Curtis Nowosad and Andrew Renfroe join forces in their latest track, “Son House,” a tribute to the legendary Delta bluesman. The duo’s interpretation offers a darker, jazz-inflected vibe, featuring grooving drums, intricate guitar solos, and a raw, improvisational energy. The production feels both organic and sophisticated, with rolling drums and a melodic guitar that push the boundaries between jazz, blues, and more experimental sounds.
Recorded live in Montréal with no overdubs or edits, “Son House” is part of their new EP Primordial. Nowosad (drums) and Renfroe (guitar) use the underutilized guitar-drum duo format to craft a sound that blends traditional African rhythms, modern jazz, and blues. With a DIY approach reminiscent of the White Stripes’ raw energy or the avant-garde improvisation of Muthspiel & Blade, this track, like the EP as a whole, highlights the duo’s chemistry and deep connection to African diasporic music.
Nowosad, a JUNO-nominated drummer, continues to push jazz’s boundaries, building on his critically acclaimed 2019 self-titled album that combined music with social justice themes. Renfroe brings a complementary energy to the project, and together they deliver a performance in “Son House” that’s as gritty and soulful as it is technically impressive.