Label: True North Records You could say that singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda’s voice is her own section in a band — part brass, part percussion, and thoroughly electric — and you’d be correct. Need proof? Listen to her newest release, Midnight Blues. Enough said. It’s a fiery, raspy, siren that challenges the band to keep up. … Continue reading
Label: Capitol Nashville Mr. Sun is the first album by Little Big Town that I’ve actually enjoyed. What’s changed? My expectations. After years of frustration, watching the super group sweep Country Music awards with songs that felt like they blonged in other categories, and while I wondered when the heck they were ever going to … Continue reading
Label: Gypsy Soul Records This is what you call a band. And what a band they are! Toronto-based band Bywater Call have a love for blues, soul, and roots music, and they’ve made a convincing argument for all three genres on their most recent release. Remain features Meghan Parnell’s powerful vocals and Dave Barnes’ equally emotive … Continue reading
Marcus Mumford has released a series of songs he probably never expected to share. Thank you, Mr. Mumford. These are songs that will resonate with millions. To title the project (Self-Titled) is brave and artistically accurate. It is a bold move, and it is worthy of all the attention it will receive. In these songs, … Continue reading
Label: Rochelle Records The Hungry Williams‘ new album — Let’s Go! — will transport your soul. They are Milwaukee-based, but their swinging performance will take you back to 1950s New Orleans… specifically, at a jukebox, in a friendly roadhouse bar, with many excellent songs to choose from. It’s a welcome sojourn that delivers the essence … Continue reading
Sending out a thought, a note, a lyric, on a cloud of perfect notes, with a clarity that achieves true romance is a special gift that Maren Morris has always had. Her single, “I Can’t Love You Anymore” puts that talent on display yet again. The track is off of her latest album (on the … Continue reading
Label: Gypsy Soul Records Release Date: 9/2/2022 Possessing a sound tapped from the oaken belly of a whiskey barrel, The Commoners are a four-piece Roots/Blues Rock band from Toronto, Canada. One listen to their new album, Find A Better Way, makes it clear that they belong together and that they have been willing to put … Continue reading
Label: Take It To The Bridge Records Release Date: 9/30/22 If this album only had a single track, it would be enough. That track is “I Forgot To Be Your Lover,” a searing and caring reaching out, delivered with passion and hope, in spite of contrary past experiences. The song, written by William Bell and … Continue reading
Label: Gulf Coast Records Release Date: 9/16/22 “The Louisiana Record is my tribute to the mash-up of Blues, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, and Rock-n-roll that is New Orleans Music.” (Jimmy Carpenter) Blues Music Award-winning sax player Jimmy Carpenter will soon release his highly anticipated new album, The Louisiana Record. The title says it all. It’s a … Continue reading
“The name of my new CD reflects the world we’re living in today. I recorded this CD to help us get through these really hard times.” (John Primer) Release date: 9/16/22 Want to hear a blues band in tenacious, top form? John Primer’s new album, Hard Times, is a 13-track collection of the most resilient … Continue reading
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