Concord Records
Concord RecordsA few months ago, Billy Gibbons told ABC Radio that he’d be releasing a new solo album this year exploring his “bluesier roots,” and now the ZZ Top frontman has unveiled full details about the project. The album, titled The Big Bad Blues, is due out on September 21.
The 11-track collection finds Gibbons celebrating his love of the blues and early rock ‘n’ roll. It features six original tunes and five covers, including songs by Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley. The album is a follow-up to Billy’s 2015 solo debut, the Afro-Cuban-influenced Perfectamundo.
“We successfully made our way through those uncharted waters with the Cubano flavor of Perfectamundo and completed the journey,” explains Gibbons. “The shift back to the blues is a natural. It’s something which our followers can enjoy with the satisfaction of experiencing the roots tradition and, at the same time, feeling the richness of stretching the art form.”
The Big Bad Blues features contributions from ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum, as well as from some Billy’s Perfectamundo collaborators, including keyboardist Mike Flanigin, bassist Joe Hardy and drummer Greg Morrow. In addition, James Harman, who has played harmonica on several ZZ Top albums, lends his harp skills to the new record.
Interestingly, the new album kicks off with a song titled “Missin’ Yo’ Kissin’,” which was written by Gibbons’ wife, Gilligan Stillwater.
The record’s first single, which was made available for radio airplay earlier this week, is a hard-driving cover of Waters’ delta blues classic “Rollin’ and Tumblin’.” You can check out a lyric video for the track now at Concord Records’ official YouTube channel.
A tour in support of The Big Bad Blues will be announced soon.
Here’s the album’s full track list; all songs by Gibbons except where noted:
“Missin’ Yo’ Kissin'” (Gilly Stillwater)
“My Baby She Rocks”
“Second Line”
“Standing Around Crying” (Muddy Waters)
“Let the Left Hand Know…”
“Bring It to Jerome” (Jerome Green)
“That’s What She Said”
“Mo’ Slower Blues”
“Hollywood 151”
“Rollin’ and Tumblin'” (Muddy Waters)
“Crackin’ Up” (Bo Diddley)
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