There’s something undeniably sophisticated about the soulful growl and wail of A.W. Cardinal on Scream, Holler & Howl, the latest release from blues duo Blue Moon Marquee. It’s an album that transports the listener to other dimensions, and Mr. Cardinal is a trustworthy tour guide through the musical carny underground terrain. All in all, it’s … Continue reading
There’s always a feeling of immense anticipation when Rory Block releases a new album. Her latest, Ain’t Nobody Worried, does not disappoint. There simply is no blues guitarist and singer around who covers as much territory (musically and emotionally) and with as much artistry as Ms. Block. She has an authority that allows her to … Continue reading
Label: True North Records You could say that singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda’s voice is her own section in a band — part brass, part percussion, and thoroughly electric — and you’d be correct. Need proof? Listen to her newest release, Midnight Blues. Enough said. It’s a fiery, raspy, siren that challenges the band to keep up. … Continue reading
Label: Gypsy Soul Records This is what you call a band. And what a band they are! Toronto-based band Bywater Call have a love for blues, soul, and roots music, and they’ve made a convincing argument for all three genres on their most recent release. Remain features Meghan Parnell’s powerful vocals and Dave Barnes’ equally emotive … Continue reading
When eight-time Blues Music Award-nominated singer/songwriter/cornetist Al Basile sings, “I’m through with cool, I can’t be cool no more,” don’t believe it. He will release his latest CD, Through with Cool, on Sweetspot Records (distributed by City Hall Records) on August 19, 2022. Having heard the album’s 14 original songs, I’m here to say that “cool” … Continue reading
Label: Catfood Records Release date: August 1, 2022 Hello Mojo! is the new album from Chicago-based soul/blues artist Derrick Procell. On the disc, he delivers a solid collection of tracks that consistently highlight the superb musicians that support and elevate his vocals. The material is strong, the production sturdy, and the performances robust. It’s a … Continue reading
Brad Asher and the Superials — Tulsa Tea Label: Horton Records Brad Absher and the Superials have delivered an authoritative collection of blues/rock performances on their latest album, Tulsa Tea. Brad Absher and band — Dylan Layton (bass), Matt Martin (drums), Jake Hemphill (guitar), EZ Mireless (keys) and Danny Timms (keys), and Brianna Wright and … Continue reading
Kat Riggins — Progeny Label: Gulf Coast Records Kat Riggins’s new album, Progeny, is full of songs well worth pondering long after the needle is finished spiraling its way through the vinyl. What’s more — each song receives a performance that matches and sometimes even surpasses its quality. Big-voiced blues/soul vocalist Kat Riggins comes across as seriously … Continue reading
The Hogtown Allstars — Hog Wild Label: Stony Plain Records “Looks like we had a goods time, Everybody was feelin’ fine, The band was hot, the people were cool, No booze, or broken rules…” (from “Real Good Night”) The Hogtown Allstars, a group of award-winning Canadian blues musicians, are making their debut as a band, … Continue reading
Sass Jordan — Bitches Blues Label: Stony Plain Records “Still Alive and Well,” the opener on her new album, tells you everything you need to know about Sass Jordan. Nothing, apparently, can diminish her generous spirit, nor convince her to sing strictly desperate blues. She delivers blues with the explosive surprises of a July 4th … Continue reading
parcbench .live 