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
Tag Archives: blues music
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 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
Big Joe and the Dynaflows — ‘Rockhouse Party’
Big Joe and the Dynaflows — Rockhouse Party Label: Severn Records Release date: February 15, 2019 Agreeable from the very first beat, Rockhouse Party — the new album from Big Joe and the Dynaflows — proves that there is still truth in advertising. The band knows how to throw a party, alright. It all starts, of … Continue reading
New Blues: Steve Krase Band — ‘Just Waitin’ ‘
Steve Krase Band — Just Waitin’ Label: Connor Ray Music Houston-based harmonica master and frontman Steve Krase‘s new album —Just Waitin’— proves that the blues are, in fact, a celebration. Not only is Krase is a world class harmonica player, he has the added gift of demonstrating how the harmonica can set a stage ablaze when … Continue reading
New Blues: Rory Block — ‘A Woman’s Soul’
Rory Block — A Woman’s Soul Label: Stony Plain Records Release date: July 6, 2018 Five-time Blues Award winner Rory Block, among many other impressive titles, might be called the Queen of the Well-Thought-Out Albums. She has put her vast musical talent to amazing use, creating important albums, full of purpose. So many of her … Continue reading
Backtrack Blues Band — ‘Make My Home In Florida’
Backtrack Blues Band — Make My Home In Florida Label: Harpo Records “If you don’t mind, we’re gonna keep it in a blues vein.” That was the lead-in to the agreeable “Your Funeral and My Trial,” and it was just fine with me. On their new live album, Make My Home In Florida, Backtrack Blues Band delivers … Continue reading
Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival — ‘Badlands’
Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival — Badlands (Release date: 2/2/18) North Dakota Blues-Rock artist Jennifer Lyn has a clear love of blues rock. and on her new album, Badlands, she treats it with the intimate adoration it deserves. What’s even more exciting is her obvious appreciation for country, folk, and gospel music as well. There are influences … Continue reading
This Year’s Blues Music Awards Nominees
Winners will be announced at the Blues Foundation’s Gala Ceremony on May 10th In Memphis The nominees for the 39th Annual Blues Music Awards represent a prestigious collection of acclaimed performers and rising stars that reflect the breadth and diversity of today’s blues music scene. It encompasses North Mississippi All-Stars’ updated Hill Country stomps and Mavis Staples’ gospel-infused soul as well as Taj … Continue reading
Need Meaningful Inspiration? Eric Bibb’s ‘Migration Blues’ Will Get You There
Eric Bibb — ‘Migration Blues’ Label: Stony Plain Records The album offers a blend of originals and American folk classics (Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” and Bob Dylan’s “Masters Of War”), all of which deal with refugee or migrant crises. In the liner notes, Eric Bibb cites Cicero: “To be ignorant of what occurred … Continue reading
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