In ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1′, Shepherd ventures beyond the conventional borders of the blues genre, interweaving modern soundscapes with socio-political narratives, while maintaining the authentic spirit of blues. The album, described by Shepherd as a “moment in time,” reflects his journey and growth as an artist, featuring stories of personal significance. The crafting of this album, as Shepherd has articulated, is not just about music, but about embracing life’s imperfections and finding beauty therein. This philosophy shines through the entire album, particularly in tracks like “Sweet & Low” and the thought-provoking “Best of Times.” With ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1,’ Shepherd continues to redefine and push the boundaries of what blues music can be.

Since the release of his debut album, 1995’s ‘Ledbetter Heights,’ this multi-platinum bandleader still sounds like the future of the blues. Approach ‘Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 1’ expecting autopilot twelve-bars and you’ll instead be thrown a volley of curveballs, from the modern urban edge of its lead singles to the speaker-tearing production from Shepherd and producer Marshall Altman. “Working with Marshall, it’s like any productive relationship,” considers the guitarist. “We put our strengths together and push each other.”

Throughout, as the album title suggests, the grit and emotional honesty of these new songs is prized above guitar pyrotechnics (even for one of the modern scene’s most valuable players). Of the ‘Dirt On My Diamonds’ guiding philosophy, “Life has imperfections, and I actually prefer it that way. The imperfections are what make it interesting.”

With material this strong, no polish was needed. As on any KWS album, songs are the currency, and the seven originals from ‘Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 1’ demand to be heard, lifting listeners above their circumstances at a time when life often feels bleak and bone-raw. “I didn’t want this record to be dark or dreary,” considers Shepherd. “There’s not a lot of incredibly heart-wrenching or difficult subject matter…My goal is always to make music that makes people feel good, regardless of what it’s about.”

For more information and to purchase tickets to Shepherd’s upcoming tour dates, please visit
https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/