Hellfire – Kenny Parker Band – A New Favorite
One of my favorite blues albums over the last several months has been Hellfire from Kenny Parker, using it as the soundtrack for a couple of runs. Additionally three of the tracks, “Dance with Me”, “Hellfire” and “Bye, Bye Baby” are on my most recent Dance-Cardio workout playlist.
I must say that when I first spotted Hellfire on the Roots Music Blues charts, I had never heard of him. Now if I had been a blues fan in Detroit in The late 70s or 90s I probably would know Kenny because that was where he learned his craft. First playing with Mr Bo ( Bo Louis Collins) and the Butler Twins. It was while he was touring Europe with those twins that JSP founder John Stedman signed Kenny to a record deal. Raise the Dead was the album that resulted from this deal. It was released in 1994. Now 25 years later Hellfire is his sophomore release. And it’s been worth the wait!
About the Kenny Parker Band
Kenny considers himself a writer and a guitar player. On Hellfire Parker’s songwriting chops are prominently displayed. All twelve tracks are Kenny Parker original compositions
Since he doesn’t sing Parker recruited blues singer and harp player Dan Divens to join his band. Devins has found a home in the Kenny Parker Band after fronting his own band the Back Door Blues Band for 25 years. I enjoyed both Nevi s vocals and harp playing on the album.
Rounding out the band is blues and rock legend Jim McCarty. I first discovered McCarty’s music when I listened to his 2016 release Jimmy MCCartt and Friends – Live at Callahan’s. At that time I also learned about McCarty’s career that started in the 60s when he played with Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. I even discovered I had heard his guitar before on the Buddy Miles solo records in my music library !
Anyway, McCarty’s guitar coupling with Parker’s makes Hellfire a special treat!!
Press Praise for Hellfire
Every Song is Worthy Of Attention, and should be On The Radar of Every Successful Music Supervisor for Potential Placement… Indie Voice Blog review 2/26/2019
“This is Blues Rock the Way it should be Played” Making a Scene review
“McCarty and Parker’s Guitars are Spellbinding” Peter Merrett PBS 106.7 Melbourne Australia
So Check It Out! I am going to listen to Raise the Dead and revisit Jimmy McCarty and Friends – Live at Callahan’s!
Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Kenny Parker
Artist’s Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Here is the aforementioned “Dance with Me” from Hellfire