“Riot of the Red” is Lou Hazel’s sophomore album, which was released on Feb. 28, 2025. He was born in Olean, New York to a family of ‘wiseacres.’ His vagabond nature moved him to Durham, North Carolina, a location that significantly influenced his music. He describes his writing process as pulling from his “Bat Cave” of a brain. The fellow musicians he’s bumped into rub off on him like most vagabonds as he grows a part of himself through everyone he meets.
“Riot of the Red” is a spectacular sophomore album that improves all parts of his craft and dives deeper into his power of storytelling. Tracks like “Heat Wave” and “County Clown” are my favorite examples of his power of lyricism. The folk nature of his life has made his music folk in return. Each song gives off the aroma of a campfire, as you listen to someone’s great woes of life that are strummed out ever so beautifully. Hazel miraculously captured this feeling in this album, creating nostalgic-ridden folk tracks that’ll transport the listener’s soul to memories of old.
His music has already made its way to campus through WMEB 91.9 FM shows, as he has been played quite a few times on shows like “Cinemascapes.”
“When I heard ‘Heat Wave” on the radio, it fit really well into the Cinemascapes episode about ”Sing Sing,” which goes to show the power and versatility of Hazel’s music.
“His ability to elevate your senses through song and word craft is so cool,” said Olivia Meybodi, an avid WMEB 91.9 FM listener.
The power of music is evident in “Riot of the Red,” as the sounds of a life full of adventure and it is evident that Lou Hazel is a vagabond in his music and style of advertising himself. On his website, he describes himself in ways you’ve never heard of before. He has such an immense talent for creativity and writing that even his non-music entries are fantastic to the mind. This album only leaves you waiting for a third album out of him as he has the talents of a musician that can turn out magnificent work that will transcend generations.
When I was first introduced to Lou Hazel with his debut album “Carolina (Out of my Mind),” he reminded me of Blaze Foley and other country-folk greats. However, with this less twangy entry he proves he has a real hold on the folk genre and is malleable and able to change it up with “Riot of the Red.” Showing that he’s a true traveling man that can pick up new sounds and styles makes mystic Lou Hazel even more endearing. His album is a must listen if you are into Blaze Foley or other traveling musicians, as he’s the real deal—a true vagabond.
