Summer isn’t quite over. Oh, sure, on September 21st the season technically changes to autumn, but with the recent release of Candice Ivory‘s new album, New Southern Vintage, things are certainly heating up. It’s a celebration of the blues from an artist who respects them enough to share her own unique take on them. These blues, described by Ms. Ivory as an exploration of the “iconic folk form as well as the heroines and heroes who created it” is an offering of love and truth. It’s also a whole lot of fun to listen to..

Musicians: Jan Hartmann & Takuto Asano (guitars), the Blue Bloods: Robert Allen Parker, Adam Hill (guitars), Khari Wynn (bass), Donnon R. Johnson (drums) with David Evans (guitar), Damian Pearson (harmonica/guitar), Ben Levin (piano/whistle), Yubu Kazungu (vocals), Chris Stephenson (Wurlitzer organ/Hammond B3), Andrew Cohen (narration/guitar), Antonio Vergara (lap steel/wah/electric guitars/bgv), & featuring Jimmy “Duck” Holmes (vocals/guitar).

Candice Ivory delivers a distinctive personal take on the Southern roots genre. Her ‘new southern vintage’ concept, developed over the past year, is a welcome and fresh perspective. It results in an ambitious album that achieves on every level. The album is so much more than can be expressed on a blog. Therefore, do your ears, heart, and soul a favor and get a copy. It’s a journey of discovery, re-discovery, and affirmation that only the blues can offer.