Most blues fans are familiar with the vocals of Andrew Duncanson, via his tenures with the Kilborn Alley Blues Band and, more recently, The Dig3,. Most would agree that the Illinois-based is one of the finest soul and blues singers currently practicing.

He’s also served as a vocalist with Nick Moss on a couple of tours, as well as with Monster Mike Welch on the 2019 Rhythm & Blues Cruise, where Duncanson and saxophone and harmonica master Michael Peloquin decided to make an album with Kid Andersen and the Greaseland All Stars.

It took a few years, but the pair made good on that promise, with Duncanson’s debut solo release California Trap (Run It Back Records), a marvelous set that not only puts Duncanson’s voice on full display but also his talents as a songwriter, as he penned 10 of the 13 tracks. He is backed on these tunes by a tremendous band that includes Peloquin, Andersen, bassist Jerry Jemmott, drummers Derrick “D’Mar” Martin and Paul Revelli, keyboardists Jim Pugh and Baxter Robertson, a horn section that includes Mike Rinta (trombone), Mike Rose and Doug Warren (trumpets), and backing vocalists Tia Carroll, Lara Price, Lisa Leuschner-Andersen, and the Sons of the Soul Revivers.

The optimistic and upbeat “Relearning To Climb” is the opening track, a mellow R&B track with backup singers and horns. “Naw Naw Naw” has a greasy Hi Records feel, compliments of Duncanson’s soulful vocal and Robertson’s B3, while “Hold Me Back” is a terrific blues shuffle with Peloquin’s harp figuring prominently.

The title track follows, a smooth and supple slow blues with first rate fretwork from Andersen and a powerful vocal from Duncanson, and the funky “Town Saint” is a horn-fueled reworking of an old Kilborn Alley number.

“Outer Space” is a, well, spacey tune with nimble instrumental work and quirky lyrics, and “What Kind of Man,” written by Peloquin, is a subtle soul burner with exemplary work from the horn section. The swinging version of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” was inspired by an old version by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, with Duncanson’s vocals and the irresistible musical backing makinge this one special.

“Feelin’ Better Now” is a crisp, downhome blues in the Jimmy Reed tradition with great harp work from Peloquin. The horn section returns with “Next Life,” a mournful blues that features one of Duncanson’s best vocal efforts as he reflects on what’s ahead.

“More Lows Than Highs” is an amusing offering with somewhat downbeat lyrics backed by an upbeat, danceable rhythm. Mighty Mike Schermer’s “It’s A Pleasure” is a warm tribute to friendship, with and backing vocals by the Sons of the Soul Revivers.

The album closes with another revamped Kilborn Alley tune, the title track of their 2010 effort Better Off Now, plus a horn section which makes it ever more soulful than previously.

It's nice to see Andrew Duncanson take the spotlight given his wondrous and versatile vocal talents. They are on full display with California Trap, which hopefully guarantees we will be hearing more solo recordings from him in the future.

This one should easily make a few Top Ten lists at the end of the year.

--- Graham Clarke