Listening to the self-titled debut album by The Roamers, it occurred to me that like literature, music is an expressive art where the antihero can thrive. And this collection of songs is proof. Asking questions that reject the typical perspective, and answering those questions with wisdom gathered from experience polished by a clear affinity with … Continue reading
These are songs I love to hear. It’s as simple as that. Of course it helps that Doug Ferony, given his gutsy and joyful exploration of them, also likes them too. His new album, Alright Okay You Win, is the traditional pop vocal album that your ears have been longing for. The arrangements live up … Continue reading
Soliloquies, Unaccompanied Pizzicato Violin Improvisations For the children of war survivors there are conversations with our parents we wished we had and could not. I often wonder about my parents’ vague allusions to atrocities they survived in China during World War II because their trauma was far greater than I can imagine, even now, over … Continue reading
Proof that the human voice is one of the most effective instruments of all, Rose Mallett‘s latest album—Dreams Realized— is a remarkable collection of performances. These are songs you might think you know well, but until you’ve experienced Rose Mallett’s interpretation, you don’t. Think again. Her range, her dynamics, her decision of when and just … Continue reading
(release date: November 15, 2024) Keyboardist Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne (having received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jus’ Blues Foundation, among several others) has assembled another highly engaging album that will, no doubt, earn him more acclaim. His new release, Ooh Yeah!, is one of those discs where each track could easily be twice … Continue reading
Singing duo Anne Burnell & Mark Burnell have released a new album, This Could Be the Start of Something Big. The album is the follow-up to their 2022 acclaimed CD Two For The Road. It is a generous offering from the Chicago-based pair, featuring consummate musicianship. The songs cover plenty of territory (from “Song Sung … Continue reading
If you think Gunhild Carling was born too late, you haven’t considered the possibility that she might singlehandedly bring back the jazz age in our time. If her original songs seem somehow familiar, they’re successfully bringing you back to a glorious era celebrating melody, harmony, rhythm, and syncopation. Her recent album, Jazz Is My Lifestyle, … Continue reading
Albert Castiglia‘s latest album, Righteous Souls, displays the guitar slinger at his best. The contemporary blues album explores (and delivers) deeply within each song. The album features an abundance of skilled and dexterous guest artists, including Rayne Castiglia (vocals), Joe Bonamassa (guitar), Josh Smith (guitar), Danielle Nicole (vocals), Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram (guitar), Popa Chubby (guitar), … Continue reading
Blues Hall of Fame inductee Matt “Guitar” Murphy’s legacy, including his last three studio recordings, is honored on this double album, True Blues Brothers. Featured artists include Doyle Bramhall II, Fran Christina & The Original Roomful of Blues, Steve Cropper, Ronnie Earl, Sax Gordon, Jaimoe, Bill Kirchen, Chuck Leavell, Bob Margolin, James Montgomery, Tracy Nelson, Johnny … Continue reading
They’re just about the most consistent band out there. Fans of contemporary blues and blues/rock are in luck: The Fabulous Thunderbirds have released their first new studio album in eight years, and yes, it’s another solid album. Founder Kim Wilson leads the way (vocals and harmonica) on Struck Down, the band’s 50th anniversary release, which … Continue reading
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