2013 Memphis International Blues Challenge winner, singer and guitar player Selwyn Birchwood has established himself as one of the young values of the new contemporary blues scene. Specialized media have always said good words about this young musician who is called to become one of actual blues most relevant names.

Born in 1985 in Orlando, Florida, Selwyn began to play guitar when he was thirteen years old. He soon discovered Jimi Hendrix but, it was not until he saw a Buddy Guy live show, when he became totally caught by blues. He started to learn and practice listening to Albert King, Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Albert Collins, Lightnin’ Hopkins or even Roy Buchanan. At nineteen, Selwyn met Sonny Rhodes who immediately included him in his band. Thanks to Rhodes’ teaching and following musical studies at the University of Tampa, Selwyn has now become an impressive guitar player and singer, able to fire up the most varied audiences.

This is his fourth album for Alligator Records and for sure it will not be the last one, as Birchwood gives off an energy and power that gets an amazing impact among those who come to listen to his music. The album gathers thirteen songs that, based on the most traditional blues, go a step further, to create a personal style that Selwyn defines as “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues” that combines the most passionate blues with psychedelic rock, funk or southern soul, displayed with a terrific energy, good taste and cleverness.