The 2017 album “Lay It On Down” gave Kenny Wayne Shepherd a monster hit.
The guitar whiz is riding its wave of popularity into the Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich.
The five-member Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band is set to perform at 9 p.m. Eastern time Aug. 24.
Debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums chart, “Lay It On Down” also cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart, which ranks various genres of popular music, including rock ’n’ roll.
More Top Picks Home
“I think it’s one of our strongest albums that we have ever put out,” Shepherd said in a phone interview this month.
Shepherd noted there is fresh music in the hopper.
“We went back into the studio (earlier this year) and have already recorded another album,” the Louisiana native said. “Now we’re working on another documentary.
“Back in 2007, we released a documentary film and an album together called ‘10 Days Out: Blues From the Backroads.’ It was nominated for two different Grammys.”
The combo CD/DVD earned Grammy Award nominations for Best Traditional Blues Album and Best Long Form Music Video.
“I’m about 25 years into my career, so I’m already grateful to have had the longevity that we have because of the fans that support us,” the singer-songwriter said. “My goal now is just really to be one of those people that is able to continue to have momentum — you know, every night that we go out, to still see new faces in the audience and exposing more people to our brand of blues and rock ’n’ roll.”
The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band includes vocalist Noah Hunt, who pulls double duty.
“He plays some rhythm guitar when I’m singing,” Shepherd said.
Rounding out the group are drummer Chris “Whipper” Layton, bassist Scott Nelson and keyboardist Joe Krown.
“We created a reputation from day one for being a great touring, live band, and most people think that we sound better live even than we do on our records,” said Shepherd, whose recording career dates back to when he was a teen. “If you want to try and make a living for yourself in the music business, no matter what kind of music you’re doing, the best thing, I think, for any band is to establish yourself as a live act to be seen. So far, nobody’s found a substitute for seeing live music.”
Shepherd’s road work has been complemented by a stellar record success in both the blues and mainstream rock formats.
His debut album, “Ledbetter Heights,” was released in 1995.
Although known for delivering fiery blues-rock on the guitar, Shepherd doubles as a lead vocalist.
“I consider myself a guitar player first; I think most real guitar players do,” Shepherd, 41, said. “That’s why many years in my career, I had somebody else singing all the lead vocals. Starting around 2004, I started singing lead vocals.”
Pointing to the contributions of bandmate Noah Hunt, Shepherd said “we share the vocals in the band now.”
He cites the impact of one of his biggest blues influences.
“I always wanted to sound like Muddy Waters, and I definitely don’t sound like Muddy Waters,” Shepherd said with a laugh.
As for other primary heroes, Shepherd cites a Texas-born guitar legend.
“Stevie Ray Vaughan is a huge one,” said Shepherd, also pointing to Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and Albert King as major influences.
James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul,” also did not go unnoticed by Shepherd.
“Listening to his music really influenced my rhythm guitar playing,” the five-time Grammy nominee said.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
When: 9 p.m. EDT Aug. 24
More Top Picks Makita 36v Lxt Brushless Blower Kit Xbu02pt
Where: Four Winds Casino Resort, 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Mich.
Tickets: $45 and $65; minors must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older; minors younger than 5 not permitted
Information: 866-494-6371; www.fourwindscasino.com