Bobby Messano — Lemonade Label: Fishhead Records The ninth studio album from guitarist and contemporary bluesman Bobby Messano will be released Friday, July 12th. On it, Messano proves his worth as a storyteller/songwriter as well. The album, Lemonade, is what happens when the right songs meet the right musicians, led by the right, fearless leader. That … Continue reading
Author Archives: Greg Victor
Wimbledon 2019 Is Almost Here
The 133rd edition of The Championships will be held at the All England Club July 1-14, 2019. Women’s Singles Final – Saturday 13th July Men’s Singles Final – Sunday 14th July. Defending singles champions are Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber. Defending Men’s Doubles champions are Mike Bryan and Jack Sock. Defending Women’s Doubles champions are Barbora Krejčíková and … Continue reading
Must-Hear Music: Glenna Bell — ‘Let Freedom Ring: Songs for a New Generation’
Glenna Bell — Let Freedom Ring: Songs for a New Generation Glenna Bell has given us a new gift. Heck, Glenna Bell is a gift. The first time I was honored to hear her sing live, she took my breath away. Her latest album, Let Freedom Ring, is everything I hoped it would be—simply more … Continue reading
Tennis: Ashleigh Barty — The Grand Champ Who Now Has A Grand Slam Title
With her first Grand Slam victory at Roland Garros this weekend, 23-year-old Ashleigh Barty achieved the success many have always assumed would come her way. I count myself among those pleased with this year’s French Open result. Barty, who will rise to world No 2 on Monday, is a teenage tennis sensation turned cricketer turned … Continue reading
Notable New Music: Kevin Breit — ‘Stella Bella Strada’
Kevin Breit — Stella Bella Strada Label: Stony Plain Records (release date: May 31, 2019) The album cover says it all. Playing guitar master Kevin Breit’s new album, Stella Bella Strada, will result in your own expression of mirth, from the relief at hearing something so original and of such quality. Call it blues, call … Continue reading
BMG Celebrates 70th Anniversary Of Hank Williams’ ‘HEALTH & HAPPINESS SHOW’ With Program’s First Vinyl Release
Three-album vinyl or 2-CD set contains the complete recordings of William’s eight 1949 radio shows, which include hits and rarities all newly restored and mastered. Street date June 14, 2019. Hank Williams began 1949 with his career at a crossroads. Although he was headlining the Louisiana Hayride radio show and achieved a few hits, big-time … Continue reading
New Roots/Blues: Manx Marriner Mainline — ‘Hellbound For Heaven’
Manx Marriner Mainline — Hellbound For Heaven Label: Stony Plain Records Having a stack of recently released CDs to choose from, I decided to go for the most promising title. Scanning the stack of CD spines, I spied the words “Hellbound For Heaven.” Now this, I thought to myself, sounds like the source of some original … Continue reading
New Blues: Peter Ward — ‘Train To Key Biscayne’
Peter Ward — Train To Key Biscayne Label: Gandy Dancer Records Peter Ward’s Train To Key Biscayne is a trip in the best sense. There’s a lot of musical territory covered and each stop along the way on this follow-up to his 2017 release (Blues on My Shoulders) is a rewarding discovery. The album showcases … Continue reading
New Country: Marty Brown — ‘American Highway’
Marty Brown — American Highway Label: Plowboy Records (Available: May 17, 2019) Once a modern day traditionalist, always a modern day traditionalist. Truthful, honest music doesn’t really age, nor does the artistic sense to sustain it. Thank God. American Highway is Marty Brown’s first album in two decades. He may have taken twenty years off … Continue reading
New Blues: Peter Poirier — ‘Empty Arms’
Peter Poirier — Empty Arms Label: ’59Records Empty Arms is a 1950s blues/R&B atmosphere album for today. The debut recording by Boston area guitarist and vocalist Peter Poirier, it is a thoroughly satisfying introduction to his expert ability to capture the essence of the best era of traditional electric blues. Peter Poirier’s vocals are strong … Continue reading
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