New Blues: Nicky T and the Snake Charmers — ‘Ain’t Wasting Time’
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New Blues: Nicky T and the Snake Charmers — ‘Ain’t Wasting Time’

Ain’t Wasting Time follows Nicky T and the Snake Charmers’ 2021 debut, Life on Life’s Terms. Rooted in tradition yet energized by the present, the eleven-track album reflects years of live performance while honoring influences such as B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Magic Sam, and Ronnie Earl. The band features Nicholas Tabarias (Nicky T), on … Continue reading

New Soul / Blues: Sherri Harding — ‘Storyland’
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New Soul / Blues: Sherri Harding — ‘Storyland’

Storyland (on Instant Replay/Fontana North Universal), is the latest release from Canadian-based vocalist Sherri Harding. The album blends soul, blues, and R&B, and delivers a thoroughly satisfying Canada-meets-Memphis listening experience. Harding invests every note with her soul, resulting in a collection of songs that immediately connect. Combined with the clear, heartfelt delivery is the material … Continue reading

New Blues: John Primer and Friends — ‘Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge’
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New Blues: John Primer and Friends — ‘Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge’

For many blues fans, the classic Chicago blues sound is the standard. One location where Chicago blues initially formed was Theresa’s Lounge—a tiny Chicago basement with no bandstand, room for about 50 patrons, and a history that began in late 1949 when Theresa Needham opened its doors. John Primer, whose stories and reflections shape this … Continue reading

New Blues/Roots: Carmen Ratti Band (featuring Jill Dineen) — ‘Come To Me’
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New Blues/Roots: Carmen Ratti Band (featuring Jill Dineen) — ‘Come To Me’

Come To Me, the new release from Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen, is a satisfying mix of soul, gospel, funk, and modern blues. It delivers 11 tracks, full of heart, soul, and a band that plays together with a consistently aligned musical coordination that is refreshing. These are players who clearly appreciate each other, … Continue reading

New Blues: Stefan Hillesheim Band — ‘Live at the Chicago Blues Festival’
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New Blues: Stefan Hillesheim Band — ‘Live at the Chicago Blues Festival’

Label: Stella Blue Music This ten-song live recording fully captures the energy, joy, and excitement of a Stefan Hillesheim Band performance. With crying slide guitar, soulful vocals, virtuosic piano, emotionally charged lyrics, and a hard-driving rhythm section, the album takes listeners on a musical journey straight to Chicago. Known for his emotive slide guitar, heartfelt … Continue reading

New Blues: Corey Harris/Alvin Youngblood Hart/Guy Davis – ‘Fight On!: True Blues Vol. 2’
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New Blues: Corey Harris/Alvin Youngblood Hart/Guy Davis – ‘Fight On!: True Blues Vol. 2’

Label: Yellow Dog Records Release date: April 17, 2026 On Fight On!: True Blues Vol. 2, three acclaimed acoustic blues artists, Guy Davis, Corey Harris, and Alvin Youngblood Hart, reunite to perform a mix of classic and new songs. Their collaboration reaches back and carries forward some of the most powerful music you’ve heard in … Continue reading

New Blues: Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps — ‘Bad At Being Good’
Music

New Blues: Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps — ‘Bad At Being Good’

Teresa James‘ scorching, sassy vocals, dripping with Texas blues influence, are perfectly paired with the driving force of the Rhythm Tramps. On her fourteenth album—Bad at Being Good— Ms. James delivers an impressive collection of twelve original compositions that fully display her versatility…. and just sound great. This album is the next best thing to … Continue reading

New Blues/Soul/Funk: Billy Thompson – ‘This World’
Music

New Blues/Soul/Funk: Billy Thompson – ‘This World’

Songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist Billy Thompson showcases all of his talents on the new album, This World. It’s a blues, rock, funk, and soul voyage of shared discovery that is successful on every level. This World delivers ten original tracks (most by Thompson, one co-written with Keith Glover, and four featuring guest lyricist Kirsten Trump). … Continue reading