Four-time Grammy-nominated artist Tab Benoit, renowned for his distinctive guitar tone and Otis-Redding-esque voice, will release his highly anticipated album, I Hear Thunder, on August 30th via his own imprint, Whiskey Bayou Records. This is Tab's triumphant return after his 13-year hiatus. Pre-order I Hear Thunder here.
Just released off the album is the first single, "Why, "Why", a song that couldn't be more relevant for today's world. It's a song that doesn't only hold the universe liable but also allows us to look into ourselves, connecting with the audience on a deeper level. Relix Magazine has premiered the video for "Why, Why." Check out the feature here.
"Why, why - while somebody's dying, there's a newborn baby crying
Why, why - lovers feel so lonely when they lose their one and only
Why, why
We can feel so helpless, turn around and be so selfish
Why, why
We have to hit rock bottom before we realize the problem
Following this notable success, Benoit took a step away from music, taking a 13-year sabbatical from recording and entering a period of creative exile. The notoriety achieved by his success has provided him with a mouthpiece to promote his growing concern for the Louisiana Wetlands and coastal erosion from the region he calls home. Benoit seamlessly intertwines his creative, passionate approach to music with a profound commitment to environmental advocacy, ensuring his legacy extends beyond the stage. This hiatus only deepened the anticipation and appreciation for his return, illustrating his lasting impact on the genre.
As for the music on I Hear Thunder, Benoit explains, "I see my albums as previews to my performances. I Hear Thunder is the best show preview I've ever produced. "This is the first album that I had full say over," he said, "it's the first album that I don't have anybody to answer to—except me and my audience."
Benoit's journey began in 1992 with a radio hit from his debut record Nice and Warm. Since then, he has received multiple Blues Music Awards and four Grammy nominations. Benoit's last album, Medicine, released in 2014 and co-produced with Anders Osborne for Concord International, garnered three Blues Music Awards.
Beyond the music, Benoit is celebrated for his years of activism, He seamlessly intertwines his artistic brilliance with a profound commitment to environmental advocacy, ensuring his legacy extends beyond the stage into the heart of the land that inspires his bluesy soul. Benoit does more than play the blues; he defines its future while paying homage to its rich past.
