KIRK FLETCHER "SHADES OF BLUE" Source: STLBluesReviews.net Date: 11/2009 Writer: Shannon

Kirk Fletcher got his start in the San Francisco bay area a few years ago by joining in with Kim Wilson's Blues Revue. Since that time he had opportunities playing with Charlie Musslewhite, Lynwood Slim, and Junior Watson-all of west coast blues fame. Kirk is a young, passionate guitar player with a soul that is fixated in the blues decade of the 50's & 60's; which is right up my alley! This guy has huge potential to become one of the brightest stars of a young generation of blues players. Look for much more positive things to come from Kirk in the future. "Shades of Blue" is his first release on the Groove Productions label. Special guests on this disc include Kim Wilson, Finis Tasby, and Janiva Magness.

1. Blues For Boo Boo - swingin' jumpin' instrumental

2. Bad Boy - Love this song and Kim Wilson's cool vocal style

3. Welfare Blues - blues, blues, blues

4. Don't Go No Further - Janiva Magness's unique vocals put an interesting spin on this classic

5. Club Zanzibar - Tremendous instrumental and dig the harp playin'

6. That's Why I'm Cryin' - slow blues

7. Worried Man Blues - awesome slide guitar sounds

8. Country Girl - always liked this song; Kim's vocals are superb

9. Down Home Woman - fabulous blues sounds

10. Stranded In St. Louis - my favorite on the disc; Kim is one of the best!

11. Little By Little - bluesy song about losing love

12. My Home Is A Prison - slow harmonica blues

13. The River's Invitation - mellow song w/ great vocals

14. Hip Hug Her - groovin' instrumental

Bonus Tracks:

15. You Don't Know - blues boogie

16. Club Zanzibar - alternate version

17. Don't Go No Further - acoustic

I give this CD a 4.85 of 5 on the STLBluesometer; it is honestly one of my new favorites.