Grandfather Courage
is an acoustic-anchored reinterpretation of
White Jesus Black Problems
, the 2022 album from contemporary bluesman
Fantastic Negrito
. Where the original record found him doubling down on the funkier, freakier aspects of his music,
is streamlined, cut live in the studio with his touring band. By turning down the amplification and emphasizing interplay,
winds up highlighting the classic construction of his modern blues as well as the wounded soul at the heart of these tunes. Where
commanded attention, requiring listeners to meet it on its own terms,
rolls smooth and easy; it's the first
record that seems chill. Those relaxed, mellow vibes make this album something more than an intellectual exercise; it's a distinctive, engaging record in its own right. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine