Buffalo Nichols - "Love Is All"

Photo by Samer Ghani

Milwaukee's Buffalo Nichols has released a new single that is simply breathtaking. "Love Is All" could be a straightforward folk/blues song, and it would be a fantastic one. Nichols has a certain something to his voice that isn't quite traditionally appealing, but has a certain captivating quality to it, like a J Masic or Neil Young. But, much like those other artists, Nichols' latest single is a complete showcase for his guitar work. Nichols plays spectacularly on "Love Is All," and for most of the song I can't decide if I need to focus more on his vocals or the guitar. It's a great problem to have, and this song is spectacular.

Buffalo Nichols says of his new modern protest song:

“In our society the bar is set very low for what is deemed acceptable behavior for men. It is socially acceptable to be cruel and place financial gain over human kindness so I believe loving and treating someone with respect, fairness and kindness is one of the most powerful things one can do. Choosing spiritual love over material love. There is also a theme of the unfamiliarity of pure and real love as many of us grow up having never experienced or witnessed it.”

You can listen to "Love Is All" below. The Fatalist is due out September 15 on Fat Possum, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Buffalo Nichols, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the song.

07/20 - San Francisco, CA - SF Jazz Summer Fest

07/21-22 - Marquette, MI - Hiawatha Music Festival

07/27-30 - Calgary, AB - Calgary Folk Fest

08/10 - Fort Collins, CO - Bohemian Foundation

08/12 - Cheyenne, WY - Cheyenne Arts Celebration

08/18 - Roxbury, NY - Roxbury ARts Center

08/19 - Portsmouth, NH - The Music Hall - Live Under the Arch Series

08/24-27 - Tønder, DK - Tønder Festival

08/28 - London, UK - Rough Trade East

09/06 - Bloomington, IN - The Bishop

09/07 - Newport, KY - Southgate House

09/08 - Louisville, KY - Zanzabar

09/09 - Bowling Green. OH - Black Swamp Arts Festival

09/14 - Denver, CO - Levitt Pavilion

09/15-17 - Telluride Blues & Brews

09/20 - Elkton, MD - Elkton Music Hall

09/21 - Southampton, PA - Stone Turtle House Concert

09/22 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge

09/23 - New Haven, CT - Cafe Nine

09/24 - North Adams, MA - Freshgrass

10/05 - Madison, WI - High Noon

10/06 - Chicago, IL - Sleeping Village

10/07 - Minneapolis, MN - Turf Club

10/12 - Grand Rapids, MI - Midtown

10/13 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern

10/14 - Jackson, MI - Jackson Symphony Orchestra

10/15 - Columbus, OH - Rumba Cafe - WCBE Happy Hour

10/18 - Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Iron Works

10/19 - Rochester, NY - Abilene Bar & Lounge

10/20 - Providence, RI - Askew

10/21 - Portland, ME - One Longfellow

10/22 - Waterbury Center, VT - Zenbarn

11/10 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall

11/13 - Seattle, WA - Sunset Tavern

11/14 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios

11/15 - Eugene, OR - Hult Center

11/16 - Grass Valley, CA - Grass Valley Center for the Arts

11/17 - Livermore, CA - Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center

11/18 - Los Angeles, CA - Gold Diggers

11/29 - Charlotte, NC - Snug Harbor

11/30 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle

12/01 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl

12/02 - Nashville, TN - Blue Room

12/03 - Memphis, TN - B-Side / Folk All Y'all

12/05 - Little Rock, AR - White Water Tavern

12/06 - Dallas, TX - Sundown at Granada

12/07 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint

12/08 - Austin, TX - Antone’s

12/09 - Houston, TX - Continental Club

12/15 - Waverly, AL - Standard Deluxe

12/16 - Macon, GA - Society Garden