The powerful socio-political single is from his forthcoming album
Having just kicked off his fall 2023 US tour, which is hitting renowned venues throughout the Midwest and East Coast, the five-time Grammy-nominated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd is sharing “Best Of Times,” the powerful new single from upcoming album Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1, due November 17th via Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group.
Known for consistently redefining the essence of blues in the modern era, this new single showcases the essence of the album, amalgamating urban undertones with poignant socio-political observations, without losing sight of the soulful depth that is quintessential to Shepherd’s work. Fans will recognize the signature touch of producer Marshall Altman, whose work on the project marks his first collaboration with Shepherd.
Birthed from the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1 chronicles Shepherd’s journey of musical evolution, touching on stories of loss, redemption, and memorable melodies, all crafted by an elite team of songwriters. As Shepherd himself describes it, “Every record I make is a moment in time. And this is a really special moment.”
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 “Sweet & Low” to the speaker-tearing production from Shepherd and his partner-in-sound of recent years, Marshall Altman. “Working with Marshall, it’s like any productive relationship,” considers the guitarist. “We put our strengths together and push each other.”
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. Shepherd also dipped into his mental jukebox for a rabble-rousing cover of Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting.”
Shepherd also recently announced plans for a 2024 winter tour. The trek kicks off on February 6th at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando, FL and will then head west for a Texas run, beginning in Tyler at the UT Cowan Center on February 14th, before wrapping up at the famed ACL Moody Theater in Austin on February 17th. The tour will also include standout performances at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on February 24th and the iconic Beacon Theatre in New York City on March 15th.
