Twenty-year-old blues-rock guitarist Amani Burnham just released the studio video for “The Last Thing I Remember,” the first visual from his debut album Roots & Wings, arriving May 29 on Blind Pig Records. The track showcases a guitarist whose ferocious chops are grounded by a smooth, commanding vocal presence.
“The Last Thing I Remember” pairs Burnham’s virtuosic guitar work with a voice that carries real weight and maturity. His tone is thick and gritty, channeling Stevie Ray Vaughan’s intensity, while his singing anchors the fury with something soulful and controlled.
However, what truly sets Burnham apart is his technique. He plays with his right-hand thumb instead of a pick, producing a greasy fluidity that recalls fingerstyle masters like Jeff Beck and Wes Montgomery. The result hits hard but breathes — aggressive yet deeply musical.
Furthermore, the backstory behind the music is just as compelling. Born in Ethiopia, a Connecticut family adopted Burnham at a young age and raised him in Middletown. He started on drums before picking up guitar during the COVID lockdown, then spent years in relentless practice and songwriting.
A viral Instagram video of him tearing through Muddy Waters‘ “Hoochie Coochie Man” changed everything. That clip — filmed in sweatpants on his bedroom floor with a white Fender Stratocaster — captured the attention of blues fans and professional musicians alike. It also caught the ear of Blind Pig’s Jeff Schroedl, who signed Burnham in spring 2025.
Meanwhile, Burnham’s social media presence continues to grow. He has amassed over 245,000 followers and nearly 30 million cumulative views across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, prominent musicians have taken notice — Ted Nugent recently invited Burnham to open one of his shows.
Burnham cut Roots & Wings over five days in October 2025 at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut — the same room that hosted sessions for Johnny Winter and Marcus King. The album features 12 tracks co-written with producer Jeff Schroedl, backed by drummer Ray Hangen and bassist Matt Raymond. Consequently, the power-trio format keeps things raw and direct, recalling the classic blueprint laid down by artists like Buddy Guy and Freddie King.
The album also closes with a nearly eight-minute cover of “Bleeding Heart,” the Elmore James classic — a bold statement from a 20-year-old who clearly knows his blues history. Burnham joins a growing wave of young blues guitar stars who are bringing new energy to the genre without abandoning its roots.
Watch “The Last Thing I Remember” below and keep an eye on this one. Blues Chronicles will have a full album review of Roots & Wings closer to the May 29 release date.
Roots & Wings drops May 29, 2026 on Blind Pig Records. Available for pre-order on CD, vinyl, and digital.
