Get ready to take a deep trip down south into the heart of atmospheric, rootsy blues! I am absolutely thrilled to announce the official release of the brand-new contemporary blues album by the incredibly talented artist Chengo titled In The Bayou.

This album is a masterclass in modern storytelling through blues, and I had the absolute honor of contributing my guitar tracks to three deeply atmospheric songs on the record:

"Do You Wanna Feel Good" (Track 2)
"Bad Moon Over Me" (Track 3)
"Swamp Of Shadows" (Track 5)

Inside the Tracks: Guitars in the Mud

Collaborating with Chengo on these specific songs allowed me to explore some wonderfully dark, expressive, and groove-heavy blues textures. Here is a look at the three tracks where you can hear my guitars:

1. Do You Wanna Feel Good

This track brings an infectious, uplifting rhythm that instantly grabs you. For this song, I focused on layering soulful, rhythmic guitar tracks to build a solid foundation under Chengo's powerful vocals, adding some classic blues licks that respond directly to the vocal melody. It’s all about the groove and making you move!

2. Bad Moon Over Me

A song with a title like this demands tension, drama, and raw emotion. To match the ominous, haunting vibe of the track, I dialed in a grittier, slightly overdriven tone. I wanted the guitar to wail and cry echoing the feeling of standing under a dark, heavy sky.

3. Swamp Of Shadows

This is perhaps the most atmospheric track I worked on for the album. True to its name, it feels like a slow, foggy crawl through the Louisiana marshlands. I painted a sonic landscape using thick, sustained notes and expressive bending, letting the guitar notes slowly decay to create a sense of mystery and depth.

The Sonic Architecture: Gear Behind the Sessions

To capture the raw but polished sound required for these contemporary blues tracks, I relied heavily on my trusted home studio setup.

My main instrument for these recordings was the Noro PL Signature Series (codename: "PierCaster"). Built by the incredible Italian luthier Davide Noro, this single piece alder Super Strat is incredibly versatile and responds beautifully to the subtle touch dynamics needed for blues. I ran the PierCaster through my Fractal Audio FM3 to craft customized, organic-sounding tube amp tones using presets designed to bring out the natural voice of the guitar. The entire session was recorded, tracked and mixed inside Reaper, my go-to DAW.

The Power of Global Collaboration

Projects like In The Bayou are exactly why I fell in love with global online music collaboration. Being an active member of the Kompoz Community since 2013 has allowed me to connect and record with incredible independent artists from all corners of the globe. Working with Chengo on this album was a seamless, inspiring experience of musical "give and take" proving once again that great music knows no borders.

The Collaborative Spirit of the Bayou

What makes In The Bayou truly special is how it serves as a vibrant gathering ground for incredible musical talent. Beyond my own guitar contributions, Chengo has brought together some phenomenal guest artists to enrich the album’s rootsy soundscapes.

On "I Can't Catch The Wind", you can hear the wonderful JL Fulks collaborating with Chengo to deliver a beautifully soulful, emotive performance.

Meanwhile, on the track "Messin' Around", the incredibly talented Leanne "LeeLoo" Greenman joins Chengo, adding a playful vocal chemistry and a dynamic groove that is an absolute standout on the record.

It is a true honor to share a tracklist with such gifted musicians, each bringing their own unique voice to this collective journey.

Stream "In The Bayou" Now!

The full album is now officially live on all major streaming platforms. If you love slide guitars, smoky vocals, driving rhythm sections, and authentic storytelling, this is a record you do not want to miss.

👉 Listen to In The Bayou by Chengo on Spotify

Which of the three tracks is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below, and as always—keep playing, keep practicing, and keep playing great music!

Step into the Swamps: Announcing Chengo's New Blues Album "In The Bayou"