Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper by Terry Blade: Album Review

by Gabe Finch February 2, 2023

February 2, 2023

Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper by Terry Blade: Album Review

The Chicago-based Global Music Award-winning genre-fluid artist Terry Blade pays homage to his strong Blues and Americana roots in his newest album ‘Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper’. This 10-track album is a perfect blend of captivating storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and unparalleled musicianship over folk, blues, and Americana.

The album opens with a beautiful country blues number ‘Come Home’ setting the tone which soon turns to a haunting Americana/Desert blue sound with the following track ‘Won’t be Around’. Rigor Mortis is an acoustic-driven Indie Folk track with a thumping beat. This Bon Ivor-esque folk number features Adrian Berenguer. Terry Blade keeps the folk train running and brings a hint of rock and RnB with Rainbow Child. The conversation about ‘Fiddle & Banjo’ interludes into ‘Wasn’t Mine’ with a walking bass line. ‘In Grandma’s Kitchen’ is an upbeat old-school delta blues song. It then quiets down and takes a back seat with ‘Jimmy James’. The album comes to a conclusion with a heart-wrenching soaring blues number ‘In My House’.

Overall, the album highlights Terry Blade’s mastery of the genre. It’s so versatile in its sound that no two songs share the same sub-genre or sound. Just when you think the album has settled in, he keeps it exciting by switching up the sound and the narrative with each song. This album is a great recommendation for anyone looking for a fresh dose of Americana and blues. It can also serve as a great gateway to the genre.