Benny Turner – BT

Benny Turner has a new album called BT, which is a map of Benny’s history with his most treasured fellow blues musicians.  “I had a great time working on this album with some of my favorite musicians and reminiscing about my musical history, from picking up the guitar again to revisiting my gospel roots, to finally recording some of my favorites,” says Turner. “Including the songs ‘Born In This Time’ and ‘Who Sang It First’ are a very important reminder of the history of slavery and the roots of the blues that should never be forgotten.” This album began at FAME studio in Muscle Shoals, and was completed at Pennsylvania’s Right Coast Recording, and is now being released in honor of BT’s 85th birthday, or, shall we say, right on time. The album is seven covers and three original songs written or co-written by Benny. And the whole enterprise is absolutely phenomenal.  Benny is a legend.

Track Listing:
1. Bump Miss Susie – 2:52 2. Going Down Slow – 5:35   3. The Walk – 4:01   4. When I Call On You – 4:12   5. Born In This Time – 4:28   6. Finger Poppin' Time – 4:11   7. Smoke My Peace Pipe (Smoke It Right) Aka A Tribute To Big Chief Bo Dollis – 3:32   8. Drunk – 2:51   9. Sleepy Time In The Barnyard – 4:59   10. Who Sang It First – 3:59

Personnel:
Benny Turner (lead vocals, bass, banjo, percussion, claps, background vocals) , Bobby Gentilo (guitars, rhythm guitars, clavinet, percussion, background vocals) , Charlie Burnett (upright bass, background vocals) , Will McFarlane (guitar, rhythm guitar),  a.o.

Reviews:

1. La Hora Del Blues - 2024.12.03
Undoubtedly singer, bass and guitar player Benny Turner is one of the few living blues legends still active. Born in Texas in 1939, he and his older brother Freddie King learned to play guitar from their mother Ella Mae (King) Turner. Although Benny was for many years bass player in his brother Freddie’s band, he also made a name playing with Marva Wright and Mighty Joe Young. From that time comes his nickname “BT” which was engraved on the diamond ring he is always wearing. Today, Benny performs regularly not only in Chicago, but all-over United States and he also tours internationally.
This time Benny Turner brings us album which gathers ten songs selected from the many he has performed during his long career, from “Bump Miss Sussie” that was played in all juke boxes back in 1978, to some of his most renowned versions he has always included in his repertoire, that belong to some of the musicians he has most admired like Muddy Waters. Howlin’ Wolf, Dee Clark or Hank Ballard. The album also includes three of Benny’s own compositions.
A recording that becomes a precious tool to review the career and history of this impressive singer, bass and guitar player. Nola Blue Records wants to celebrate Turner’s 85th anniversary and, after being forced to stop it due to various problems like Covid pandemic, terminal Cash McCall’s illness who was supposed to perform on it, or Hurricane Ida that devastated New Orleans, finally and thanks to the tenacity of all those involved in the project, they are now publishing it to the delight and enjoyment of all blues, soul and gospel fans, styles where Benny Turner shows he is an accomplished master.
So, sit in your most comfortable armchair with a glass of good wine in your hand, close your eyes and enjoy the quality, the amazing feeling, the trajectory and the living history of one of the great names of African-American music.