“Amitié” is the second album from Stewart Lindsey, the blues duo comprised of musician, producer and songwriter David A. Stewart and Thomas Lindsey, a Deridder, Louisiana-based singer.  Their 2016 debut album “Spitballin’” was a revelation, marrying Lindsey’s unique, bluesy vocal style with Stewart’s impressive guitar work and production.  Lindsey has stated that he is hugely influenced by Annie Lennox’s vocals and while you can certainly hear shades of that in his voice, he retains a unique style of his own that is amazing in its range and projection.

Throughout the course of its nine songs, all written by Stewart and Lindsey, “Amitié” explores themes such as healing after adversity and human solidarity.  “Liberation’s comin’ to the land of the free/Liberation’s comin’ for you and me” Lindsey sings in “Liberation”, released as the first single from the album.  In light of recent sociopolitical developments around the world, the lyrics seems almost prophetic.  Prevailing after tragedy is explored in both “Storm Came” and “Lord Save Us Today”, which seem to reference the devastation and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  “There’s a flood out there/taking my home/taking my home from me” Lindsey sings on “Storm Came”, and he engages in a little call and response with himself on some wonderfully layered vocals. 

Lindsey’s voice takes center stage on this album.  He is at once forceful and, and in the next instance, delicate and tender, as on “Last Night”, another stand-out track from the album.  Dave Stewart’s impassioned blues guitar playing accompanies Lindsey’s voice perfectly (check out the slide work on “Storm Came” and also his delicate strumming on the intro to “I Know How You Feel”, which boasts a beautiful melody).  The album’s best track “Brothers In Arms”, a song about solidarity, breaks down at the halfway point into a stunning, soulful military-style march with some incredibly funky guitar work from Stewart.  

Lindsey’s vocals and Stewart’s musical prowess is the combination that gives Stewart Lindsey its musical punch, much like Stewart’s previous duo with Annie Lennox, Eurythmics.  “Amitié” is a solid collection of blues tunes that continues to showcase not only a new and exciting vocalist in Lindsey, but also Stewart’s continued quest to discover fresh and interesting sounds and to push the envelope at the same time.

You can find out more about Stewart Lindsey, how they came together, and how they make their unique music at this article at Offbeat Magazine.

“Amitié” is released on July 17, 2020.  

Review by Rex Saldaña
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