If all you know about Cedric Burnside is that he’s the grandson of legendary bluesman RL Burnside, you may be curious to check him out. Those who’ve followed Cedric’s ascent as a solo artist in recent years are sure to flock to see the hill country bluesman who’s emerged as a master in his own right.

Last year, he could be heard on the soundtrack to 2025’s hit vampire flick Sinners which centres around a juke joint run by gangsters in 1932 Mississippi. It’s the perfect setting for Cedric who cut his teeth playing in similar venues (minus the vampires) drumming in support of Big Daddy as he called his grandfather. He went on to pick up the guitar, sing and write his own songs, tapping into his roots in the hill country blues tradition perfected by RL. It’s a unique style that is free from the constraints of 12-bar blues. The musicians find a groove and work it until they feel moved to make a change, laying into off-kilter rhythms that feel on the edge of careening off the rails but always landing back into a tight glorious groove.

Cedric won a Grammy for best traditional blues album for I Be Trying (2021) and his most recent full-length release, Hill Country Love (2024) continues his mission to keep the traditions he grew up with alive and well, with an instantly recognizable, unique sound. - Sean Myers