From this month's Southwest Blues-
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Alaska is the last real American wilderness. Vast and widely unpopulated, nature calls the shots here, and those weak of spirit cry “Uncle” early and high tail it back to whatever white bread civilization they came from.
Not surprising then that Alaskan Son Henry’s release “Glenn Highway Blues” is as wild and untamed as the state it was conceived in. This is blues from the gut – unvarnished and unpretentious. All nine tracks are penned with ink culled from Son’s sweat and tears. The rhythm section (John Clark on drums and Joel Lockman on bass) is tight and economical on each track – driving the beat and yet snuggly in the pocket every time.
This builds the perfect base for Son to do his “thang” – big, bold electric and slide guitar playing, some rustic harmonica flavorings and, of course, the lap steel playing that is quickly defining the man as a force to be reckoned with. Son’s vocal style is earthy and relaxed, the perfect vehicle to deliver his tales of love both won and lost.
As with the very best of all blues, the songs deal with every day life, love and relationships. Damn this man for writing “Second Glance”. Its desperation and resignation hit me so hard every time I hear it that funny watery stuff comes to my eyes. It scares me when someone details the longings of my soul before I’ve even defined them myself. Son is good at that – VERY good. “Heartache In My House” is another outstanding cut. The beat is down home groove. The message is the reality that sometimes home is not quite the cozy castle it should be.
Temporarily relocated to Aberdeen, Scotland, Son initially put “Glenn Highway Blues” out as an independent release It has recently been re-released and distributed from new blues and roots music label Front Porch Records (www.frontporchrecords.co.uk), unleashing Henry on the unsuspecting United Kingdom, who have responded by making him their new favorite adopted son.
They better enjoy him while they can. His suitcase is always packed and ready to head off to the next adventure. We can only hope he continues to document his life with the same flair as he has here.
