Article Contributed by Devious Planet
Published on 2026-03-27
Photos: Jason Kruppa
Luke Winslow-King returns with Coast of Light, his ninth album and one of his most wide-ranging to date. Blending blues, folk, jazz, and rock, the record captures a songwriter continuing to grow—both musically and personally. Buy Coast of Light here. He has also released the video for “Don’t Worry Your Mind.” Watch here.
Luke Winslow-King and Roberto Luti bring “Don’t Worry Your Mind” to life in the new live video filmed inside the Sala Moresca in Livorno, Italy. Set within the opulent, Moorish-inspired room at Villa Mimbelli, the performance draws on the city’s rich artistic legacy — from the Macchiaioli painters to Amedeo Modigliani — as shifting light, frescoed ceilings, and kaleidoscopic visuals create a dreamlike atmosphere where music and space feel inseparable. The video was produced by Interlinea Film and directed by Rossella De Venuto, with the support of the Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori.
Originally from Cadillac, Michigan, Winslow-King was raised on artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, and Carlos Santana. After briefly studying jazz and classical guitar, he hit the road, busking Woody Guthrie songs before settling in New Orleans. He spent over 15 years there, developing his sound and forming a close creative partnership with guitarist Roberto Luti.
Now living in Spain, Winslow-King found new inspiration for Coast of Light. The album reflects the landscapes, rhythms, and culture of Andalusia—especially the coastal city of Cádiz. “It’s really about the feeling of being there,” he says. “The light, the ocean, the music—it all made its way into the songs.”
The album was co-produced with Luti at Jambona Lab Studios in Livorno, Italy. The band includes Simone Luti (bass), Piero Perelli (drums and congas), Nicola Venturini (keys), and Giacomo Riggi (mallet percussion). Together, they create a sound that moves easily from stripped-down blues to fuller, more atmospheric moments.
The title track, “Coast of Light,” starts with just voice and guitar, then slowly builds into a steady groove that feels like a day by the ocean. The album moves through a range of moods. “Dangerous Blues” is a raw take on a traditional song Winslow-King found through Alan Lomax recordings, touching on violence and survival.
“Shoot from the Hip” has a gritty, cinematic feel inspired by the Spanish landscape where he lives now. “Don’t Worry Your Mind” began as a lullaby but turned into an upbeat rock and roll shuffle. On “Teacher’s Desk,” the sound becomes more dreamlike and experimental.
Winslow-King says he tries not to force songs into a certain style. Instead, he follows where they lead. “You just try to stay open and let the song come together,” he says. “That’s where the best moments happen.”
The New York Times has praised his work for blending blues, gospel, and jazz with honest, personal songwriting, while NPR has noted his playing is “so good you’ll want to slap the guitar player,” and Rolling Stone has dubbed him “the country brother of Tom Waits.”
Over the years, Winslow-King has toured widely across the U.S. and Europe, sharing stages with artists like Jack White, Taj Mahal, and Rosanne Cash. He has appeared at festivals including Austin City Limits, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Glastonbury, and his music has been featured on shows like NCIS: New Orleans and Deadliest Catch.
Coast of Light, out now on Bloodshot Records, finds Luke Winslow-King stepping into new territory while staying true to the roots that shaped him.
TOUR DATES
3/27 – HARBURG, DE | Fischhalle
3/28 – OSNABRÜCK, DE | Blues Lawine
3/29 – MECHELEN, BE | Café De Wei
3/30 – GHENT, BE | Missy Sippy Blues & Roots Club
5/13 – BUDAPEST, HU | Müpa Budapest
5/14 – Szeged, HU | Rakpart 62. szül. Szabadság úszóház
6/10 – GOSHEN, IN | Goshen Brewing Company
6/11 – LOWELL, MI | Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Concert Series
6/12 – TRAVERSE CITY, MI | The Alluvion
6/13 – CADILLAC, MI | Coyote Crossing
6/14 – HOLLAND, MI | Park Theater
6/20 – MANISTEE, MI | Manistee Dune Jam
6/21 – DELTON, MI | Buttermilk Jamboree
7/3 – TONGEREN, BE | Hookrock Blues & Roots
7/4 – GAILDORF, DE | Gaildorf Bluesfest
8/14 – MARQUETTE, MI | Ore Dock
9/11 – HERENT, BE | Shortie Blues
