Based in Memphis, Georgia native Victor Wainwright has a shelf full of Blues Music Awards and a Grammy nomination. Memphis Loud confirms the singer-pianist’s reputation as a dynamic performer and songwriter who’s expanding his roots music foundation in captivating directions. 

Despite his many blues honors, the blues label doesn’t do Wainwright justice. His resourcefulness is all over Memphis Loud, an album that embraces Memphis and Muscle Shoals soul, Southern rock, some New Orleans-based jazz and R&B and a few songs worthy of Tin Pan Alley and Broadway.

Wainwright and his suitably named band, the Train, open big with “Mississippi,” a high-energy homage to that Deep South state. Excellently arranged horns play a big part in the song, as they often do throughout the album. The brass is back in “Walk the Walk,” a spirited love letter to Wainwright’s parents, featuring piano playing that shows his New Orleans influences. New Orleans also flavors “Sing,” a nod to traditional jazz that includes swinging brass instruments, and sly piano and vocals from Wainwright.

Not one to hog the spotlight with his piano, Wainwright allows himself to show off his piano proficiency most of all in album title song “Memphis Loud.” It’s a celebratory number performed with breakneck train rhythms in the percussion and the piano. 

Memphis soul—especially Booker T and the MG’s—obviously inspired “Golden Rule.” Too obviously, in fact, but that’s a rare example of Wainwright being too derivative. Following sojourns into Southern rock and twangy, comedic country, the album ends with “Reconcile,” a soul ballad of the kind Dan Penn could have written for Percy Sledge. It’s another example of Wainwright’s deep, wide talent.