Cedric Burnside’s blues shine at NON-COMM

Cedric Burnside brought blues to the NON-COMM stage with a high-spirited set. With only his drummer on stage, Burnside’s guitar playing was the true star of the show, his fingers flying over the frets, only stopping when he switched guitars.

You may know him as the grandson of R.L. Burnside, blues legend, but Cedric has made a name of his own over the years, firmly establishing himself as a legend in his own right. He’s come a long way from touring with his grandfather as a drummer, receiving several nominations and awards, including a Grammy for his 2021 album I Be Trying.

His most recent album, Hill Country Love, came out in April, and it sounds like a love letter to Mississippi, the home of blues and where the album was recorded in just two days. “Everything was made out of wood, which made the sound resonate like a big wooden box,” said Burnside in a statement, “we recorded in the middle of a bunch of rubbish – wood everywhere and garbage cans. We just laid everything out the way and recorded the album right there.”

If there’s one thing that shone through Burnside’s set, it was his authenticity and love for his craft. Burnside played a mix of songs old and new, including “Toll On They Life” and “Po Black Mattie” from his new album, complete with guitar riffs that slowed time down, drawing out the magic that was happening on stage.

Those of you who missed Cedric Burnside at NON-COMM (and those who can’t wait to see him again) can catch him playing at XPN’s XPoNential Music Festival this September; you can find more information on the festival here. Catch you dancing there!