VizzTone proudly presents Keep on Pushing, the latest album from internationally acclaimed blues guitarist and vocalist Kirk Fletcher. Co-produced with JD Simo and backed by a stellar lineup of Nashville session players, this record captures the raw, live-in-the-studio energy of some of Fletcher’s all-time favorite blues recordings.
The album digs deliciously into the roots with classic covers from legends like Big Bill Broonzy, Arthur Crudup, and Percy Mayfield, alongside original compositions by Fletcher, including a heartfelt tribute to Robert Nighthawk, co-written with Simo.
Leading the charge is the first single, an instrumental titled “Croke.” Fletcher shares the story behind the tune:
‘Croke’ is a melody I’ve carried with me for many years. It’s in the style of your classic West Coast Jump Blues popularized by some of my mentors and heroes like Junior Watson and Hollywood Fats, along with guys like Bill Jennings and Tiny Grimes, all who Watson hipped me to in my early twenties.
The name came from the bass player on these sessions Ron Eoff telling us all a funny story about the old days. So there you have it — my salute to West Coast Jump Blues.
Since his debut in 1999, Fletcher has become a deeply respected force on the international blues stage. He’s shared bills with heavyweights like Joe Bonamassa, Charlie Musselwhite, and Nick Curran, led his own bands, and played with groups such as the Mannish Boys and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
This month, Fletcher has been touring Europe with stops in Sweden, Portugal, and Romania before heading back to North America for major festivals including the Calgary Blues Festival, Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas, and Eastside Festival in Austin, Texas.
