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Yates McKendree, Prairie Dog Bluesfest
July 25 @ 3:10 pm – 5:00 pm
Yates McKendree, born and raised in Nashville, is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who began playing music at age 3 . He has extensive experience performing in notable venues like The Bluebird Cafe, The Ryman Auditorium, and Third & Lindsley, and has toured across North America and Europe. Yates also contributed as an engineer and musician to Delbert McClinton’s Grammy-winning album Tall Dark & Handsome in 2020. His music reflects a lifelong dedication to blues, combining technical skill with emotional depth.
Album Overview
Released on July 11, 2025, Need to Know is Yates McKendree’s second album, following his acclaimed debut Buchanan Lane. The album highlights his multi-instrumental abilities, with Yates performing vocals, guitar, drums, bass guitar, upright bass, and organ. His father, Kevin McKendree, contributes piano and organ, and also produced the album at The Rock House in Tennessee. The recordings are unaltered, with no digital pitch or time correction, emphasizing authentic, live-feel performances.
Musical Style and Reception
The album is deeply rooted in blues and roots music, blending traditional sounds with modern energy. Critics praise Yates for his passionate vocals, expressive guitar solos, and dynamic arrangements, noting that the album feels both timeless and fresh. Reviewers highlight the chemistry between Yates and his father, describing the music as a “barn-burning set steeped in vinyl-crackle tradition yet lit by tomorrow’s spark”. The album includes both original compositions and reimagined classics, demonstrating Yates’s versatility and deep understanding of blues traditions
