The Blur the Lines Project, the latest release from drummer, composer, bandleader, radio broadcaster, and educator Jae Sinnett, is a case of risk bringing reward. The entire project is bold, ambitious, exploratory, and very worthy of the time you’ll spend involved with listening to it. Musicians: Jae Sinnett (Drums, Vocals), Allen Farnham (Hammond Organ, Piano), … Continue reading
Listening to the self-titled debut album by The Roamers, it occurred to me that like literature, music is an expressive art where the antihero can thrive. And this collection of songs is proof. Asking questions that reject the typical perspective, and answering those questions with wisdom gathered from experience polished by a clear affinity with … Continue reading
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
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
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
Randy Lee Riviere’s new album, Blues Sky, delivers muscular country rock with strong narrative. It’s a journey through some surprising emotional territory, with Riviere’s vocals and guitar leading the way with a gritty edge. Or is it edgy grit? Whatever it is, it is instantly atmospheric. Production values courtesy of Kevin McKendree are solid and innovative. … Continue reading
Honest Lies, the new album from Montreal-based blues/rock guitarist, and songwriter, Justin Saladino is out now. It suggests that the band has continued its evolution into the roots-rock and blues realm. Saladino’s guitar playing has a free, expansive style that works well by contrasting the song’s compact lyrics. The ten original songs on the album … 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
Nearly three years since his last studio album, superstar Kid Rock returns with Sweet Southern Sugar (via BMG/BBR Music Group) claiming No. 1 on both Independent and Rock Albums charts, No. 4 Country Albums, No. 5 Digital Albums, and No. 8 on the Billboard 200. This solidifies the five-time Grammy nominee’s ninth Top 10 album … Continue reading
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