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
If sweet vibes sound good to you, then pay attention to Nowhere To Hide, the upcoming release from soul/blues dynamo Ollee Owens. The album delivers eleven tracks that cover a range of emotional territory, and, in doing so, allow Owens to display her gift for conveying present ideas with classic soulful undercurrents. Owens successfully offers … Continue reading
(Release date: October 18, 2024) Sometimes there’s nothing as comforting as a penetrating blues song. There’s a recognition, an acceptance, and a message of hope just from its truth. Therefore, no matter what challenges face us, we can always look forward to an album release from Blues/Roots legend Eric Bibb. His latest offering, In The … Continue reading
When a song is that catchy, when the featured musicians that inspiring, and when the lead vocal is that inviting, you just find yourself grateful for whoever invented the “repeat” button on the CD player. Such was my response to “(Feels Like) I Just Got Started”—the opener on Jimmy Carpenter‘s new album, Just Got Started. … Continue reading
That’s the album cover of a guy who has something on his mind. And on his latest release, Chasing The Sun, blues rocker Colin James does just that. The album’s eleven tracks (produced and arranged by Colin James and Colin Linden) are evidence to uphold the commonly-held notion that James is a “musician’s musician.” Joining … Continue reading
Randy Lee Riviere‘s new album, Concrete Blues, is a throughly satisfying blues/roots/rock experience. It is best played over and over again with, perhaps, slightly increased volume each time. It’s the kind of music that can take (and deserves) such respect. There’s a unity of purpose driving this recording and the results are phenomenal. With songs … Continue reading
Joe Flip’s highly anticipated third album, ‘Old Soul: Live,’ captures the electrifying energy of a sold-out live performance. Recorded at Le Musique Room in St. Michael, Minnesota—with an energetic, appreciative audience—the album captures 13 inspired songs, and an impressive breadth of styles. Renowned for his high energy, distinctive sound, and handmade oil can guitars, Joe … Continue reading
Label: MoMojo Records With their new album, Happy Hour, Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s are upholding a great American blues musical heritage. Although this has been the case for five impressive decades, they sound as fresh, playful, and energetic as ever. There’s a contagious spirit that fills the air when these musicians play and, … Continue reading
Chris BadNews Barnes‘ latest release, BadNews Travels Fast, is a collection of exciting material, stellar players, and top-notch production values that results in a gratifying listening experience that blues/rock lovers will want to experience time and again. These are Nashville blues—blues with a bit of twang in their soul, and Chris Barnes leads the music … Continue reading
Canadian blues rocker Shawn Kellerman‘s latest album, Hell’s Kitchen, is an energizing listening experience. It brings great hope to those who love solid blues/rock. As long as Shawn Kellerman is on a stage, the state of the genre is in fine shape. The entire ensemble of musicians support each other phenomenally throughout the album. The … Continue reading
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