room for discussion about social issues that impact all of us. Authentic blues given a contemporary spin, with lyrics that reflect the lives of everyday people, a truly original band with plenty to offer.  This band is fueled by the synergy of the people around them  , life's circumstances , and  the whirlwind of the every day life force.

 

BLUES People are an unstoppable force, blowing through the contemporary music scene with the power of an unwieldy hurricane. Grooves run rampant, killer guitar work, that dynamic work on the 88's, funky bass lines that pulsate with a life of their own, unrelenting vocal intensity, and the powerful drumming that propels the music forward in so many amazing directions - Pulsating with soul, driven by the blues, cutting edge music that is truly inspiring -   welcome to BLUES People!

They take inspirations from the past, churn them and mix them, giving listeners a fresh and exciting take on the blues, rewarding all of us with a talented group having plenty to offer. Crank this way, way up and enjoy the show! See "BLUES People" live at your first opportunity - this band kicks ass and is one hell of a good time!!

--JOHN MULLER (FEB 2024)

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