It’s all about the song. Well, it’s all about how the band plays that song. Alright, alright… technically, it’s all about the effect the band has on the listener. And, using that criterion, Eric Demmer‘s new album — So Fine — is powerful stuff. I dare you to play these twelve tracks and not get … Continue reading
Bo-Keys’ Scott Bomar produces collection of seven powerful originals, plus covers of Otis Clay, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Ruby Johnson Amy Black has always been drawn to soul singers. But it wasn’t until she began exploring her own southern roots for her last album, The Muscle Shoals Sessions, that she found her musical sweet spot — … Continue reading
The Soul Of John Black — Early In The Moanin’ The Soul Of John Black presents a welcome new take on soul music from two highly skilled musicians: John Bigham (percussion) and Christopher Thomas (bass). Their new album, Early In The Moanin’, explores almost all possible textures of feel good blues and R&B. There is a diversity to … Continue reading
The Fabulous Thunderbirds — Strong Like That Label: Severn Records Yes, they’re still pretty fabulous, if perhaps a tad too smooth. With their fusion of blues, rock & roll, and R&B, the Fabulous Thunderbirds popularized roadhouse Texas blues in the ’80s and became one of the most inflential bands in that subgenre. Since then, they’ve continued … Continue reading
Si Cranstoun — Old School Label: Ruf Records Wow. Here’s a reason to believe that the entire music industry has not completely failed us in 2016. I’m talking about Si Cranstoun and his riveting new album, Old School, which relies on the tried and true infectious energy of rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues to … Continue reading
Tami Neilson — Don’t Be Afraid Is Tami Neilson real? Take a listen to the Canadian-raised, New Zealand-based roots singer/songwriter’s new album, Don’t Be Afraid, and you’ll wonder as well. She’s quite a discovery for those of us who are just catching up with her successful career (if you want to know what you’ve been … Continue reading
Tasha Taylor — ‘Honey For The Biscuit’ Label: Ruf Records There’s nothing “rough” about Tasha Taylor, except, maybe, for her record label (Ruf Records). Everything else about here is smooth. As smooth as… well, as smooth as honey. Tasha Taylor was born to sing and play the blues; a daughter of Stax soul legend Johnnie Taylor, … Continue reading
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