On his sophomore album Greycourt Lightning, Bill Perry accomplishes an astonishing, oft-elusive dual goal: broadening his sonic horizons, while still generating enough energy to work up a good sweat.

Earlier, the bluesman from upstate New York made a memorable first impression with his Pointblank Records debut, Love Scars. The 1995 album's go-for-broke intensity, reminiscent of Perry's blazing live shows, showcased his gutsy vocals, songwriting, and guitar ferocity while earning praise from all corners. Guitar Player declared it "an astounding solo debut."

Now Greycourt Lightning takes an expanded instrumental approach, with horns, piano, and Hammond B3 organ complimenting Perry's guitar-driven sound. "I had more time to write and record this album, and it shows," Perry nods. "I wanted it to sound modern but still have a sense of energy. There's some old school R&B and rock in the mix, and a couple of traditional tunes -- but for the most part we wanted to capture a strong, modern blues feel. And even with the added instrumentation, I tried to avoid slickness -- keep it raw."

The storming shuffle "Getting Down" opens Greycourt Lightning on an upbeat note, a horn-and-piano infused celebration of good times and abundant drink. Elsewhere, the album's 13 tracks span a variety of moods and settings -- ranging from aggressive nuggets ("Roll With Me," "Greycourt Lightning," "The Other Night,"), to gentle R&B ("In Pain," "Your Smile") and Delta-tinged blues ("Trust In Now," "Evil Woman").

Three songs merit special mention: the rock 'n' roll exuberance of "My Life" belies lyrics filled with vulnerability and doubt, the thematic flip-side of the swaggering "Getting Down." Playing like a man possessed, Perry's slide guitar on "The Other Night" brings a marvelously raw edge to the song's honky-tonk vibe. And the slow, smoldering "Sneakin' Around" shows Perry & Co. stretching out in the best electrified blues tradition: "We were all sitting in one big room, and recorded 'Sneakin' Around' like we were playing it in a bar. It was one of those first-take-is-the-best moments."

Rounding out Greycourt Lightning, "Blue Suede Shoes" serves up a dramatic reinterpretation of the 1950s classic: "The Carl Perkins version of that song is one of my favorite tunes," says Perry, "and I had always wanted to do a funk version of it. It came out really cool."

Co-produced by Perry and Paul Orfino (who engineered Love Scars), Greycourt Lightning marks a recording milestone for the 38-year-old guitarist who has always felt most at home on stage in front of a live audience.

Perry first gained national attention as guitar-slinging sideman: touring gigs with former Band members Garth Hudson and Rick Danko led to a long association with Richie Havens. Emboldened by the worldwide touring Perry gradually honed his own material and gained confidence as a front man.

Love Scars established Perry as a recording artist in his own right, and now Greycourt Lightning delves even deeper into his personal and artistic roots -- even the album's title reflects a personal theme: "Greycourt is the name of the street I lived on when I was growing up," Perry explains. "The guys playing on the album are from around that same area in Chester, NY. The album kind of reflects my past and my present. I tried to open myself up more in the lyrics -- bare my soul a bit and be truthful, even if it hurts."

Fueled by its personal tone, Greycourt Lightning takes the listener on a wild ride through the streets of modern urban blues: instrumentally expansive, but with tires squealing and gravel flying.

His latest effort, "Crazy Kind of Life", features 11 tunes including "No Expectations" with guest artist Richie Havens on vocals and acoustic guitar. This CD was released in 2002.

Pictured above is the cover of his High Octane effort, which is The Bill Perry Band captured Live in New York City on November 27 & 28, 1998.

Listen to Bill Perry Live!
Lost In The Blues
Dust My Broom
Boogie
Love Scar