Sparky Parker – In the Dark Add another name to the esteemed Texas blues guitarist family tree. guitarist Sparky Parker’s new album, In the Dark, features ten sparkling blues-rock tracks that will remind you that sometimes the most exciting aspect of blues music is the genre’s continual evolution, and the new and exciting artists that … Continue reading
Tag Archives: blues
New Contemporary Blues: Bobby Messano — ‘Lemonade’
Bobby Messano — Lemonade Label: Fishhead Records The ninth studio album from guitarist and contemporary bluesman Bobby Messano will be released Friday, July 12th. On it, Messano proves his worth as a storyteller/songwriter as well. The album, Lemonade, is what happens when the right songs meet the right musicians, led by the right, fearless leader. That … Continue reading
New Blues: Little Freddie King — ‘Fried Rice & Chicken’
Little Freddie King — Fried Rice & Chicken Label: Orleans Records It starts slowly, gathering heat, grit and intensity through the tension created by its core musical values laid bare for all to hear in all their honest glory. By the end of the album—Little Freddie King’s Fried Rice & Chicken—one feels as if they’ve been … Continue reading
New Blues: Sue Foley — ‘The Ice Queen’
Sue Foley — The Ice Queen Label: Stony Plain Records Sue Foley’s new album, The Ice Queen, is a reassurance. It is a treat, a delight, and a big “Phew!” moment — reminding us that some of the best things in life do, in fact, stick around. Things like soothing, gutsy, guitar-playing and vocals from this acclaimed Canadian … Continue reading
New Blues: Casey James Cuts Out The BS With ‘Strip It Down’
Casey James — Strip It Down We always knew that American Idol was good for something. It introduced us to Casey James, who was an Idol finalist in 2010. It took a few years, but the experience brought James the clarity of purpose to get down to business with producer Tom Hambridge and create an album that … Continue reading
Slide Guitar Heaven — Dennis Johnson’s ‘Rhythmland’
Dennis Johnson & The Mississippi Ramblers — Rhythmland With Rhythmland, Dennis Johnson has delivered a well-thought-out, well rounded, thoroughly satifying collection of songs (9 of 10 being originals) that employ the slide guitar in all of its impressive versatility. If you are in the mood for a master musician dealing out a blend of blues, jazz, … Continue reading
New Blues: The Nighthawks — ‘All You Gotta Do’
The Nighthawks — All You Gotta Do All You Gotta Do is the highly entertaining new album from The Nighthawks. It features 12 tracks by the award-winning blues band with the stellar line up of Paul Bell (guitar), Mark Wenner (harmonica), Johnny Castle (bass), and Mark Stutso (drums). It’s a wide-ranging collection of songs that features … Continue reading
New Blues: Delta Wires — ‘Born In Oakland’
Delta Wires — Born In Oakland Label: Mudslide Records This new album from Delta Wires is full of the big musical ideas that keep the blues genre evolving and ever satisfying. With a modern, electronic foundation, the band builds layer upon layer of expression until the song has covered more territory than seems possible in … Continue reading
New Blues: King James & The Special Men — ‘Act Like You Know’
King James & The Special Men — Act Like You Know Release date: July 21, 2017 I know a good time when I hear one. And I haven’t heard a time quite as good as King James & The Special Men’s debut album, Act Like You Know, in quite awhile. The New Orleans-based band could very easily become … Continue reading
Attention-Worthy Blues: Guitar Slim Jr. — ‘The Story Of My Life’
Guitar Slim Jr. — The Story Of My Life It was his first album and it earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1989. Now, Guitar Slim Jr. has reissued The Story Of My Life—giving contemporary blues fans the chance to appreciate talent that’s been overlooked for far too long by the … Continue reading
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