On October 28^th, twenty-one-year-old, multi-instrumentalist Yates McKendree released his debut album Buchanan Lane, titled after the street on which he resides. When John Hiatt mentioned to Rolling Stone Magazine, “Yates is our secret ingredient” you know he’s something special.

Thirteen tracks in total, four originals he co-wrote with Gary Nicholson, fill out this very impressive debut album. The opener is a timely and respectful tribute to Ramsey Lewis, entitled The Out Crowd. Here McKendree’s excellent piano skills are put on display.

A more traditional tact is taken on Ruby Lee as the young McKendree switches to guitar and vocals. Wise is an original Chicago minor blues and a nice vehicle to display McKendree’s fine fretwork. No Justice another original features Yates on bass, organ and drums as well as guitar on this slow burn, vintage blues.

Yates’ nod to T-Bone Walkers Papa Ain’t Salty is greatly appreciated. On the Song Qualified he leans into Dr. John’s territory with the help of vocalists The McCray Sisters who are in fine voice.

From here McKendree does his take on Tampa Red’s Please Mr. Doctor. His breathing new life into these mostly obscure tunes is remarkable such as No Reason, which had been a mostly forgotten gem from the 1950’s until it was resurrected by McKendree on Buchanan Lane.  

Brand New Neighborhood feels like a swing from the classic west coast jump era. Then he breathes vintage new life into Guitar Slim’s It Hurts To Love Someone. Here McKendree’s vocal phrasing is impeccable. A tasty version of soul on Earl King’s Always A First Time is offered up. Classy horns and glaring tone from Yates’ guitar highlight this track.

Back to the piano for Yates on the classic from the 50, s Wine Wine Wine where he uses a trio format. Once again, his piano is very effective and his fluid vocals, in a similar style to Seth Walker, help make this track another standout.

Yates plays a B3 on the original instrumental Voodoo, which imbibes the tune with an intoxicating funky 60’s groove. Yates layers in some tasty guitar notes further cementing that 60’s vibe in the mind of the listener.

Buchanan Lane was recorded at Rock House Studios in Nashville which is owned by his Yates' father, Kevin McKendree. The senior McKendree produced and engineered this album and lends some support on keyboards.  The band features “Big” Joe Maher on drums (of Big Joe & the Dynaflos), Steve Mackay on acoustic bass.  Jim Hoke handles the saxophone duties, Andrew Carney plays trumpet and Roland Babber completes the horn section on trombone. Greg Garner plays electric bass when called for and The McCrary Sisters round out the ensemble on backing vocals.

Gary Nicholson says “Yates is proof of reincarnation. Only a very old, experienced individual could make this kind of art.”

Yates McKendree sounds like a young man in an old soul’s suit, highly recommended.

 - Craig Lawrence