Max Hightower’s new album is a true masterpiece of American roots music, consolidating this South Carolina multi-instrumentalist as one of the most genuine and gritty voices of the contemporary scene. Recorded live straight to an analog tape at Nashville’s legendary studio The Bomb Shelter, this twelve-track recording exudes a visceral rawness that Immediately drives listeners to the sweaty, smoke-filled atmosphere of traditional juke joints and roadhouse bars.

In this production, Hightower’s razor-sharp harmonica shines brightly alongside vocals, showing a faultless musical maturity, that follows the path of his acclaimed debut album, “Nothin’ But The Truth”. The band’s chemistry is remarkable, masterfully driven by the stinging electric guitar of Chicago blues heavyweight Joe Moss, the soulful piano of Rob Davis and a relentless rhythm section featuring bass player Stedman Fleetwood Williams Sr. and drummer Brandon Phelps. Together, they reach a totally perfect synergy, masterfully weaving New Orleans magic, Carolina soul and the real electric power of Chicago.

The recording backbone mainly consists of powerful original compositions, highlighted by the title track, “The Blues Chooses You”. This centerpiece finds Max singing about how blues tracks and catches us in a mystical, predestined way, like it happened to me many years ago. Alongside these original compositions, the album delivers fierce and powerful renditions of great classics, like Guitar Slim’s “The Things That I Used to Do” or Johnny Shines’ “I Don’t Know” (not to be confused with Willie Mabon’s song).

The result is a vibrant and honest journey, that will deeply appeal blues purists seeking genuine acoustic textures together with the emotional warmth of old-school recordings.