662 [CD]

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

662 [CD]


ALSO AVAILABLE ON PURPLE TRANSLUCENT VINYL LP

662 (the area code of his Mississippi Delta stomping grounds) is a powerful and personal album, a fiery coming-of-age record.  The lyrics reflect newfound maturity and the ways in which your roots inspire where you’re heading.  Musically, the record delivers a heaping helping of deep, visceral guitar magic fueling a combustible mix of molten blues rock, down home shuffles and soulful grooves. "Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram is the future of the blues, singing and playing with edge, verve and vitality. Stinging guitar...sweet and melodic vocals." —Guitar World


Available On CD
Price: $16.98
Add to Cart
1. 662 3:18

(Tom Hambridge-Christone Ingram)

I COME FROM A RIVER TOWN
TALK ABOUT NOTHING TO DO
SKEETERS COME OUT WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
GETS AWFUL STICKY, TOO

THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE BLUES
I WAS BORN RIGHT HERE IN THE 662

LOTS A PEOPLE GET UP EARLY
LOTS OF PEOPLE GETTING HIGH
THEY GOT A CHURCH ON EVERY CORNER
IF YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR THE BYE AND BYE

THERES A SOUND OOZING FROM THE GROUND
AND IT CUTS RIGHT THROUGH
YOU CAN ONLY FIND IT
DOWN HERE IN THE 662

SOLO

MY DADDY WORKED AT COOPER TIRE
MY MAMA WAS RAISED IN THE HILLS
MY BROTHER MOVED OFF TO BALTIMORE
AND I’M LEFT HERE PAYING THESE BILLS

THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE BLUES
I WAS BORN SMACK DAB IN THE 662
(TAG) I’M STILL KICKING THESE BLUES DOWN IN THE 662

2. She Calls Me Kingfish 3:13

(Tom Hambridge-Richard Fleming)

WALKING BY THE RIVER,
RUNS RIGHT THROUGH MY TOWN,
WHEN I STARTED THINKING,
‘BOUT THE GIRL WHO’S GOT ME DOWN,
SHE CALLS ME KINGFISH,
THEN SHE’S NOWHERE TO BE FOUND

MIGHTY, MIGHTY RIVER,
WHAT’S A MAN TO DO?
WANTS ME WHEN SHE NEEDS ME,
LEAVES ME WHEN SHE’S THROUGH,
SHE CALLS ME KINGFISH,
THEN SHE’S LOVING SOMEONE NEW

SOLO

SAIL ON BIG MUDDY,
DOWN TO NEW ORLEANS,
THERE’S NO WAY TO PLEASE HER,
AIN’T NOTHING BUT A TEASE,
SHE CALLS ME KINGFISH,
THEN SHE’S SLIPPIN’ OUT ON ME

SHE CALLS ME KINGFISH,
GOT ME ON THE HOOK,
IF I DON’T QUIT THAT WOMAN,
I BELIEVE MY FISH IS COOKED

3. Long Distance Woman 3:29

(Tom Hambridge-Christone Ingram)

WOKE UP THIS MORNING
HEAR THE BUZZING FROM MY PHONE
SUN AIN’T EVEN UP YET
LAYING IN MY BED ALONE
YOU BEEN CALLING
YOU KEEP HITTING ME UP
ACCUSING ME A DOING WRONG
THINK I ‘BOUT HAD ENOUGH

IT’S WAY TOO FAR
FROM HERE TO WHERE YOU ARE
LONG DISTANCE WOMAN

YOU’RE A FREAKING FREQUENT FLYER
ALWAYS OUT MOVING AROUND
YOU NEVER STAY IN ONE PLACE TOO LONG
LONG ENOUGH TO SETTLE DOWN
MY JOB KEEPS ME ROLLING
I NEVER STAY IN ONE CITY TOO LONG
BEING APART, MISSING YOUR TOUCH
IT’S HARD TO KEEP A GOOD THING STRONG

IT’S WAY TOO FAR
FROM HERE TO WHERE YOU ARE
LONG DISTANCE WOMAN

SOLO

EVEN THOUGH WE’RE MILES APART
I’LL FIND AWAY MAKE DO
IF MISSING ME IS HARD
IT AIN’T AS HARD AS MISSING YOU

IT’S WAY TOO FAR
FROM HERE TO WHERE YOU ARE
LONG DISTANCE WOMAN

4. Another Life Goes By 4:21

(Tom Hambridge-Christone Ingram)

WHERE DOES HATE COME FROM
AND HOW CAN WE MAKE IT STOP?
WE GOT TO MAKE SOME CHANGES
BEFORE SOMEBODY ELSE GETS SHOT

WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION
TO ALL THE HELPLESS CRIES
WE GOT TO STOP THE MADNESS
BEFORE ANOTHER LIFE GOES BY

IT’S BEEN GOING ON FOR DECADES
WE KEEP TREATING PEOPLE WRONG
WHY DOES DOING SOMETHING RIGHT
SOMETHING RIGHT TAKE SO LONG?

WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION
TO THE HELPLESS CRIES
WE GOT TO STOP THE MADNESS
BEFORE ANOTHER LIFE GOES BY

TIME TICKS FAST DAYS FLY BY
IT ALL CAN END IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

SOLO

NOBODY’S BORN WITH HATE
HATE IS TAUGHT TO THEM
HOW CAN YOU JUDGE SOMEONE
BY THE COLOR OF THIER SKIN?

WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION
TO THE HELPLESS CRIES
WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION
TO THE HELPLESS CRIES
WE GOT TO STOP THE MADNESS
BEFORE ANOTHER LIFE GOES BY
ANOTHER LIFE GOES BY

5. Not Gonna Lie 3:02

(Tom Hambridge)

WHEN I STARTED OUT
I SANG A LOT OF WORDS
THINGS I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
JUST WHAT I HAD HEARD
MY WOMAN HADN’T LEFT ME YET
I WAS TOO YOUNG AT THE TIME
GET READY FOR THE TRUTH
‘CAUSE I’M NOT GONNA LIE

MUSIC WAS MY WAY OUT
FROM POVERTY AND CRIME
I DIDN’T WANT TO BE LIKE THAT
THERE’S MORE I HAD TO FIND
SHOWING MY FRUSTRATION
I LET MY FINGERS FLY
MY GUITAR IS WHAT SAVED ME
AND I’M NOT GONNA LIE

SO AND SO WILL HOLD YOU BACK
THIS THAT AND THE THIRD
I WASN’T HAVING NONE OF THAT
NOT ONE LYIN’ WORD

PEOPLE COME TO SEE ME
IT’S REALLY DOPE FOR SURE
BLUES IS WHERE I COME FROM
DOCTOR GOT NO CURE
GOT TO KEEP IT GOING
I PROMISED BUDDY GUY
THIS IS OUR HISTORY
AND I’M NOT GONNA LIE

THIS IS OUR HISTORY
AND I’M NOT GONNA LIE
I’M NOT GONNA LIE
I’M NOT GONNA LIE 

6. Too Young To Remember 3:52

(Hambridge-Fleming-Ingram)

I HEARD ABOUT THOSE JUKE JOINTS
HOMEMADE WHISKEY USED TO FLOW
HEARD ABOUT THOSE JUKE JOINTS
HOMEMADE WHISKEY USED TO FLOW
WELL, I’M TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER
BUT I’M OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW

SHACK OUT ON THE HIGHWAY
WHERE THE BLUES WAS GOIN’ DOWN
SHACK OUT ON THE HIGHWAY
DELTA BLUES GOIN’ DOWN
WELL, I’M TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER
BUT I CAN HEAR THAT SOUND

LOVIN’ AND FIGHTIN’
DRINKIN’ ‘TIL CLOSING TIME
LOVIN’ AND FIGHTIN’
ALL NIGHT ‘TIL CLOSING TIME
I’M TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER
BUT IT’S HERE IN MY MIND

WHEN YOU SEE ME PLAY THE GUITAR
YOU’RE LOOKIN’ BACK A HUNDRED YEARS
SEE ME PLAY MY GUITAR
YOU’RE LOOKIN’ BACK A HUNDRED YEARS
I’M TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER
BUT MY HEROES ARE STILL HERE
JIMI, BB AND BUDDY AND LIGHTNING HOPKINS TOO!

7. You're Already Gone 3:27

(TOM HAMBRIDGE & CHRISTONE INGRAM)

I CAN SEE IT IN YOUR EYES
SOMETHINGS JUST NOT RIGHT
YOUR DISTANT FROM ME, BABY
HAVEN’T SAID A WORD ALL NIGHT

SOMETHING’S WRONG
I GOT A BAD, BAD FEELING
YOU’RE ALREADY GONE

THIS SILENT TREATMENT
IS WEARING ME OUT
YOU TOLD ME YOU’RE NOT LEAVING
BUT I HAVE MY DOUBTS

SOMETHING’S WRONG
I GOT A BAD, BAD FEELING
YOU’RE ALREADY GONE

I WANT TO TRUST MY HEART
IT ALWAYS TELLS THE TRUTH
BUT I CAN’T KEEP ON PRETENDING
THAT I’M NOT LOSING YOU

SOMETHING’S WRONG
I GOT A BAD, BAD FEELING
YOU’RE ALREADY GONE

SOMETHING’S WRONG
I GOT A BAD, BAD FEELING
SOMETHINGS WRONG
I GOT A BAD, BAD FEELING
YOU’RE ALREADY GONE
YOU’RE ALREADY GONE
YOU’RE ALREADY GONE
 

 

8. My Bad 3:37

(Christone Ingram-Tom Hambridge-Richard Fleming)

MY BAD, MY BAD
WHY DIDN’T I TREAT MY BABY GOOD?
IF IT WASN’T MY BAD
SHE’D BE LOVIN’ ME LIKE SHE SHOULD

WHAT A FOOL, WHAT A FOOL
A FOOL I WAS TO LET THAT WOMAN DOWN
IF IT WASN’T MY BAD
SHE’D STILL BE COMIN’ AROUND

I COULD HAVE DONE BETTER THERE AIN’T NO DOUBT
IT’S TOO LATE TO WORK IT OUT
I PUNCHED THE WALL THAT AIN’T ALL
I JACKED IT UP AND I WATCHED HER GO
AND NOW I’VE GOT NOTHIN’ TO SHOW

I’M THE ONE, I’M THE ONE
I’M THE ONE DESERVIN’ ALL THE BLAME
IF IT WASN’T MY BAD
SHE’D BE IN MY ARMS AGAIN

MY BAD, MY BAD,
WHY DIDN’T I TREAT MY BABY GOOD?
IF IT WASN’T MY BAD
SHE’D BE LOVIN’ ME LIKE SHE SHOULD

MY BAD, MY BAD…

 

 

9. That's All It Takes 4:46

(Tom Hambridge-Christone Ingram)

I STILL SMILE WHEN I THINK OF YOU
BUT THERES HOLE INSIDE MY HEART
I THINK OF THE THINGS WE WENT THROUGH
AND IT TEARS ME APART

I’M OK MOST OF THE TIME
TIL SOMEBODY MENTIONS YER NAME
AND I’M RIGHT BACK IN THAT PLACE
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES

I TELL MY FRIENDS I’M HAPPY
I DON’T LET MY SADNESS SHOW
BUT AFTER ALL THE LOVE WE MADE
ITS SO HARD TO LET YOU GO

I’M OK MOST OF THE TIME
TILL SOMEONE MENTIONS YER NAME
THEN I’M RIGHT BACK IN THAT PLACE
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES

SOLO

SOME DAYS I GO OUT WALKING
AND THE SUN IS SHINING BRIGHT
I’M ONLY THINKING ABOUT THE NOW
THERES NOT A MEMORY IN SIGHT

BUT THE NIGHT COMES CLOSING IN
AND MY MIND STARTS TO WANDER
AND I’M RIGHT BACK IN THAT PLACE
RIGHT BACK IN THAT PLACE
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES
THAT’S ALL IT TAKES

10. I Got To See You 3:39

(Hambridge-Ingram-Fleming)

I CAN LOOK AT YOUR PICTURE HANGING ON THE WALL
PICK UP THE PHONE AND GIVE YOU A CALL
WRITE YOU A LETTER
SIGN MY NAME
I CAN THINK ABOUT YOU
BUT IT WON’T FEEL THE SAME

I GOT TO SEE YOU
I GOT TO SEE YOU
LOOK IN YOUR EYES
AND HOLD YOU TENDERLY
I GOT TO SEE YOU
I GOT TO SEE YOU
I GOT TO SEE YOU, BABY
LIKE I KNOW YOU WANNA TO SEE ME

I CAN BUY A TICKET I CAN JUMP ON A PLANE
FIND ME SOME TRACKS I CAN HOP ON A TRAIN
LOOK OUT THE WINDOW
WATCH THE LITTLE TOWNS GO PAST
IF I GOT TO RUN
I NEED TO GET THERE FAST

I GOT TO SEE YOU
I GOT TO SEE YOU
LOOK IN YOUR EYES
AND HOLD YOU TENDERLY
I GOT TO SEE YOU
I GOT TO SEE YOU
I GOT TO SEE YOU, BABY
LIKE I KNOW YOU WANNA TO SEE ME

PULLING INTO TOWN
I DROVE UP TO YOUR HOUSE
YOU CAME TO THE DOOR
IN A PRETTY SKIRT AND BLOUSE
OH, WHAT A SIGHT
YOU REALLY MADE MY DAY
LET ME TELL YOU, HONEY
WHAT I’VE BEEN SINGING ALL THE WAY

I GOT TO SEE YOU
OH, BABE, I GOT TO SEE YOU
I GOT TO LOOK IN YOUR EYES
AND HOLD YOU TENDERLY
I GOT TO SEE YOU
I GOT TO SEE YOUI GOT TO SEE YOU, BABY
LIKE I KNOW
YOU WANNA TO SEE ME

11. Your Time Is Gonna Come 5:13

(Tom Hambridge-Christone Ingram)

YOU GOT A COLD HEART, BABY
OUT RUNNING ROUND WITH EVERYONE
YOU GOT A COLD HEART, BABY
OUT RUNNING ROUND WITH EVERYONE
DON’T LAUGH AT ME, BABY
'CAUSE YOUR TIME IS GONNA COME

ALL THE TROUBLE THAT YOU CAUSED ME
ALL THE LYING THAT YOU DONE
ALL THE TROUBLE THAT YOU CAUSED ME
ALL THE LYING THAT YOU DONE
I WAS SUCH A FOOLISH CHILD
TO EVER THINK YOU WERE THE ONE

SOLO
 
I’M TELLING YOU IT’S OVER
NO MORE MESSING WITH MY HEAD
I’M TELLING YOU IT’S OVER
NO MORE MESSING WITH MY HEAD
I’D RATHER WRESTLE WITH DEVIL
THAN LET YOU LIE DOWN IN MY BED

YOU GOT A COLD HEART, BABY
OUT RUNNING ROUND WITH EVERYONE
YOU GOT A COLD HEART, BABY
OUT RUNNING ROUND WITH EVERYONE
DON’T LAUGH AT ME, BABY
YOUR TIME IS GONNA COME

12. That's What You Do 3:24

(Tom Hambridge & Christone Ingram)

YOU GET UP EARLY IN THE MORNING
STAY UP ALL NIGHT LONG
YOU DRIVE FIVE HUNDRED MILES
JUST TO PLAY A COUPLE SONGS

THAT’S WHAT YOU DO
YEAH, THAT’S WHAT YOU DO
I SAID AIN’T NO SHORT CUT
THAT’S WHAT YOU DO FOR THE BLUES

LIVE OUT OF A SUITCASE
NO TIME TO WASH MY CLOTHES
I’D LOVE TO STICK AROUND
BUT I GOTTA HIT THE ROAD

THAT’S WHAT YOU DO
YEAH, THAT’S WHAT YOU DO
I SAID AIN’T NO SHORT CUT
THAT’S WHAT YOU DO FOR THE BLUES

RUSHING TO THE AIRPORT
TRYING TO CATCH A FLIGHT
ANOTHER RAINY CITY
ANOTHER LONELY NIGHT

THAT’S WHAT YOU DO
YEAH, THAT’S WHAT YOU DO
I SAID AIN’T NO SHORT CUT
THAT’S WHAT YOU DO FOR THE BLUES

LATE NIGHT HOTEL CHECK-INS
FOR AN HOUR IN A BED
AIN’T NO TURNING OFF
ALL THE POUNDING IN MY HEAD

THAT’S WHAT YOU DO
YEAH, THAT’S WHAT YOU DO
I SAID, AIN’T NO SHORT CUT
THAT’S WHAT YOU DO FOR THE BLUES

13. Something In The Dirt 3:34

SOMETHING IN THE DIRT
(Hambridge-Ingram-Fleming)

I WAS BORN HERE IN CLARKSDALE
LIVED HERE SINCE MY BIRTH
THERES MAGIC IN THE MUSIC
MUST BE SOMETHING DIRT

THERES A DRUGSTORE
ON THE CORNER
WHERE ROBERT JOHNSON USED TO PLAY
MUST SOMETHING IN THE DIRT
MAKE MR. JOHNSON MOAN THAT WAY

PLAYED MY FIRST GIG
AT A PLACE CALLED RED’S
ELEVEN YEARS OLD, SNEAKING OUT OF BED
I DIDN’T KNOW IT THEN
BUT I UNDERSTAND IT NOW
THERE IS SOMETHING IN THIS DIRT
AND I’M TRYING DIG IT OUT

SOLOS

PLAYED MY FIRST GIG
AT A PLACE CALLED RED’S
ELEVEN YEARS OLD, SNEAKING OUT OF BED
I DIDN’T KNOW IT THEN
BUT I UNDERSTAND IT NOW
THERE IS SOMETHING IN THIS DIRT
AND I’M TRYING DIG IT OUT

I GOT COTTON IN MY BACK YARD
SUN IS ALWAYS SHINING BRIGHT
MUST BE SOMETHING IN DIRT
THAT KEEPS IT HOT AT NIGHT

WELL, I’M RIGHT HERE
NEXT TO THE LEVEE
IT RUNS RIGHT BY MY HOUSE
MUST BE SOMETHING IN THE DIRT
KEEPS THE WATER OUT

14. Rock & Roll (Bonus Track) 4:40

ROCK & ROLL 
(Ashley Ray-Sean McConnell-Christone Ingram)

A PRINCESS COOKIN’ IN THE KITCHEN, PLAYING SOLITAIRE
SHE BEEN BURNIN’ THEM STACKS WITH A MONKEY ON HER BACK, SINCE DADDY AIN’T THERE
SHE BEEN SWINGING THAT AX AND PICKING UP THE SLACK, AND IT AIN’T FAIR

SO I COULD SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
SO I COULD SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
SHE MADE A DEAL WITH THE ANGELS AND THEY’LL NEVER LET GO
SO I COULD SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL

WHEN I’M DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, WHEN I WANNA LET UP
THERE’S AN ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER WITH SWEET TEA DRIVING IN AN OL’ GREY ONE
SAYING, “PLAY THE SONG ‘BOUT THE HEART THAT’S BROKE BUT DON’T GIVE UP”

SO I COULD SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
SO I COULD SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
SHE MADE A DEAL WITH THE ANGELS AND THEY’LL NEVER LET GO
SO I COULD SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL

SOLO

FOR JUST A MINUTE IN THE MOMENT, BEFORE ALL THE ROAR
PRIDE BESIDE ME HERE TO GUIDE ME, WHEN I’M FINDING THAT I’M ALL ALONE
WITH PRAYER ‘CROSS CHEST, A WHISPERED BREATH,
“YOU BEEN HERE BEFORE”

“GO BABY’ SELL YOUR SOUL TO ROCK N ROLL
YEAH’ BABY SELL YOUR SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL”
SHE MADE A DEAL WITH THE ANGELS AND THEY’LL NEVER LET GO
SO I COULD SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL

SOLO

IN THE NAME OF GRANDMA
AND GRANDDAD’S GHOST
AND A PISTOL OF A WOMAN—MAMA
WHEN SHE KISSED ME AND LET ME GO

I’M GONNA SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
I’M GONNA SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
SHE MADE A DEAL WITH THE ANGELS AND SO I’LL NEVER LET GO
I’M GONNA SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL

I’M GONNA SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
I’M GONNA SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
WE MADE A DEAL WITH THE ANGELS SO I’LL NEVER LET GO
I’M GONNA SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
I’M GONNA SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL
I’M GONNA SELL MY SOUL TO ROCK’N’ ROLL

ALSO AVAILABLE ON PURPLE TRANSLUCENT VINYL LP

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram: Guitar, Vocals
Tom Hambridge: Drums, Background Vocals (1,10), Chimes (4)
Kenny Greenberg: Guitar (1,2,4,9)
Bob Britt: Guitar (3,5,7,10)
Glenn Worf: Bass (1,2,4,9)
Tommy MacDonald: Bass (3,5,6,7,8,10,11,12,13)
Marty Sammon: Piano (2,11,13), Hammond B3 Organ (6,8,9), Wurlitzer Piano (8)
Max Abrams: Saxophone (9)
Julio Diaz: Trumpet (9)

Bonus Track:
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram: Guitar, Vocals
Nick Goldston: Drums, Bass, Piano, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Brooke Stephenson: Background Vocals
Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Nick Goldston
Recorded at Royal Studios, Memphis, TN
Engineered by Boo Mitchell

Produced by Tom Hambridge
Executive Produced by Ric Whitney for Curation
Recorded at Ocean Way Studios, Nashville TN
Engineered by Zach Allen
Assistant Engineer Ryan Yount
Mixed And Mastered by Tom Hambridge and Michael Saint-Leon at Switchyard Studio, Nashville TN
Additional Recording by Michael Saint-Leon at Switchyard Studio, Nashville, TN
Photos by Justin Hardiman
Design by Kevin Niemiec

 


Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s on a young man’s mind. Other times it’s easier to see and feel what’s in his heart and soul. The time has come for Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to let his truth be known, and he holds nothing back on 662. Following his debut album, Kingfish, Christone says about his sophomore record, "These are songs written when I got home from the road— I came back to the 662. This album is much more personal than the first one—I’m dealing with things that have been going on in my life since then."

This highly-anticipated sequel provides Kingfish ample space to bare his soul: thirteen chronicles covering a swath of topics that encompass the breadth of his musical experience. "I’m not gonna lie," he promises, and true to his nature, he delivers on his word. Stretching beyond his first outing, he co-wrote all but one song on this album, speaking clearly in his own voice this time around.

His tunes are laced with evocative, personal lyrics that simultaneously capture and radiate both the ultimate knowledge of birthright and innate sense of belonging, with autobiographical pieces like Something In The Dirt and Too Young To Remember chronicling the truth as only Kingfish can tell it. The album title is named after the telephone area code covering six counties in the northern half of Mississippi. "The code started in 1999, which was the year I was born, so I definitely feel connected to that." Christone paints vivid pictures of churches on every corner, his dad’s job at Cooper Tires, and his brother who moved to Baltimore. "Sound oozin’ from the ground, and it cuts right through; you can only find it here in the 662."

He lets us ride shotgun in the life of a weary road warrior in Long Distance Woman and That’s What You Do. Of the latter, Kingfish offers insight into the lyrics: "People only see the glamorous side, but they don’t realize that most times we don’t even get to enjoy the nice hotels, or even the sights and sounds of the city we’re playing in." Other stories embrace the triumph of hope in romance (She Calls Me KingfishI Got To See You) while a few chronicle the universal theme of love and loss. You’re Already Gone is self-evident, while My Bad finds Christone in a real-life drama when "in the heat of the moment you kinda say things you don’t mean."

Then there’s That’s All It Takes, which represents "my own version of the 'baby-please-come-on-home’ kinda song … the groove is like Green Onions but backwards using an inverted progression." This particular song is unique in its own way, channeling the spirit of previous soul voices: "Joe Simon, Sam Cooke—that’s what I was tapping into—besides, I got a chance to bust out some of my 'clean’ [guitar] chops!"

The vibrating heart-string, however, is Rock & Roll, an album bonus track and the epic paean dedicated to his beloved mother, Princess Latrell Pride Ingram. "A lot has happened," Christone says. "My mom passed, and it changed me; I learned to look at life and accept it for what it is, and just be happy for what you have." Still, he has soldiered on. "I’ve grown a lot as a musician, since that time—I’ve been learning a lot and trying to slowly seep into the jazz world, and even incorporate some of those elements in the blues world."

He now forges ahead with the confidence and maturity of a bandleader who not only faced the trials and tribulations of life, but also emerged stronger than before. He sings more assuredly than ever, displaying a consistency in depth and range that equally matches the powerful vibrato of his guitar that shakes, stings and stirs the soul. About his vocal prowess, he shares, "It’s gotten better; the first album, I had some experience, but I wasn’t used to singing with the full range of being able to really 'tell a story.’ I now think my singing has more depth." He is, in essence, emerging before our very ears.

Kingfish proudly represents the young tribe who are busy fulfilling their musical obligation to "get into good trouble," as the late John Lewis would have implored them. Songs like Another Life Goes By speak truth to power: they serve as indictments charged by the current generation of black artists who face racial barriers, having to endure myriad stereotypes that ultimately undermine their efforts as musicians. Add to that the seemingly relentless conditions during the dark days of the COVID-19 era (with every tour coming to a grinding halt), and suddenly you have an even greater reason to sing the blues. On Not Gonna Lie, he steadfastly remains in the throes of fulfilling his promise to none other than his mentor, Buddy Guy: "I got to keep it goin’," he intones about his responsibility to carry the torch, fanning the flames in the name of the blues.

This album stands as a confirmation of what so many already expected after his first album was unleashed: Kingfish re-emerges a formidable guitar superhero. The shadow cast from his cape looms large across the sunny skies of the deep South and beyond. As his lyrics firmly attest, he engages his six strings as his preferred choice of weapons—not only to save his own soul, but to also offer a salve for ours.

In this often unruly era of civil disobedience, chaos and disorder, and—dare I say—social and sonic decay, there is still a great deal of beauty in this world. And so Kingfish is. He is a beautiful baby, a soul brother, a man; one who has already evolved into a higher being since his first release. One who, in the absence of his mother’s loving arms, has embraced both the art of and the power in making music, used, essentially, to hug himself … and you, too.

So let the healing begin.

—WAYNE GOINS

Wayne Goins, distinguished professor at Kansas State University, writes for Living Blues magazine and has published five books, including That’s All Right: The Jimmy Rogers Story, and is currently writing Maestro: The Taj Mahal Story.

 

Thanks and praises to God. Thank you to Dad for all your love, support, and of course, your "man cave." Thank you and much love to my manager and friend, Ric Whitney. As you say, "let’s do the work." Thanks to all my close family and friends for continuing to believe in me. Big thanks to my Covid writing partner and my album producer, Tom Hambridge. Hello and thanks to Ms. Shelley and the Delta Blues Museum team. Big shout out to all of the OGs who helped pave the way for me, your musical energy is in all that I do. Thank you to the Alligator Records team for all your hard work in helping me to release this project. To my friends at Fender, Ernie Ball Strings, Peavey Amps, Jim Dunlop Products, Chertoff Custom Guitars, Xotic Effects, Keeley Effects, Reunion Blues Gig Bags and Pig Hog Cables, thank you, y’all still help me sound and look good. Much love to all my fans. Many of you have been with me since I was a teen. Thank you for all the support. I hope y’all dig round #2. Lastly and certainly not least, thank you to Ma. You were always my biggest champion and cheerleader. I know that you’re looking at me with proud eyes and big heart. The bonus track on this album is all for you. "Pride beside me, here to guide me when I’m finding that I’m all alone." I miss you. I love you. Thank y’all much!

Tom Hambridge would like to thank DW Drums, Zildjian Cymbals & Regal Tip Drumsticks for their continued support. www.tomhambridge.com