Blues artist Tony Holiday is back with a fresh take on a Freddie King classic. His latest single, She’s A Burglar, serves as the dynamic opener to his forthcoming album, Keep Your Head Up, set for release on April 18th via Forty Below Records.
Produced by Eric Corne, the album showcases Holiday’s ability to blend traditional blues with modern energy. She’s A Burglar, originally penned by Jerry Ragovoy, brings a Texas blues flavour with the addition of Eddie 9V on lead guitar and co-vocals. The track also features an all-star lineup, including guitarist Jad Tariq, bassist Terrence Grayson, drummer Ray Hangan, and a powerful horn section with Mark Pender on trumpet and David Ralicke on saxophone. Adding to the track’s rich texture, Chad Mason contributes on Fender Rhodes, while Sasha Smith brings in the deep tones of the Hammond organ.
Holiday describes the song as a personal favourite, inspired by both the Howard Tate and Freddie King versions. “I chose this song because it’s been an all-time favourite of mine for years,” he explains. “Eddie 9V added an authentic sting to the song with his guitar and set the tone with his great vocals.”
The album promises more than just a standout opener. Keep Your Head Up boasts a diverse range of influences, pulling from Texas, Chicago, and hill country blues, while weaving in elements of Memphis soul and even Afrobeat. The record also features an impressive roster of special guests, including Kevin Burt, Albert Castiglia, and Laura Chavez—last year’s Blues Music Award winner for Guitarist of the Year.
Tony Holiday has played a significant role in the Memphis soul-blues revival, surrounding himself with a tight-knit community of talented musicians. Since relocating from Salt Lake City to Memphis in 2017, he has embraced the city’s deep blues traditions, refining his sound through relentless touring and dedicated studio work.
His last release, Motel Mississippi (2023), was recorded at Zebra Ranch in Coldwater, Mississippi, the legendary studio of Jim Dickinson. The album combined the hypnotic grooves of North Mississippi Hill Country with the rich textures of Delta Blues and Memphis soul, further establishing Holiday as a key figure in contemporary blues.
Prior to that, Holiday gained recognition with Soul Service (2020) and his acclaimed Porch Sessions series, which documented authentic blues performances recorded on front porches, juke joints, and city stoops across the U.S. and Europe. The project featured an impressive mix of blues legends, including Grammy winners Charlie Musselwhite and Bobby Rush, as well as Muddy Waters guitarist John Primer and the iconic Lurie Bell.
With Keep Your Head Up, Tony Holiday continues his journey through the blues landscape, delivering music that honours tradition while keeping the genre fresh and vibrant.
She’s A Burglar is available now, with the full album dropping on April 18th. Stay tuned for what promises to be a must-hear release for blues fans everywhere.
