Garry and Kent Burnside to release solo albums August 15 on Strolling Bones Records
by Davis Coen
Two members of North Mississippi’s first family of Hill Country blues are stepping into the spotlight with landmark new releases. Garry Burnside and Kent Burnside—both descendants of legendary bluesman R.L. Burnside—are set to release their respective solo albums on August 15 through Strolling Bones Records, capturing the spirit of the Hill Country while still carving bold paths forward.
Though each artist has spent years honing his craft on stage and in the studio, these upcoming albums mark defining solo moments for both musicians.
Garry Burnside Claims His Moment: It’s My Time Now
After decades as mainly a trusted sideman, Garry Burnside—R.L. Burnside’s youngest son—is taking center stage with his first solo album, It’s My Time Now. Long recognized for his work with Junior Kimbrough, North Mississippi Allstars, Hill Country Revue, and Cedric Burnside, Garry brings his own voice and vision to a project with roots in tradition while also exploring fresh territory.
Recorded at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis with Grammy-winning producer Boo Mitchell, It’s My Time Now features nine Garry originals, a co-write with Kimbrough called “Ramblin’”, and a gritty take on his father’s classic “Bad Luck City.” The album blends Hill Country rhythms with rock, funk, and soulful guitar phrasing, capturing Garry’s range as a songwriter, guitarist, and arranger.
“This album really is a testament to them—what they taught me—and my growth as a musician,” Garry said. “I hope it makes them proud.”
Standout tracks include the fierce “Young Country Boy”and the reflective title track, “It’s My Time Now,” which he said touches on the “things I have been through over the years, and my coming to the front of the stage.”
About the instrumental burner “High,” Burnside also said “I enjoy many different genres of music. New Orleans’ sound is one of my favorites, and that is where the inspiration for this song came from. I like to have a good instrumental to open the show, and introduce the band, and this one is a great fit.”
The album also includes a bonus track, “Garry’s Night Out.”“This song is just a description of a typical night out with me. Music, dancing, and fun. Party Time.”
The personnel are mainly a tight-knit four piece, featuring the highly talented Andrea Staten on rhythm guitar, Pinky Pullman or John Stubblefield on bass guitar, and Avery Dilworth on drums.
Garry will support the release with a regional tour backed by a full band, bringing his distinct flavor of funky Mississippi blues and rock to clubs and festivals throughout the area.
Kent Burnside Honors His Roots with Hill Country Blood
Meanwhile, Kent Burnside—R.L.’s oldest grandson—is releasing Hill Country Blood, his long-awaited studio album and maybe the most significant of his career. Known for his electrifying live performances and years spent spreading North Mississippi blues beyond the South, Kent offers a deeply personal collection that both honors and redefines the family legacy.
“This album is about where I come from—my bloodline—but also where I’m headed,” Kent said. “I wanted to make something authentic that also pushes things forward.”
Also recorded at Royal Studios with Boo Mitchell, Hill Country Blood features eight original tracks, a searing revamp of “Crawlin’ King Snake,” and Junior Kimbrough’s classic “You Better Run.” The album blends the driving Hill Country groove with flavors of Delta, Chicago, and funk blues, offering a raw, fresh take on modern blues altogether.
The group includes Kent on vocals and guitar, Garry Burnside on bass, Jake Best on drums, and harmonica player Damian “Yella P” Pearson of Memphissippi Sounds. Key tracks include the autobiographical opener “Daddy Told Me,” and the title track “Hill Country Blood”—a song that explores his decision to move up North for a better life, despite some criticism he faced.
Although a veteran of the blues circuit, having opened for living legend Buddy Guy and many others, Kent has been, until now, underrepresented in the studio. Hill Country Blood sets the record straight, offering a strong showcase of his songwriting, guitar work, and deep connection to the Hill Country tradition.
Kent has also signed a new booking deal with Road Dawg Touring, with tour dates to follow the album’s release.
With both albums dropping August 15, It’s My Time Now and Hill Country Blood represent a generational statement from two pillars of the Burnside musical legacy—distinct voices unified by blood, history, and a shared drive to push Mississippi blues into the future.
For more information, music, and tour dates visit garryburnsidemusic.com and kentburnsidemusic.com. Both albums will be available on all major streaming platforms, as well as for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.
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