Music Review: Winslow-King appreciates charms of the blues

Luke Winslow-King, “I’m Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always” (Bloodshot)

Luke Winslow-King’s electric guitar cries on the song “No More Crying Today,” and that contradiction sums up the blues.

Winslow-King has a firm grasp on the charms of the simple but complex genre, and explores them in an impressive variety of styles on “I’m Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always.”

The gospel opener “On My Way” comes from church, “Louisiana Blues” comes from the swamp, “Heartsick Blues” comes from the hills and “Act Like You Love Me” comes from “Animal House.” There’s harp, fiddle and organ to complement Winslow-King’s fine guitar work, but nothing’s overcooked. On “Louisiana Blues,” a single cymbal tap stands out.

The New Orleans-based Winslow-King isn’t a blues shouter. He delivers his nine original tunes in an easy tenor that turns crooner at times, and laughs at the end of one cut. But the material has plenty of bite and is good for late-night listening in solitude.

Winslow-King quotes Hank Williams, Ray Price and the Beatles as he sings about the breaking up and making up, troubles and sunny days — in other words, the cycle of life. That, too, is the blues.