Brandon Santini — “Which Way Do We Go” — MoMojo Records
If there ever was an artist whose talents were accurately reflected in the name of his record label, it would be Brandon Santini and MoMojo Records.
Santini’s deeply rich vocals, ethereal harp playing and magical songwriting are as mysterious as they are spiritual — in other words, filled with his personal mojo.
His latest album, “Which Way Do We Go?” is filled with that mojo — it’s a powerful emotional statement issued in a soulful contemporary blues format. And it’s filled with Santini’s original lyricism — his name is on every song.
Recording in Memphis mainly with his touring band and musical sidekick/producer Jeff Jensen, Santini makes a prescient opening statement in the stark question of the first song and title track, laid down to a visceral harp-laced soundtrack: “The world keeps turning with or without us…I want to know brothers and sisters which way do we go?” Its anthemic statement marched headlong into the music that follows.
“The War Ain’t Over One,” sung as though from deep in another dimension, deals with seemingly endless personal struggles amid searing guitar riffs. “See That Pony” is a frisky blues trot with galloping harp.
“Ain’t Turning Back” is a slow blues seared in grease and served as soul food. ” A Southern-blues anthem of defiance and survival. A slow-burning soul-blues tune that makes you feel every mile of the road behind you.
“Do What Comes Naturally” is introduced by a piercing harp, followed by a throbbing groove. “Mile After Mile” rides a looping beat along a never-ending journey: “Mind gets worried and my feet get tired / it’s a never ending journey, but one worthwhile.”
“Working on a Mystery” rocks hard and fast, chasing an inexplicably just-out-of-reach woman: “I’m working on a mystery that I can’t seem to understand.” “Trouble Stay Away” is a fast-paced blues warning “trouble” to watch its step. “Blues So Bad” starts out as a gentle acoustic blues, then turns tough enough. “Baby’s Got Soul” is self-explanatory, with a driving beat, leaning nicely into the closer, the sassy, “She Got the Way,” about a groovy kid of woman: “Looking in the mirror while you comb your hair, she comes dancin’ in her underwear…”
Brandon Santini’s “Which Way Do We Go?” is a passionate statement that jumps out from the blues and races headlong into a soulful stew laced with world-wise vocals, swampy harp-led musicality and lyrics that have a magical mystery tour flair. Enjoy it soon and often.
But here’s how Santini explains it:
“It felt great to return to my former hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, to record with my touring band and longtime musical comrade and friend, Jeff Jensen. These deeply personal songs were written during the pandemic and its aftermath, and the album features the raw power that this band takes with them wherever we go. This is a moment of reckoning. If we don’t find our way with love and compassion, I fear what lies ahead.”
Here’s a recent interview with Brandon Santini from Michael Limnios at Blues GR
Here’s the title track, “Which Way Do We Go?”
Tracklist and credits:
Which Way Do We Go? (Santini) 4:112.
The War Ain’t Over (Santini) 4:023.
See That Pony (Santini, Jensen) 3:074.
Ain’t Turning Back (Santini) 4:235.
Do What Comes Naturally (Santini) 4:246.
Mile After Mile (Santini, Jensen) 4:407.
Working on a Mystery (Santini, Arthur) 2:438.
Trouble Stay Away (Santini) 3:079.
Blues So Bad (Santini) 3:5710.
Baby’s Got Soul (Santini) 4:5611.
She Got the Way (Santini) 3:00
Recorded August & December 2024 at High/Low Recording in Memphis,TN
Produced by: Jeff Jensen Mixed by: Pete Matthews & Toby Vest
Engineered by: Toby Vest, Pete Matthews, & Ron James
Mastered by: Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters
Personnel:
Brandon Santini-Lead Vocals, Harmonicas, Electric Rhythm Guitar (track #2),Hand Claps
Timo Arthur-Electric Guitar (except track #6), Acoustic Guitar (track #9), Hand Claps
Jeff Jensen-Electric Guitar (tracks #1, 6, 7), Acoustic Guitar (track #7), Backing Vocals (track#1), Hand Claps
Cliff Moore-Bass, Hand claps
Ron James-Drums, Percussion, Hand Claps
Jesse James Davis-Backing Vocals (tracks #1, 2, 4, 7
Blues Roadhouse 