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
“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
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
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
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
When an album is as entertaining as The Groove Krewe (feat. Jonathon Boogie Long)’s Blues From the Bayou, the only critique that can be made is the disappointment that comes from it being an EP and not a double CD. These are bayou blues—swampy, spicy, rollicking arrangements that make full use of the interplay between … Continue reading
Following up on his last album, Four, blues singer-songwriter David Deacon returns with Good Day Good Night, a new collection of recordings that explore a range of emotions. The signature bluesy, gutsy guitar that plays so well in Deacon’s music sets the tone for the album with its lead single, “Soldiers of the Universe” – … Continue reading
With a band that punctuates every hint of emotion that he reveals, Johnny Rawls sings and plays in the classic soul blues style that many in his genre dream of. It either just comes naturally for Johnny Rawls, or he is one amazing actor, because he tosses off musical phrases as if he invented the … Continue reading
Label: Gulf Coast Records Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind’s latest album, Behind the Veil, is a powerful reminder of the potency of a certain combination—harmonica, guitar, drums, and gutsy vocals. It’s a magnificent collection of varied blues songs performed by a group who breathe and make music as a single force: Jason Ricci (harmonica, … Continue reading
Popa Chubby‘s new album, Live at G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC (on Gulf Coast Records), is the label debut live double-CD set from the solid New York City-based blues guitar slinger (aka “The Beast from the East”). It’s a collection of songs that convey the irrefutable conclusion that he (and his stellar band) can do it all. … Continue reading
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