So last weekend, Saturday to be exact, I went to Trader Joe’s for the first time in a long while. Since the trip takes about 25 to 30 minute I decided to listen to a couple of new albums on Spotify. On the way there, I listened to Down Home from Teddy and the Rough Riders, While the soundtrack on the way back was Blues in My DNA by Ronnie. Baker Brooks. I had listened to tracks from both albums earlier in the week on walks with my granddaughter. Anyway, here’s what I thought of the albums
Down Home – Teddy and the Rough Riders
The core if the Nashville based Teddy and the Rough Riders band are childhood friends Jack Quiggins and Ryan Jennings, They play catchy Seventies-inspired country rock in the Cosmic American tradition, Their music combines Waylon- and Willie-style heartbreak numbers, with soaring guitars and pedal-steel rockers. Vocally their harmonies bring to mind electric Louvin Brothers harmonies.
Teddy and the Rough Riders have been named “Best Honky Tonk Group” by Austin TX’s Ameripolitan Awards for 2024.Additionally, they have tour North America, the EU, and the UK. During those tours they have backed and opened for Emily Nenni, Their own North American tour began in in October after an official appearance at Americanafest in September. Down Home was released on October 11th on Appalachia Record Co.
Teddy and the Rough Riders call Nashville, Tennessee home. The current members include:
- Jack Quiggins: Singer-guitarist and co-leader
- Ryan Jennings: Co-founding bassist-vocalist
- Sean Thompson: Lead guitarist
- Will Ellis: Steelist
- Ellen Angelico: Guitarist
- Thayer Sarrano: Keyboardist and songwriter
- Luke Schneider: Pedal-steel player
- Matt McQueen: Drummer
While I am not quite sold on the vocals yet, I love the music, especially the rockin’ pedal-steel! Overall, I think the album will need to be listened to a few more times before I really get into it!
That is not the case with the new release from Ronnie Baker Brooks Blues in My DNA.
Blues in My DNA by Ronnie. Baker Brooks
I have heard Ronnie Baker Brooks’ music on the radio (WXPN in Philly) but have never sought out his albums – my bad! I love this album from the opening track to the end and every track in between!
Blues In My DNA, is the fifth release from Ronnie Baker Brooks, but his first on Alligator Records, And the award-winning blues rock guitarist may garner a few more awards for this terrific album. While Blues in My DNA isa solid blues album it is infused with Brooks’ own brand of rock, funk and soul. Brooks says “I just play what I feel, It’s all from the heart.”
From Brooks website…..
This project reflects his deep connection to the blues and his journey in carrying on its legacy. In a recent interview on Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons (WBEZ Chicago), Brooks shared how his perspective has evolved: “Continuing the legacy of blues music once felt like an obligation for me. Now, I feel like it’s an honor.” Read More
Currently, Blues in My DNA is number 2 on the Roots Music Blues Chart. I have no doubts it will be Number 1 soon!
Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Teddy and the Rough Riders
Artist’s Website
Instagram
Facebook
Amazon
Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Ronnie Baker Brooks
Artist‘s Website
Facebook
X
Instagram
Amazon
