To the uninitiated, drummer Cedric Burnside and guitarist Lightnin’ Malcolm would seem to be trapped in a perfect storm of musical cynicism. Guitar/drum duos are nearly as prevalent as more conventional trios and quartets have been in the past, and the conventions and history of the Blues have been thoroughly examined and translated over the past half century. So what do Burnside and Malcolm bring that sets them apart from their similarly toned and themed brethren?
History and modernity. By upholding musical traditions from 100 years (and more) ago while simultaneously updating and energizing them, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm have made themselves more than relevant, they’ve made themselves essential. See them support their album, 2 Man Wrecking Crew, which is rife with authentic hill-country Blues but is every bit as informed by Jimi Hendrix’s incendiary Rock elements, heartbeat Funk rhythms, slinky Soul and Hip Hop cadences.
They play at Play By Play cafe in Silverton.
