ROOTS OF BLUES

ROOTS OF BLUES by KARIM ALBERT KOOK is an authentic recreation of some seminal work within the blues genre. Above all else, this project showcases a deep level of respect and love for the blue genre from KARIM ALBERT KOOK. Subtle techniques like the vocal cadence and use of mild discordance craft a sound that is authentic to the genre while still being appealing to new audiences. This is the fine line that makes the project so special. KARIM ALBERT KOOK has to balance between crafting tunes that feel authentic to the community of blues fans, while also providing a mix that attracts new audiences. This is a dichotomy that he has completely nailed.

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It Hurts Me Too was a personal favourite from the project and the first track that really touched me personally as it creates a sense of despair with its slow and deliberate musical score and its languid vocal to match. The track truly feels that sadness and the accordion does a great job of emphasising that. Its ambling runs up and down the piece's melodic structure provide a through line that connects the lyrics while also giving the listener space to breathe within the composition, letting the words flow over them.  TheHoochie Coochie Man pushes the sound in a new direction, with a renewed sense of confidence, this track emboldens the project overall, redefining the relationship between the vocals and the melody. The vocals lead and the melody follows. It creates an almost call and response style dialogue as the melody responds to the tonal perspective of the vocal. It feels like a very connected track that thrives in the contrast between its varying elements. Rounding out the album, Trouble In Mind, ends the project in an uncertain tone. By putting a track about inner turmoil right at the piece's conclusion, it changes the energy of the piece altogether. It’s a bold note to end on that turns this album into even more of a statement. Overall this project’s strongest aspect is its clear love for the blues genre. It truly feels like it’s coming from an enthusiast and that charisma elevates it above other cover projects in the genre.