B-Side Guys

Sonny Gullage’s debut album “Go Be Free,” released on August 23, 2024, arrives like a gust of fresh air through the hallowed halls of blues history. This 12-track, 42-minute journey showcases a young artist with an old soul, seamlessly blending traditional blues sensibilities with contemporary production and songwriting.

From the opening notes of “Just Kiss Me, Baby,” it’s clear that Gullage is not content to simply mimic the blues masters of yesteryear. His keyboard work, steeped in New Orleans tradition, dances nimbly around a modern rhythm section, creating a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. Gullage’s vocals, rich with emotion beyond his 25 years, invite listeners into a world where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony.

The title track, “Go Be Free,” serves as both a mission statement for the album and a passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Gullage’s lyrics, recounting wisdom passed down from his father, speak to the universal desire for freedom and self-realization. The stomping beat and gospel-tinged arrangement create a euphoric atmosphere that’s impossible to resist.

“Things I Can’t Control” showcases Gullage’s songwriting prowess, tackling themes of acceptance and resilience with a maturity that belies his age. The track’s arrangement, featuring subtle electronic elements alongside traditional blues instrumentation, points to a future where the genre continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots.

“Separate Ways” allows Gullage to flex his R&B muscles, proving that his talents extend beyond straight blues. The track’s smoky atmosphere and lovelorn lyrics demonstrate his ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners across genres.

The album’s standout track, “Worried About The Young,” features a collaboration with fellow 25-year-old blues phenom Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. This meeting of two of the genre’s brightest young stars feels like a torch-passing moment, with Gullage and Ingram trading licks and verses that speak to the concerns of their generation while honoring the blues tradition. Ingram’s guitar work, by turns stinging and lyrical, provides the perfect counterpoint to Gullage’s soulful vocals and keyboard flourishes.

“Blues All Over You” and “Hot House” serve as Gullage’s love letters to Chicago and Delta blues respectively. These tracks demonstrate his deep knowledge of and respect for blues history, while his fresh arrangements and modern production ensure they never feel like mere imitations.

“I’ve Been There” stands as one of the album’s most personal moments. Gullage’s lyrics, drawing on wisdom passed down from his grandfather, showcase his ability to transform lived experience into universal truths. The track’s R&B-flavored arrangement provides a perfect backdrop for Gullage’s emotive vocals.

“Stop That Stuff” and “File It Under Blues” inject moments of levity into the album, proving that Gullage understands the importance of humor in the blues tradition. His playful lyrics and bouncy arrangements on these tracks provide a welcome contrast to the album’s more serious moments.

“Tattooed Wings” allows Gullage to explore minor-key blues, creating a moody atmosphere that showcases his range as both a vocalist and instrumentalist. The track’s introspective lyrics and haunting melody linger long after it ends.

The album closes with “Home to You,” a soulful ballad that ties together the themes of freedom, self-discovery, and connection explored throughout the record. Gullage’s vocals here are particularly impressive, conveying a depth of emotion that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Throughout “Go Be Free,” Gullage’s keyboard work shines. Whether he’s laying down smoky organ lines, pounding out boogie-woogie piano, or adding subtle electronic textures, his instrumental prowess serves as the album’s backbone. His status as a Hammond Instruments endorsee is well-earned, as evidenced by the rich, authentic tones he coaxes from his keys.

Producer Tom Hambridge deserves special mention for his work on “Go Be Free.” His deft touch allows Gullage’s talents to shine while providing a polished, contemporary sound that should appeal to both blues purists and new listeners. The production strikes a perfect balance between honoring blues traditions and pushing the genre forward.

What sets “Go Be Free” apart is Gullage’s ability to infuse classic blues themes with a modern sensibility. Songs like “Worried About The Young” address contemporary issues facing his generation, while tracks like “Blues All Over You” demonstrate his reverence for blues history. This balance positions Gullage as a bridge between the genre’s past and its future.

Gullage’s collaboration with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on “Worried About The Young” feels particularly significant. As two of the most promising young artists in blues today, their partnership on this track serves as a powerful statement about the genre’s future. Their easy chemistry and complementary styles suggest exciting possibilities for future collaborations.

At 42 minutes, “Go Be Free” feels perfectly paced. Each track contributes to the album’s overall narrative without overstaying its welcome. The sequencing creates a natural flow, taking listeners on a journey through different blues styles and emotional landscapes.

Lyrically, Gullage demonstrates a maturity beyond his years. His songs tackle themes of love, loss, societal issues, and personal growth with nuance and insight. The wisdom passed down from his father and grandfather finds new life in his lyrics, creating a sense of continuity between generations of blues artists.

“Go Be Free” serves as both a impressive debut and a promising glimpse into the future of blues. Gullage’s ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries positions him as a leader among the new generation of blues artists. His musical DNA, which includes connections to legends like Lead Belly and contemporaries like Kingfish, feels like a perfect encapsulation of where the genre has been and where it’s going.

As the final notes of “Home to You” fade away, listeners are left with the sense that they’ve witnessed the arrival of a major new talent. Sonny Gullage’s “Go Be Free” is more than just an album; it’s a declaration that the blues is alive, well, and evolving in the hands of a new generation of artists. For fans of the genre, it’s an exciting reminder that the future of blues is in good hands.

With “Go Be Free,” Sonny Gullage has crafted an album that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern. It’s a work that should appeal to longtime blues aficionados while also serving as an excellent entry point for new listeners. As Gullage continues to grow and evolve as an artist, “Go Be Free” will likely be looked back on as the first step in what promises to be a long and influential career. The blues may have its roots in the past, but with artists like Sonny Gullage at the helm, its future looks brighter than ever.