Buffalo Nichols - "Meet Me in the Bottom"

Photo by Jackie Lee Young

I first discovered Buffalo Nichols opening up for Drive-By Truckers in 2020 and loved his self-titled 2021 album. He just has this great laid back, solo blues vibe to his music that is impossible to resist. With his latest single, he keeps all that but amps it up into a noisy blues rocker. I hesitate to call "Meet Me in the Bottom" a blues rocker, because I know what you're imagining when you hear that description and this song is not that. "Meet Me in the Bottom" is loud and heavy. Nichols describes the song as "a classic blues song, reimagined as an action movie." There is something inherently cinematic with the song as it is almost comprised of acts like a film is. Nichols brings in elements of noise rock with loads of feedback and distortion along with some psychedelia and garage rock, but this is still primarily a blues song. 

You can listen to "Meet Me in the Bottom" below. The song is available as a single with a B-side of "Friends." Both tracks were produced by Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio and are available via Fat Possum. For more on Buffalo Nichols, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the song.

11/5/2022 - Little Rock, AR - Oxford American

12/9/2022 - Bethel, ME - Gem Theater

1/5/2023 - Hershey, PA - The Englewood

1/6/2023 - Washington, DC - The Kennedy Center

1/7/2023 - Kennett Square, PA - Kennett Flash

1/8/2023 - Thomas, WV - Purple Fiddle

2/2/2023 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark

2/3/2023 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Warhol 

2/4/2023 - Chicago, IL - Judson & Moore

2/5/2023 - Milwaukee, WI - Cactus Club

2/16/2023 - Minneapolis, MN - Turf Club

2/17/2023 - Stoughton, WI - Stoughton Opera House

2/18/2023 - Rhinelander, WI - Nicolet Theater

4/7/2023 - Brownfield, ME - Stone Mountain Arts Center

4/8/2023 - Rockland, ME - Strand Theatre

4/13/2023 - Budapest, Hungary - TBA

4/14/2023 - Budapest, Hungary - TBA

4/29/2023 - Denver, CO - Hi Dive

Buffalo Nichols - "How To Love"

Photo by Merrick Ales

Buffalo Nichols is an impossibly captivating performer. I discovered him opening for Drive-By Truckers, and anyone who can win over a crowd waiting for ear-splitting Southern rock with quiet solo blues as an unknown is a truly special performer. For a taste of the Nichols' live experience, you need to check out the live video of his latest single. "How To Love" is masterful. It's played with a guitar that seems wonderfully slightly out of tune. Nichols' voice sounds like it is coated with both honey and whiskey on this one. It's a beautiful song that's just rough around the edges enough to keep it interesting.

In a press release Buffalo Nichols says of the new song:

“Here I'm exploring the necessity of empathy and attempting to better understand human behavior. One can be overly compassionate and forgive harm done in situations where boundaries should have been set.”

You can watch the video for "How To Love" below. Buffalo Nichols' self-titled debut album is due out October 15 on Fat Possum Records. You can pre-order/pre-save a copy here. For more on Buffalo Nichols, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates (once again opening for Drive-By Truckers) are below the video.

10/2/21 - St Louis, MO – The Pageant*

10/3/21 - Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley

10/4/21 - Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*

10/5/21 - Lexington, KY – The Burl

10/6/21 - Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue*

10/7/21 - Chicago, IL – The Hideout

10/8/21 - Chicago, IL – The Vic*

10/9/21 - St Paul, MN – Palace Theatre*

10/10/21 - Iowa City, IA – Englert Theatre*

10/12/21 - Madison, WI – Barrymore Theatre*

10/14/21 - Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall*

10/15/21 - Pittsburgh, PA – Mr Smalls*

10/16/21 - Cleveland, OH – House of Blues*

10/19/21 - Detroit, MI – Majestic*

10/20 - Cincinnati, OH – MOTR Pub

10/21/21 - Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre*

10/22/21 - Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing*

10/23/21 - Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit*

11/3/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/4/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/5/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/6/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/8/21 - Wilmington, DE – The Queen*

11/9/21 - Washington, DC – Songbyrd

11/10/21 - Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat*

11/11/21 - Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall*

11/12/21 - Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*

11/13/21 - Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*

11/15/21 - Little Rock, AR – Revolution Music Room*

11/16/21 - Denton, TX – Andy’s

11/17/21 - Dallas, TX – Granada Theater*

11/18/21 - Austin, TX – Scoot Inn*

11/19/21 - Austin, TX – Scoot Inn*

11/20/21 - New Orleans, LA – Tipitina's*

*supporting Drive-By Truckers

Buffalo Nichols - "Back On Top"

Photo by Dustin Cohen

A lot is being made of the fact that Buffalo Nichols is Fat Possum Records' first solo blues artist in over twenty years. The Houston born but Milwaukee raised artist has this amazing brand of blues. His latest single, "Back On Top," showcases his vocals and guitar playing. Vocally, Nichols is truly a unique gem. He has this soft and ultra smooth singing voice. It's really pleasant. As in, he could easily be winning nationally televised singing reality shows. But, then we get his guitar playing. In direct opposition to his voice, Nichols is playing a feedback heavy blues guitar. This vintage guitar sound mixed with his smooth, soulful vocals creates this amazing blend you're going to adore.

You can listen to "Back On Top" below. Buffalo Nichols' self-titled debut album is due out October 15 on Fat Possum Records. You can pre-order/pre-save a copy here. For more on Buffalo Nichols, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the song.

10/2/21 - St Louis, MO – The Pageant*

10/4/21 - Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*

10/6/21 - Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue*

10/8/21 - Chicago, IL – The Vic*

10/9/21 - St Paul, MN – Palace Theatre*

10/10/21 - Iowa City, IA – Englert Theatre*

10/12/21 - Madison, WI – Barrymore Theatre*

10/14/21 - Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall*

10/15/21 - Pittsburgh, PA – Mr Smalls*

10/16/21 - Cleveland, OH – House of Blues*

10/19/21 - Detroit, MI – Majestic*

10/21/21 - Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre*

10/22/21 - Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing*

10/23/21 - Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit*

11/3/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/4/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/5/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/6/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/8/21 - Wilmington, DE – The Queen*

11/10/21 - Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat*

11/11/21 - Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall*

11/12/21 - Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*

11/13/21 - Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*

11/15/21 - Little Rock, AR – Revolution Music Room*

11/17/21 - Dallas, TX – Granada Theater*

11/18/21 - Austin, TX – Scoot Inn*

11/19/21 - Austin, TX – Scoot Inn*

11/20/21 - New Orleans, LA – Tipitina's*

*supporting Drive-By Truckers

Buffalo Nichols - "Lost & Lonesome"

Photo by Dustin Cohen

I first discovered Buffalo Nichols opening for Drive-By Truckers just before lockdown in February 2020. Opening for the gigantic sound of DBT's rock show as a blues/folk artist is daunting, but he had the crowd sucked in for his entire set. I remember trying to find releases from him, but they were few and far between. I don't believe I was even able to find a social media presence. Finally, Buffalo Nichols is releasing his debut album in October.

"Lost & Lonesome" is the first single, and it's a must listen. The Austin, TX based Carl "Buffalo" Nichols has crafted a sparse, melancholy blues song. While a lot of mainstream blues music focuses heavily on guitar, on "Lost & Lonesome" the focus is Nichols' voice and lyrics. It's an interesting choice, since Nichols' voice is hardly a traditional one. On this song he's speak-singing in a raspy voice that wouldn't get him very far on any network singing show. But that's what makes his music work. Nothing about this is traditional, and it's endlessly captivating. "Lost & Lonesome" may be rooted in traditional blues, but it doesn't sound like what you would consider traditional.

Buffalo Nichols says of his new song:

“‘Lost & Lonesome’ was inspired by years of traveling alone, wandering city streets looking for a place to call home maybe for a night, maybe forever. It takes you back to those moments in life when you must leave home either physically or figuratively—going somewhere unfamiliar and on your own. The soundtrack to a wandering soul. An ode to loneliness. When you see a wandering soul, all you can do is wonder how they got there. This song gives a glimpse into the mind of that traveler looking for a friend and a place to call home.” 

You can listen to "Lost & Lonesome" below. Buffalo Nichols will be releasing his self-titled debut album on October 15 via Fat Possum Records. You can pre-order/pre-save a copy here. For more on Buffalo Nichols, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the song.

7/28/21 - Spring Green, WI – Shitty Barn

7/30/21 - Chicago, IL – Hideout Patio

7/31/21 - Milwaukee WI – The Back Room @ Colectivo 

8/1/21 - Sheboygan, WI – Tellen Sculpture Garden 

8/5/21 - Appleton, WI – Mile of Music Fest

8/6/21 - Appleton, WI – Mile of Music Fest

8/7/21 - Madison, WI – Sugar Maple Festival

8/14/21 - Gruene, TX – River Rodeo 

8/18/21 - New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall#

8/21/21 - Austin, TX - Continental Club^

10/2/21 - St Louis, MO – The Pageant*

10/4/21 - Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*

10/6/21 - Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue*

10/8/21 - Chicago, IL – The Vic*

10/9/21 - St Paul, MN – Palace Theatre*

10/10/21 - Iowa City, IA – Englert Theatre*

10/12/21 - Madison, WI – Barrymore Theatre*

10/14/21 - Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall*

10/15/21 - Pittsburgh, PA – Mr Smalls*

10/16/21 - Cleveland, OH – House of Blues*

10/19/21 - Detroit, MI – Majestic*

10/21/21 - Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre*

10/22/21 - Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing*

10/23/21 - Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit*

11/3/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/4/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/5/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/6/21 - Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl*

11/8/21 - Wilmington, DE – The Queen*

11/10/21 - Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat*

11/11/21 - Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall*

11/12/21 - Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*

11/13/21 - Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*

11/15/21 - Little Rock, AR – Revolution Music Room*

11/17/21 - Dallas, TX – Granada Theater*

11/18/21 - Austin, TX – Scoot Inn*

11/19/21 - Austin, TX – Scoot Inn*

11/20/21 - New Orleans, LA – Tipitina's*

# supporting The Wallflowers

^ supporting Heartless Bastards

*supporting Drive-By Truckers