Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Dirt on my Diamonds Tour
Fresh off the release of his latest studio album, ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1,’ the five-time Grammy-nominated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd has announced additional dates to his current nationwide tour. The new schedule includes a special free festival appearance at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI, on July 25, followed by performances at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, IA, on July 26, Brown County PAC in Nashville, IN, on July 27, the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, NJ, on August 7, and the Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, NH, on August 8, with the latter featuring support from blues legend Jimmie Vaughan. These dates promise to deliver the high-energy, deeply emotional performances that fans have come to expect from Shepherd, showcasing his unparalleled guitar skills and his unique blend of blues and rock.
The announcement comes on the heels of Shepherd’s latest studio achievement, ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1,’ a career highlight that has quickly captured the attention of blues enthusiasts and critics alike. Available now for purchase and on all digital platforms, the album is a sonic exploration that sees Shepherd venturing beyond the traditional confines of blues. This latest work features a compelling mix of tracks that delve into life’s complexities, weaving tales of loss, love, and redemption against a backdrop of intricate guitar work and soul-stirring vocals.
Written at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1’ represents a pivotal moment in Shepherd’s career. The album blends modern urban influences with the traditional undercurrents of blues, a testament to Shepherd’s creative evolution and his commitment to pushing the genre’s boundaries. From the gritty title track “Dirt On My Diamonds” to the reflective “Sweet & Low” and the empowering “Best of Times,” each song offers a fresh perspective on blues music, infused with Shepherd’s signature sound.
Reflecting on the album, Shepherd has expressed that ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1’ is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a narrative of personal growth and artistic exploration. “Every record I make is a moment in time, and this is a really special moment,” says Shepherd. The album’s creation was a collaborative effort, marked by days of non-stop writing with his favorite co-writers, where “nothing was off-limits.” This approach allowed for a richly diverse album that, while exploring socio-political narratives, maintains the core essence of blues. Shepherd aimed to craft an album that uplifts rather than dwells in darkness, a goal that resonates throughout the tracks.
With ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1,’ Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to redefine the blues genre, offering listeners a deep, introspective look into life’s imperfections through his music.