Award-winning Louisiana Bayou Blues guitarist Tab Benoit has announced his first new album in fourteen years, titled I Hear Thunder, set to release on August 30 under Whiskey Bayou Records. To complement the album release, Benoit will embark on a national tour, joined by fellow musician Anders Osborne.
I Hear Thunder features ten tracks that showcase Benoit’s distinctive guitar style and the songwriting partnership between Benoit and Osborne. Benoit’s music does more than play the blues; it defines its future while honoring its rich past. The album promises to be a must-listen for roots music fans.
Benoit’s last album, Medicine, was released in 2014 and co-produced by Anders Osborne for Concord International, winning three Blues Music Awards. Following this success, Benoit took a 14-year hiatus from recording, which has only heightened the anticipation for his return.
A native of Houma, Louisiana, Benoit has balanced his music career with conservation efforts, particularly focusing on preserving the Louisiana Wetlands. His dedication earned him multiple accolades, including the prestigious Governor’s Award. Benoit’s environmental advocacy is also reflected in his creation of the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, a group featuring notable musicians like Cyril Neville and George Porter Jr., who aim to raise awareness about the Wetlands through their music.
I Hear Thunder, a self-produced album, will be released via Benoit’s Whiskey Bayou Records, formed in 2017 with his manager Rueben Williams. The label has since released albums by artists such as Eric McFadden and Damon Fowler. Anders Osborne’s contribution is evident in every track, enhancing the album’s tone and texture. Additionally, The Meters’ bassist George Porter Jr. makes guest appearances on three tracks, adding his signature groove to the mix. Benoit’s touring band, featuring bassist Corey Duplechin and drummer Terence Higgins, also plays a significant role in the album.
Benoit’s musical journey began in 1992 with a radio hit from his debut record Nice and Warm. Over the years, he has garnered multiple Blues Music Awards and four Grammy nominations. Beyond his musical achievements, Benoit is celebrated for his environmental activism, particularly in relation to the Louisiana Wetlands and coastal erosion. His legacy extends beyond the stage, intertwining his artistic brilliance with a commitment to environmental advocacy.
Track Listing for I Hear Thunder:
I Hear Thunder
The Ghost of Gatemouth Brown
Still Gray
Inner Child
Watching the Gators Roll In
Overdue
Why, Why
Little Queenie
I’m A Write That Down
Bayou Man
Tour Dates:
July 10 (Wed) – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theater
July 11 (Thu) – Winston Salem, NC @ The Ramkat
July 12 (Fri) – Greenville, SC @ Peace Concert Hall
July 13 (Sat) – Lynchburg, VA @ Academy Center For The Arts
July 14 (Sun) – Knoxville, TN @ Bijou Theatre
July 17 (Wed) – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27
July 18 (Thu) – Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere
July 19 (Fri) – Phoenixville, PA @ Colonial Theatre
July 20 (Sat) – Riverhead, NY @ The Suffolk
July 21 (Sun) – East Greenwich, RI @ The Odeum
July 23 (Tue) – Truro, MA @ Payomet Performing Arts Center
July 25 (Thu) – Fairlee, VT @ Lake Morey Resort
July 26 (Fri) – Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theatre
July 27 (Sat) – Beverly, MA @ Cabot Theater
July 28 (Sun) – Portsmouth, NH @ Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
July 31 (Wed) – Red Bank, NJ @ The Vogel
Aug 1 (Thu) – Newton, NJ @ Newton Theatre
Aug 2 (Fri) – Jordan, NY @ Kegs Canalside
Aug 3 (Sat) – Warrendale, PA @ Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
Aug 4 (Sun) – Warren, OH @ Robins Theatre
Aug 23 (Fri) – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
Aug 24 (Sat) – Napa, CA @ Uptown Theatre
Aug 25 (Sun) – Sacramento, CA @ Crest Theatre
Aug 27 (Tue) – San Juan Capistrano, CA @ The Coach House
Aug 28 (Wed) – Solano Beach, CA @ Belly Up Theatre
Aug 29 (Thu) – Solano Beach, CA @ Belly Up Theatre
Aug 30 (Fri) – Hermosa Beach, CA @ Saint Rocke
Aug 31 (Sat) – Scottsdale, AZ @ Scottsdale Center For Performing Arts
Sept 1 (Sun) – Tucson, AZ @ Fox Theater
Sept 5-8 (Thu-Sun) – Las Vegas, NV @ Big Blues Bender
Sept 10 (Tue) – Albuquerque, NM @ FUSION Meadow
Sept 11 (Wed) – Alamogordo, NM @ The Flickinger
Sept 13 (Fri) – Telluride, CO @ Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Sept 14 (Sat) – Telluride, CO @ Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Sept 15 (Sun) – Colorado Springs, CO @ Stargazers Theatre
Oct 4 (Fri) – Baton Rouge, LA @ Varsity Theatre
Oct 5 (Sat) – Biloxi, MS @ Biloxi Shuckers/MGM Park
Oct 9 (Wed) – Memphis, TN @ Lafayette Music Room
Oct 10 (Thu) – Jackson, MS @ Martin’s
Oct 11 (Fri) – Abita Springs, LA @ Abita Fall Fest
Oct 16 (Wed) – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
Oct 17 (Thu) – McHenry, IL @ The Vixen
Oct 19 (Sat) – Steelville, MO @ Wildwood Spring Lodge
Oct 20 (Sun) – Bloomington, IL @ The Castle Theatre
Nov 6 (Wed) – Austin, TX @ 04 Center
Nov 7 (Thu) – Beaumont, TX @ The Roxy Event CenterNov 8 (Fri) – Crowley, LA @ The Grand Opera House Of The South
Nov 9 (Sat) – Humble, TX @ Charles Bender Performing Arts Center
Nov 12 (Tue) – Destin, FL @ Club LA
Nov 13 (Wed) – Tallahassee, FL @ The Moon
Nov 14 (Thu) – Ormond Beach, FL @ Diamond Beach PAC
Nov 15 (Fri) – Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
Nov 16 (Sat) – Boca Raton, FL @ Boca Blues Festival at Sunset Cove Amp
Dec 4 (Wed) – Cleveland, OH @ Music Box Supper Club
Dec 5 (Thu) – Cleveland, OH @ Music Box Supper Club
Dec 6 (Fri) – Buffalo, NY @ The Big Easy/Town Ballroom
Dec 7 (Sat) – Lewisburg, PA @ Weis Center for the Performing Arts
Dec 21 (Sat) – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
Jan 5-Jan 11 – Ft Lauderdale @ Big Easy Cruise
April 9 (Wed) – Stuart, FL @ The Lyric Theatre
April 10-11 (Thu/Fri) – Key West, FL @ Key West Theater
April 12 (Sat) – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ The Culture Room
April 13 (Sun) – Tampa, FL @ Tampa Bay Blues Fest
June 13 (Fri) – Henderson, KY @ Handy Blues & BBQ Festival
