Review: Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions)
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: RAM Records
Release: 2026
Text: Martien Koolen
Guitar picker Kenny Wayne Shepherd released his solo debut album ‘Ledbetter Heights’ thirty years ago and now this amazing album was re-recorded in 2026. If ‘Ledbetter Heights’ is not in your record collection, then you should buy this anniversary edition straight away and if you already have a copy of this blues rock classic then the re-recorded version is a must have album also.
I always considered ‘Ledbetter Heights’ as one of the best Kenny Wayne Shepherd albums ever and this re-recorded version proves that this is an impressive album indeed. The twelve songs are almost all blues rock Shepherd classics, featuring his brilliant guitar playing that makes Shepherd so special.
The vocals on this re-recorded album are even better than on the original one as Noah Hunt (“replacing” Corey Sterling) really nails the songs for 100% here.
Highlights, or better said the truly best songs are: Deja Voodoo (extremely groovy), Everybody Gets The Blues (with awesome wah-wah solo), Shame, Shame, Shame (featuring an extensive mean blues rock guitar solo), and of course the two instrumental tracks While We Cry (recorded live) and the title track; as both songs showcase Shepherd’s brilliant guitar playing galore.
So, a must have album for blues rock lovers with almost immaculate guitar playing; play it LOUD!!
Listening tip: Shame, Shame, Shame
Tracks:
01. Born with a Broken Heart
02. Deja Voodoo
03. Aberdeen
04. Shame, Shame, Shame
05. One Foot on the Path
06. Everybody Gets the Blues
07. While We Cry (Live)
08. I’m Leaving You (Commit a Crime)
09. (Let Me Up) I’ve Had Enough
10. Riverside
11. What’s Goin’ Down
12. Ledbetter Heights
Website: https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/