Ally Venable : Real Gone Review

Ally Venable is releasing her follow-up to her 2021 album Heart of Fire with a new album called Real Gone. The soulful songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist has been taking the blues scene by storm since her 2014 and 2015 “Female Guitarist of the Year, “three-time winner of “Blues Band of the Year,” “Album of the Year”- ETX Music Awards 2017. The Texas guitar slinger’s fifth album presents twelve original songs and was produced by Grammy winner Tom Hambridge and features guest appearances by Joe Bonamassa and blues icon Buddy Guy.

“Texas Louisiana” features Buddy Guy on vocals and guitars. Venable and Guy have chemistry as they trade vocal and guitar lines. With a classic blues shuffle, the two vocalists strut their stuff with a call-and-response vocal melody. Venable’s and Guy’s lyrics form a fun romp about the South that will keep you humming for hours. Venable’s solo is first; her touch and tone are all blues. Guy answers with his unique blues language that has made him an icon. Great blues

“Kick Your Ass” has a crunchy riff and thumping bassline. Venable’s vocals are strong as she fills the spaces with tasty guitar fills. The bridge pushes Venable to her upper register for impact and emphasis. Her solo is melodic and bridges traditional blues with contemporary blues rock. Nothing fancy here, just straight-up blues rock with attitude.

Real Gone shows Venable’s songwriting, vocals, and guitar playing are evolving and more robust than ever. Her guitar tone is excellent, and her singing has more textures and colors than in her past albums. With two blues living legends, Bonamass and Guy, making an appearance on the project shows that she undoubtedly has earned the respect of her blues elders. If Venable is not on your radar, she should be.