Review: Selwyn Birchwood – Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues
Selwyn Birchwood – Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Alligator Records
Release: 2026
Text: Tom Wouters
‘Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues’ is the sixth album by one of the preeminent voices in contemporary blues music, Selwyn Birchwood. Birchwood’s blues is heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix’ guitar sound and by the blending soul/blues/psychedelica sound of Prince and Sly and the Family Stone.
The album opens up with an guitar intro called The Eagle Has Landed, in which the influence of Hendrix on guitarist Birchwood is imminent. After that the tone is set with the psychedelic soul of The Church Of Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues. A sound that is also imminent in the blazing psychedelic blues rock of Should’ve Never Gotten Out Of Bed. Damaged Goods is furious soul blues and the blues is very much alive in the deep blues What I’ve Been Accused Of with Birchwood at slide guitar and in the burning romantic slow blues of Soulmate, a perfect match for Birchwood’s guitar and vocals. Hammond B3 organist John Hetherington is featuring in two modern funky songs, All Hail The Algorithm and Talking Heads.
With ‘Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues’ Selwyn Birchwood proves to be one of blues foremost innovators, creating a modern blues sound blending blues with funk, soul and psychedelic rock.
Tracks:
01. The Eagle Has Landed
02. The Church of Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues
03. Damaged Goods
04. All Hail The Algorithm
05. Labour of Love
06. Should’ve Never Gotten Out of Bed
07. What I’ve Been Accused Of
08. Talking Heads
09. Soulmate
10. The Struggle is Real
Website: https://www.selwynbirchwood.com/