Amani Burnham is 20 years old and already plays like he’s been living inside the blues his whole life. The Ethiopian-born, Connecticut-raised guitarist and singer releases his debut album ‘Roots & Wings’ May 29 via Blind Pig Records, a power-trio record that announces a serious new voice in blues-rock without apology or hesitation.
Burnham plays exclusively with his right-hand thumb, no pick, producing a fluid, expressive tone that draws comparisons to Jeff Beck and Wes Montgomery while sounding like nobody else. That technique gives his playing both grit and grace, able to snap, glide, and sting within a single phrase. He first caught fire online in late 2023 with a striking take on “Hoochie Coochie Man,” and has since built 245,000 followers and nearly 30 million views across platforms.
‘Roots & Wings’ was recorded live to tape with drummer Ray Hangen and bassist Matt Raymond, produced by Jeff Schroedl. The album opens with the high-octane “Fastlane” and moves through songs like “I Wanna Know” and “You Can’t Heal What You Hide,” revealing a songwriter processing identity and experience well beyond his years. The title track sits at the emotional center, drawn from Burnham’s experience as an adoptee.
Echoes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hendrix, and Buddy Guy run through the record, but they function less as blueprints and more as context. Burnham is working in a tradition he clearly loves, and pushing it somewhere new at the same time.
Live dates are coming, including a record release show in New York City and appearances alongside Keb’ Mo’ and Ruthie Foster. ‘Roots & Wings’ arrives May 29.