These days, there are a few things that one can count on in life. One of them is this—if Johnny Rawls is making music, it’s worth it to set aside a moment or two and enjoy it. Because he is one of the most consistent producers and musicians around. With Tribute To Soul, Rawls adds … Continue reading
Pianist, composer, and arranger Steve Rawlins’s latest release is Word on the Street, a new album featuring ten original or co-written compositions alongside one standard. The project marks a rare turn in the spotlight for Rawlins, whose decades-long career behind the scenes as a gifted composer and spectacular arranger for film, television, and major entertainment … Continue reading
Saxophonist and vocalist Greg Piccolo rose to prominence with Roomful of Blues, spending 25 years as the band’s tenor sax player and lead vocalist. Then he formed Heavy Juice, a group that gave him room to pursue his own musical direction. On this album, Piccolo handles all lead vocals and tenor sax, joined in the … Continue reading
Clay DuBose’s Father Time & Mother Nature is a West Coast country-rock album that pairs high-energy tracks with more progressive, artful explorations. The entire album convey’s DuBose’s broad vocal range and sweet tone. Produced by Ted Russell Kamp, who also adds his signature bass groove, it features Jamie Douglas and Mitch Marine on drums; Brian … Continue reading
Walk That Walk is known for high-energy Chicago blues, and their latest album, The Lifer, stays true to that reputation while further exploring roots rock, blues rock, and Americana. They get your feet moving and your heart pumping. They deliver sharp boogie-woogie blues licks with real spark. The Lifer is a smokin’ collection of tunes. … Continue reading
Katie Knipp’s new album, Live from Theater 5150, arrives September 18, 2026. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview, and I’m sharing the news that if you appreciate spirited and unforgettable performances, the date is worth looking forward to. Katie Knipp and her fellow musicians are in stellar form, resulting in an album … Continue reading
With his new album, A Night in New Orleans, Mitch Woods cross-pollinates a form of music based in Kansas City with a performance style that is well-suited to celebrating that music. The subject is Boogie Woogie piano, the location is New Orleans, and the showman making it all happen effortlessly and spectacularly in Mitch Woods. … Continue reading
RJ Chesney’s forthcoming album, A Southern Man, will be released September 25, 2026. It is produced by Zachary Ross and Jason Hiller, recorded at Electrosound Studios in Los Angeles, and recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jason Hiller. The track features Chesney on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and nylon guitar; Jason Hiller on bass, upright bass, … Continue reading
Best Laid Plans is the third release from Jon Schapiro’s “Schapiro 17 Big Band.” With the album, Schapiro successfully transcends the usual contemporary jazz experience. The album delivers rewarding big-band jazz with original charts and imaginative reinterpretations. Schapiro’s strongest track is a profound take on Scott Joplin’s “Solace.” The arrangement squeezes out every note of … Continue reading
Leeann Atherton’s new album, Good God (on Rainstorm Records), finds the Austin, Texas-based singer sharing some songs that clearly inspired her, as well as the remarkable results of that inspiration. With soulful grit, Atherton delivers songs of hope and positivity. It’s a collection that leans into the spiritual, blended with roots, gospel, Americana, and soul. … Continue reading
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