Doug Henthorn

All over the world in dive bars and concert halls, bus stations and lounges, musicians are carrying on the tradition of the blues. Guitarists across all levels of mastery are taking that classic style and making it their own, telling their stories through song. However, the club of elite practitioners is relatively small. It takes a certain echelon of player to hit the top of the ranks.

Blues singer and guitarist Doug Henthorn is in this golden circle having played with the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart, and Jason Bonham. His voice has the gravelly yet pure delivery of the best travelling bluesmen and his guitar tone has the integrity of a master of the craft. His latest album Three is a collection of in-the-pocket blues numbers that boast confessional originals and brilliantly re-interpreted covers. The borrowed compositions he lifts from their original genres and gives them that characteristic heartland blues swing. His style recalls contemporary blues legend Warren Haynes and his classic works with Gov't Mule.

A lazy days acoustic-led number sets the record off. 'Set Em Up, Throw Em Back, Knock Em Down' opens with the shing of rung-out acoustic guitar and slowly percolating congas. Henthorn lays out his ethos on drinking and life with an easy come easy go attitude. Solos of slide and shred breakup this hot, summer afternoon slow burn. On 'Drive', Henthorn re-contextualizes The Cars' classic track translating Ocasek's airy 80s delivery into a bluesy saloon ballad. 'Fate of None' puts a warbling spaghetti western guitar over a minor chord grind. Henthorn's voice gets gritty in the verses and washes away to psychedelic flange on the dreamy halftime chorus. A desert highway hallucination of a track.

Midway through Henthorn hits you with the second cover of the record, The Eagles' 'Wasted Time'. A bona fide hit for the band though largely overshadowed by the album's other genre-defining mega-hits. The original is a patient piece that opens with delicate piano building to arena-shaking grandeur. On his version, Henthorn digs in harder to the road-worn blues rhythm making the song sway with even more passion. His vocals in many ways out-perform Henley. Where The Eagles singer's vocals remain airy, Henthorn's reach down into the dirt as well. The grit of Haynes with touches of Hagar, Henthorn makes the most of this aching 70s track. The organ also elevates it, giving a gospel spin.

'Counting Down Every Minute' has a Black Crowes southern swing while 'The Tourist' pumps with lumbering classic rock swagger. The penultimate track is a reworking of Lennon's iconic 'Across the Universe' from the Beatles Let It Be record. Many have covered this track but never with this kind of masterful blues embellishment. The track immediately jumps out with its gorgeous slide guitar intro lead. The drums are quite faithful to Ringo's simplicity and fill structure yet lack that British stiffness. It's an American unhurried feel. The new version gives this already brilliant song a fresh interpretation.

Three is the work of a master player with both snarl and measured wisdom. Strong in its conviction but laid-back in attitude. Up there with any of the great blues-rock releases. The choices of covers are particularly inspired and their work on reinterpreting them is excellent.