Montrose
Records Signs Gulf Coast Bluesman Brad Absher & Will Release His Label Debut
CD, Lucky Dog, on January 13
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Montrose Records announces the signing of
blues singer/guitarist Brad Absher and an upcoming January 13 release date for
his label debut CD, Lucky Dog. The new album was recorded at
Montrose Records Studio in Houston and produced by label head Richard Cagle and
acclaimed bassist Larry Fulcher (Taj Mahal), who also adds his trademark bass
lines throughout the disc. The rest of the musicians involved in the recording
are primarily members of Absher’s solid touring band, rightly dubbed “Swamp
Royale” for the earthy, soulful sounds they create around Brad’s masterful
guitar work and vocals.
Brad Absher’s Gulf Coast sound
recipe includes equal amounts of blues, soul, and gospel, stirred up just right
into a magical gumbo that goes down easy and has a spicy kick to it, recalling
the best of Memphis and Muscle Shoals, too. The dozen songs on Lucky Dog
include a healthy dose of Absher originals that showcase his songwriting
prowess in the blues/R&B/gospel field, as well as several outstanding covers
of songs by William Bell (“You Don’t Miss Your Water”), Leon Russell (“I’d
Rather Be Blind”), Allan Toussaint (“Lipstick Traces”), the traditional gospel
tune, “Jesus on the Main Line,” and Bill Withers (“Same Love”). Interestingly,
Brad’s warm vocals recall the great Bill Withers in timbre and grit throughout
the entire CD. And his guitar work stands out all over Lucky Dog
with some greasy lines, strident fills and tangy solos that drip with soul/blues
power.
Brad Absher and Swamp Royale have
been a fixture throughout the Gulf Coast area for the better part of the past 20
years, becoming a Top Ten Finalist at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in
Memphis that featured competition for all over the world. Other accolades
they’ve won during that time period also include Best Local Album, Best Male
Vocals and Best Blues Band in various music polls.
Based in Houston, Brad Absher was
raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his unique sound reflects the area’s
“swamp pop” influence he first heard listening to South Louisiana radio
stations. After moving to Tulsa in the late ‘70s, a young Brad Absher came under
the tutelage of several players, most-notably guitarist Tommy Tripplehorn of
Gary Lewis and the Playboys fame. Brad soon added slide guitar to his repertoire
after seeing the great Ry Cooder perform live.
Absher’s musical expertise has
been recognized throughout his career, and was referred to frequently during his
time in Tulsa as a “guitar god.” In 2013, he competed and was selected as
Houston’s International Blues Challenge regional winner and later performed
during the competition that year in Memphis.
Bad Absher and Swamp Royale’s
current set lists include songs from his five previous albums spanning the
course of 20 years. Brad can lead his band throughout a show that covers greasy
swamp pop to urban blues, all the while keeping the fans groovin’ on the dance
floor.
When he’s not gigging in the Gulf
Coast area or playing at festivals around the country, Brad shares his guitar
knowledge as a staff member at Houston’s well-known Rockin’ Robin Music
Store.
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