There’s no escape from the reflective quality of the pure truth in Will James’ latest album, Sundancer. Give it a listen and see if it doesn’t make total sense to you on a deep, possibly secret, level. Is it the instantly trustworthy material, the nuanced instrumental performances, or the charismatic persona of Mr. James that … Continue reading
Author Archives: Greg Victor
New Blues: Paul Boddy & The Slidewinder Blues Band — ‘Nosy Neighbors’
“For a good time….” Sure, there are several ways to finish that sentence. Perhaps you’re not yet familiar with the most reliable ending, so I’ll just write it here for you: “listen to Nosy Neighbors, the latest album from Paul Boddy & The Slidewinder Blues Band. It’s a set of 12 songs, including 10 originals. … Continue reading
New Blues: Soulful Femme — ‘Attitude’
Not since the great Patti LaBelle shared news of having a “new” one has anyone given such meaning to the lyric “attitude.” Welcome to the latest release from Soulful Femme—Attitude—what else? It’s one of the most consistently entertaining albums released lately. Soulful Femme (Stevee Wellons and Cheryl Rinovato) know what it means to release, alright. … Continue reading
New EP (‘Volare’) From International Vocalist Cosimo Lizzi
Award-Winning International Vocalist & Recording Artist Cosimo Lizzi Releases EP “Volare” Cosimo Lizzi, the award-winning international vocalist and recording artist known for his well-received debut album Amore del Passato, has released his latest EP, Volare. The four-track EP was released on February 1, 2024—a date that paid homage to the release of the original, classic, … Continue reading
New Soul/Blues — Kevin Burt & Big Medicine: ‘Thank You, Brother Bill: A Tribute to Bill Withers’
Label: Gulf Coast Records There’s nothing better than an album full of music that the recording artist clearly loves. That’s what you get with Kevin Burt & Big Medicine’s latest disc, Thank You, Big Brother: A Tribute to Bill Withers. While I admit to playing tracks 6 (“Ain’t No Sunshine”) and 7 (“Lean On Me”) first, … Continue reading
New Jazz: Sarah McKenzie — ‘Gentle Rain’
Jazz pianist, composer and singer, Sarah McKenzie recently released her sixth album, Without You. The Brazilian-influenced collection includes material from jazz legend Antonio Carlos Jobim (including bossa nova classics “Chega De Saudade (No More Blues)” and “The Girl from Ipanema”), along with four original songs. The quality of the songs is matched by her strong, sparkling musicianship. The album’s … Continue reading
New Jazz: Bobby Kapp — ‘Synergy’
Bobby Kapp and some equally sensitive fellow musicians play the music of Richard Sussman on Synergy, the provocative new jazz release. It is a ever-evolving tour de force, with the interplay between the players perfectly in tune with the innovative compositions and charts. The arrangements require particularly adept transition capabilities. Each moment unravels logically, sustaining … Continue reading
New Country/Rock: Randy Lee Riviere — ‘Blues Sky’
Randy Lee Riviere’s new album, Blues Sky, delivers muscular country rock with strong narrative. It’s a journey through some surprising emotional territory, with Riviere’s vocals and guitar leading the way with a gritty edge. Or is it edgy grit? Whatever it is, it is instantly atmospheric. Production values courtesy of Kevin McKendree are solid and innovative. … Continue reading
New Blues: Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia — ‘Blood Brothers LIVE IN CANADA’
Blues/rock guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia‘s energetic Blood Brothers tour has been recreated on their latest album, Blood Brothers Live in Canada. It’s a heated, smoldering, and occasionally fully-ignited event. The duo is supported by a collection of equally committed players. The album’s musicians are: Mike Zito – vocals/guitars; Albert Castiglia – vocals/guitars; Doug … Continue reading
New Blues/Rock/Soul: Paul Reed Smith / Eightlock — ‘Lions Roaring in Quicksand’
Eightlock’s new album, Lions Roaring in Quicksand (out now on Steele Records) showcases band leader Paul Reed Smith’s expertise in all things guitar (making them and playing them). The tracks offer an impressive array of styles, all played with equal mastery. The band’s sound is a blend of blues, soul, rock, funk and roots, delivered with a … Continue reading