297. ROOTS AND WINGS by Amani Burnham

The blues is back baby. Or is it the blues are back? Whichever it is, it's back. This just released 2026 debut record comes to us from Ethiopian-born, Connecticut-raised Amani Burnham. Once you listen to this album you'll find it hard to believe that he's only 21 years old. It feels like he's had the blues flowing through his veins for a lifetime. You'll hear Jimi, you'll hear Stevie Ray, you'll hear Muddy - you'll hear all the blues greats being channeled through Burnham's fingers (and thumb - his unique picking style).I think the track to start off with is 'The Last Thing I Remember' which really showcases his playing and soloing. 'Bleeding Heart' takes a 2 minute and change Elmore James original and stretches it out into an almost 8 minute long slow burn. The last two tracks I'd want you to give a listen to are 'Midnight Waterfall' and title track 'Roots & Wings,' both of which pay homage to Jimi Hendrix not only in playing and singing style but also a "kiss the sky" reference in…