Beyond 1969
“Back to the Blues”
Independent
Tom “The Suit” Forst, a renowned bluesrock guitarist and Hall of Fame recording artist, is featured on the new album “Back
to the Blues” from the band “Beyond 1969.” Recorded and produced by Vic Steffens, Horizon Music Group in West Haven,
Connecticut, the album was recorded live in-studio and gives a nod to the traditions of Johnny Winter and Joe Bonamassa. The ten original songs were written by Forst and bassist Tony Delisio. Fans of the New England powerhouse band The Mighty Soul Drivers will recognize Delisio as he also holds down bass duties there. With Forst on lead vocals and guitar, rounding out the band are Bryan Caudle on percussion and Jeff Bousfield on keys. “Back to the Blues” is modern blues-rock at its finest.
 The opening tune “I’m Never Gonna Leave You” is down and dirty and passionate, with a resolute riff that doesn’t quit. “Feels so Good to Feel so Bad” employs some reverb guitar and showcases Forst’s raw talent – smooth and tasteful. “Consolation Man” is a modern take on making your guitar do the talking in between vocal phrases, while Bousfield adds a tasty organ solo.
The title track, “Comin’ Back to the Blues,” is a funky coming home as it were, back to the blues for these musicians. Forst gets real fancy with some arpeggio moves on the neck that just exude joy. “I’m Not Over You Yet” is a haunting 60s-style psychedelic number, subdued but resolute with passionate vocals. “Darkest Before the Dawn” gets even funkier with drummer Caudle shining. The Forst guitar solo bursts the song wide open bringing the song ferociously alive with sound. This is my favorite track on the album.

  “Goin’ Down” is mystical, with a down by the river vibe, invoking some story-tellin’ BB King. “If I Stay With You Tonight” – the most radio ready with vocal harmonies is reminiscent of Robert Cray. Bousfield emulates a horn section on keys masterfully.
“It’s My Own Damn Fault” is a driving slow shuffle while “When It All Falls
Down” picks things back up. You can hear the influences of Winter and Bonamassa in your face makes you wanna make a rock face! Delisio’s bass lines are perfection on this one. Some arpeggio back and forth between guitar and keys makes you yearn to see this song live on stage!
 To that end, make plans to attend the album release party at Black Eyed Sallys on April 24 and the band’s Woodstock-themed show at the Mohegan Sun Wolf Den on April 30.
Links:
https://www.tomthesuitforst.com
https://beyond1969.com
– Sue Menhart

Sound Waves Magazine – April 2026