Kirk Fletcher – Keep On Pushing
VizzTone Label Group – 2025
10 tracks; 44 minutes
The fact that Kirk Fletcher has recovered from his 2023 stroke and put out an enjoyable new comeback album immediately puts this one in the win column. Keep On Pushing is not a big crossover attempt. It is a blues expert putting out a blues record for blues fans. Seven of the ten tunes are older covers, including songs by Big Bill Broonzy (“Just a Dream”), Arthur Crudup (“I’m Gonna Dig Myself a Hole”), and Percy Mayfield (“Lost Love”).
Fletcher is historically known for his work as a top guitar sideman, but his throwback blues vocals on songs like the first track “It’s Love Baby” are also worth mention. The album picks up the pace on its fourth track with a cover of the 1960 Eddie Bo deep cut “Every Dog Has His Day”, showing off some of the guitar ace’s best chops.
The original instrumental “Croke” is a jumpy, jazzy jam that proves he’s not ready to do what the title says. The title track “Keep On Pushing” seems to be Fletcher’s mantra right now. It’s an original shuffle that serves as another showcase for the leader’s guitar playing, with single note soloing reminiscent of B.B. King.
As the blues often does, the record see-saws between despair and hope. If you’re lonely and want to delve into your midnight depression with a glass of whiskey, then the my-baby-done-left-me laments “Lost Love” and “Here in The Dark” are for you.
The slide guitar on the album-closing, original instrumental “Blues for Robert Nighthawk” echoes the legend himself and puts you in a rocker on the back porch looking out on the fields at twilight. It’s a strong, atmospheric track that sounds like it could have been recorded in Nighthawk’s lifetime (1909-1967). Overall, the record could have benefited from another burner or two, but perhaps they were just going for a mood.
The 49-year-old veteran has already graduated with honors after his stints playing with genre heavyweights The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Bonamassa, Charlie Musselwhite, and Nick Moss and didn’t have much more to prove, but that doesn’t stop him from pushing. This is the eighth solo album for the Bellflower, California native and his first since 2022. JD Simo co-produces with Fletcher and both play guitar, while talented Nashville studio cats fill-out the band: Jason Smay on drums and Ron Eoff on bass.
Fletcher has not yet toured to support the album, but has two European dates booked in the fall. Keep on Pushing is worth a listen and keeps Kirk Fletcher on the global blues map.
