Artist:     Eric Lindell

Album:     Revolution In Your Heart

Label:     Alligator

Release Date:     9.7.18

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Eric Lindell may have been born in San Mateo, CA but his soul is pure New Orleans. His new album, Revolution In Your Heart, signals his renewed affiliation with Bruce Iglauer’s Alligator Records, who he last recorded for in 2009 with Gulf Coast Highway.

Out of the gate, the first two tracks are catchy and radio-friendly: “Shot Down,” with its positive, matter-of-fact lyrics (“Inspiration comes in many ways…it don’t always come on sunny days”). And with the song’s backing vocals, could it be Eric’s’ tribute to Delaney and Bonnie? The album’s title cut, although slightly slower tempo-wise, has equally potent lyrics: (“Don’t let the hard times ever tear us apart…start a revolution in your heart”). A well-stated anecdote for the often bumpy roads relationships face in a complex world. The disc’s groove-laden second-line and funky rhythms serve as a nice counterpoint to Lindell’s staccato guitar licks and picking style (at times reminiscent of Tony Joe White).

Other solid cuts: “Kelly Ridge,” with an excellent drum intro by Willie McMains and “Appaloosa,” a mid-tempo funky feel that sets-up the countrified “Millie Kay.” R.I.Y.H. is testament to Lindell’s proficiency as a songwriter and musician who, incidentally, plays every instrument (except drums) on the album. It’s no wonder that the sights and sounds of the Crescent City instill the creative juices for his (practically) one album a year output since 1999. (Current total at: 17). If there’s a downside to this, it’s that he could be showing too many cards. But then again, when you have that much music inside of you, you have no choice but to…git ’er done!

—Bob Girouard