Review: Solomon Hicks – How Did I Ever Get This Blue
Provogue Records (January 23rd, 2026)
Reviewer – Rob Howells
Hicks is certainly setting out his Blues stall and paying his dues on this well put difficult technically excellent work.
‘Further on up the Road‘, one of the great tunes of the Blues pantheon.. I love this simple 12 bar shuffle homage. It really sits back in the pocket with great restraint.. The guitar work replicates shades of Clapton and SRV with hints of early BB. My main complaint is that it lacks light and shade and loses its way emotionally.
I hate to say this is a recurring issue on this album. It’s crafted well and technically flawless but yet there’s something missing … ??
Vocally, Solomon is New York sharp … you know what he means .. he’s straight to it. But in that very way there’s a lack of soul and feel .. maybe that’s his default delivery style
‘Dimples‘. Very much the same applies with his up tempo rendition of the John Lee Hooker staple. Totally tight with some great stops! It certainly rocks but feels a little emotionless … this guy must be more of a true Bluesman live in a Harlem dive I guess. Great guitar work when it all comes down!
‘Driftin’ and Driftin’. Slow Blues time … early in the album ’set’ .. no bad thing and shows this man is serious! I like this. It’s heavy and intent on moving your soul! Beautiful guitar work … great restraint and true Blues tonality! So many influences .. Albert King maybe and even some Popa Chubby
‘All your Love .. I miss Lovin’‘, an interesting early Fleetwood Mac kinda psychedelic take with a little Hard Rock guitar thrown in .. it seems to plod along however without that essential, emotional dynamics. Doesn’t move me … a lost opportunity with a piece of history from Otis Rush.
‘Flyin’ High‘. With its Honky Tonk intro, I hear country, and that doesn’t matter! Whatever, we are rapidly put back on the right track with a lovely loping laid back 12 bar shuffle. Very cool with outstanding keys and .. finally .. there’s soul in the vocals!!! Love it!!
‘How Did I Ever Get This Blue?‘. Back to the roots with a nice well paced Slow Blues a la vocals of Robert Cray .. and some interesting interplay between the keys and harp.
‘I’m Burnin’ Up‘ is back to the late 80s/90s with this monotonous soft Rock stomp .. and nonsensical rock god slide which has zero emotion, instantly forgettable. Dude .. play the Blues! This ain’t for you, Solomon!
On ‘When I Was Your Man‘ Hicks is really getting down with a nice groove Soul/Blues crossover. A beautiful guitar intro and we’re going bilingual in the chorus … Rocked up bridge section for variety..Interesting!
‘Rumour Has It‘ is Solomon showing off his Duane Allman influence here .. in subsonic 2020s mode. If there’s a headbanger on the album this is it! Lovely slide guitar work and a rockin bass line. Nice! Pure modern Blues Rock!
‘Feels Like Rain‘.The love song .. the big emotional ballad! Lovely guitarwork … Solomon is a master of all moods and styles .. it’s true!
And then he completely blows it with a turned up to 11 out of context outro .. psychedelic, man! An utter brain fart!!!?! Solomon … aghhh .. you’re a Blues and Soul man. Why oh why you goes and does it, man!!?!
And so to the last track, ‘Memphis Tennessee‘. Save the best to last huh?! Solomon you sly old fox .. bringing out this Chuck Berry masterpiece! Intricate yet respectful of the original guitar work Superb in the pocket rhythm section .. motoring along like a 50s Chevy! Excellent! The album highlight saved until last!!
Tracklist:
- Further On Up The Road
- Dimples
- Driftin’ And Driftin’
- All Your Love [I Miss Lovin’]
- Flyin’ High [Yesterday]
- How Did I Ever Get This Blue?
- I’m Burnin; Up
- When I Was Your Man
- Rumour has It
- Feels Like Rain
- Memphis Tennessee
