Meshing the best elements of both blues and country music together isn’t a new concept by any means, but in the new single “Out for a Ride” by Andy Aledort, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and longtime session musician brings together the aesthetics of these two genres in a way perhaps perfect for a new generation of listeners to embrace. Rather than trying to come up with something exceptionally pastoral or dark in tone, Aledort is giving himself over to the cosmetic end of the spectrum here, allowing for his lyrics to fill in the margins whereas others would do the exact opposite.
URL: andyaledort.com/
I love the dual guitar element in the mix, and although some might be quick to call it an indulgent attribute, it’s nonetheless one that I don’t find to be the least bit replaceable in the grander scheme of things. A little bit of excess is just fine when you’re working it into the artistic narrative of a piece much in the way that Aledort is in this release, but compared to what a lot of his contemporaries would have done with this material, I believe it more or less essential to invite some decadence into the big picture.
You can hear the influences this musician has appreciated throughout his life in “Out for a Ride;” Hendrix, the Allman Brothers, even a touch of SRV, it’s all compounding together for what could be the most cohesive and straightforward blues-country crossovers I’ve listened to from an independent artist in years. You’ve got to give it to Andy Aledort, as while a lot of players spend their time trying to replicate and imitate their heroes, he’s found a way to carry on their legacy with just a little taste of the passion that we find exhibited throughout the whole of this song.
Timing is everything in blues, and there isn’t a moment in which this artist isn’t exploiting the rhythm of his backing band with a heavy-handed attitude in “Out for a Ride.” I don’t think there’s as much bass here as I might have employed were I tasked with recording the same song, but in terms of efficiency on the backend, this was probably the only formula Aledort could use to compensate for the heady indulgence we find on the frontend of the mix. Balance is key, but it’s not the only focus he’s got in this release.
Out for a Ride
Listen to Out for a Ride on Spotify. Andy Aledort · Song · 2022.
“Out for a Ride” is a solid listen for fans of both classic rock and moderate blues/country audiences in the mood for something pure this late winter season, and while it’s the first that I’ve sat down and listened to this singer/songwriter, there’s enough in its guts to suggest that he’s capable of even greater things if given the right setting and the plausible tools. There’s a lot to Andy Aledort’s sound, but if you’re looking for something completely and neatly packaged to introduce you to what his skill set is all about, this is a song that I recommend listening to immediately.
Clay Burton
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