CD Reviews

"Can’t Stay Long"

Kenny Brown

Devil Down Records

Can’t Stay Down is really two records released in one package. Two completely different CDs that showcase the great guitar work of one of North Mississippi’s most exceptional musicians, Kenny Brown. Those in the know of the area’s music recognize the name immediately. Growing up and learning from the likes of Mississippi Fred McDowell and Joe Callicott, sometimes playing with Junior Kimbrough. Or perhaps you know his former employer for twenty-six years R.L. Burnside. The man cut his teeth on the blues and he does not have to rely on his associations with such stellar musicians to prove his own merit. He has previously released a handful of outstanding CDs under his own name including 1998’s Goin’ Back To Mississippi and 2003’s Stingray.

Disc One is titled Porch Songs. And that is exactly what they are. Kenny sitting on his porch playing his guitar on his own. You know it’s been recorded there, too, because at one point on the album you hear a dog bark in the background. The selections are classic blues, including his mentor Fred McDowell’s “Jesus On The Mainline,” Reverend Robert Wilkins’ “Prodigal Son” and Big Joe Williams’ “Baby, Please Don’t Go.” All done acoustically as they were originally recorded, bringing a nice authentic delivery that sounds like Kenny is playing a personal show just for you.

The second disc, titled Money Maker, contains a live performance from 2010 at his annual North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic where he gathers his fellow local musicians for a musical party. Some of those friends taking part include Duwayne Burnside and Luther Dickinson. It’s a kick ass show that offers plenty of North Mississippi standards and many of the songs Kenny played with R.L. Burnside regularly, like “Jumper On The Line,” “Ms. Maybelle,” “Shake ‘Em” and “Laughin’ To Keep From Cryin’.”

Can’t Stay Down is a wonderful collection, offering two sides of Kenny Brown’s musical trick bag. A definite must own for anybody who loves the Mississippi Hill Country blues.

Total Time: 1:56:15

Backdoor Man / Jesus On The Mainline / World War I / When You Got A Good Friend / Prodigal Son / Gotta Boogie / Wreck On The Highway / Baby, Please Don’t Go / Denomination Blues / Jesse James / Leavin’ Town / Skinny Woman / Shake ‘Em / Skinny Woman / Ms. Maybelle / Walkin’ Blues / Dr. Brown / Shake Your Money Maker / Laughin’ To Keep From Cryin’ / Jumper On The Line / Sara Brown / Back To Mississippi / Alice Mae / Let’s Work Together / If Walls Could Talk

Reviewed by Greg Johnson