Brandon Santini - Which Way Do We Go?
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © April 2025
The first time I recall ever hearing Brandon Santini play harp could very well be over twenty years ago - long before he released his first recording or made his first tour. It was at the Rum Boogie Cafe during one of those afternoon shows that take place during Blues Music Awards week. Billy Gibson was putting on one of his high energy shows and in between songs, Brandon popped in the front door to just to wave "Hi" to Billy. Of course, Billy quickly invited him up, and after killing a song together, Brandon went out the door as quickly as he came in. I immediately jumped out of my seat, followed him outside and introduced myself. After that, there was no looking back, I've been a fan, and we've been good friends since.
Fast forward a lot of years; a bunch of CD releases; a whole lot of touring all over the world; seven Blues Music Award nominations; and a successful back surgery; and Brandon Santini is back on tour and promoting his fifth release - Which Way Do We Go?. As a matter of fact, before this even goes to press, I'll have seen him on one of his current Florida gigs.
Recorded in his former hometown of Memphis, and produced by his long-time friend and homie - Jeff Jensen - Which Way Do We Go? features eleven all original tracks. For the project, Brandon - on lead vocals, harmonica, rhythm guitar and hand claps - is joined by: Timo Arthur on electric and acoustic guitar, and hand claps; Jeff Jensen on electric and acoustic guitar, backing vocals, and hand claps; Cliff Moore on bass and hand claps; Ron James on drums, percussion, and hand claps; and Jesse James Davis on backing vocals.
The title track has Brandon, like so many others all over the world, wondering "Which Way Do We Go?". The "Hate's going steady, it's all around, divided we stand, together we'll all fall down" line pretty much sums it all up. The song's uplifting chorus line of "Clap your hands for the one's you love, clap your hands for the one's above; Clap your hands for the one's you love, clap your hands for the one's above"; sung while Brandon offers some spiritual advice, definitely gives the song a hymnal quality.
Continuing along those same lines, on the cutting edge "The War Ain't Over", the repeating of "Brothers and sisters, the war ain't over. brothers and sisters, the fight is on", Brandon and the background vocalists create a very appropriate protest chant. With a profound bass and drum intro from Cliff and Ron that carry on throughout the track, and the stinging harmonica and guitar leads from Brandon and Timo, the music's as intense as the song's lyrics.
During his show at The Center Bar in Bonita Springs last week, as Brandon introduced a couple of songs, he made mention of them being featured on TV shows. That said, this one has the feel for a soundtrack of a show about a drifter roaming "Mile After Mile" as he travels from town to town. Maybe a modern day western fashioned after the hit Netflix show called "Reacher". I can even picture the opening scene - It shows the town folk gathering and whispering, as a weary and worn looking stranger, on the back of a slow walking horse, makes his mysterious arrival into their town. The laid-back rhythm and harmonica highlights definitely have that 'get a-long little doggie' vibe.
At under three minutes long, "Working On A Mystery" is a fast and furious rocker. Brandon's playing harp like he has three lungs; Cliff and Ron, on unrelentless rhythm are giving him an unneeded extra push; and Timo and Jeff are in a slugfest on the electric guitar. Phew!
To say the level of play on "Blues So Bad" is intense, would surely be an understatement. As Brandon sings about being followed and tortured by the blues, the sincerity in his vocals, along with the powerful, harrowing and downright edgy chords he's blowin' on the harp, are indeed a testament to his pain.
On the closing track titled "She Got The Way", with lines like "I'm looking in the mirror combing my hair, she comes up dancing in her underwear", Brandon's quite open to getting a little personal. He also wants the world to know, that his "Baby is finer than the finest Van Gogh". Musically, like his lady, this one's a smoker. It's another one that features the nucleus of the band with Cliff and Ron powering the rhythm; Timo tearing it up on a mid-song killer guitar solo; and Brandon blowin' that harp like he just saw something exciting in the mirror.
Other tracks on this very different and very dynamite release from Brandon Santini are: "See That Pony"; "Ain't Turning Back"; "Do What Comes Naturally"; "Trouble Stay Away"; and "Baby's Got Soul".
To find out more about Brandon Santini, just visit his website at - www.brandonsantini.com. As usual, whomever you contact, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.
