The Beatles
The fact that some skeptics dismissed the Fab Four as a second-rate live band is easily disputed by this new-to-CD collection of the only officially sanctioned live music recorded by … Read more
Album Reviews
Backtrack Blues Band
It’s about time you all get to know Sonny Charles and the Backtrack Blues Band. The first track of an album can tell you a lot about a band and … Read more
Wentus Blues Band
The Wentus Blues Band is a five-piece outfit from Finland, land of the midnight sun, saunas and Santa Claus. Finland is actually a country with a fine blues pedigree and … Read more
Boo Ray
The southern rock sound has been blowing up lately, and Boo Ray is kicking it up a notch or ten. Starting with “Redneck Rock & Roll,” the opener on his … Read more
Dave Keller
Vermonter Dave Keller has earned Blues Music Awards for each of his previous releases. 2014’s devastatingly powerful break-up record, Soul Changes, chronicled a difficult period of Dave’s life. This one … Read more
Greg Loiacono
Here I find myself on somewhat less familiar territory. Yes, I’ve heard a few songs from Mother Hips, but I am actually more familiar with the band because some of … Read more
Matthew Skoller
One of Chicago’s most in-demand harmonica players is back with his fifth solo release. If you’re not familiar with Matthew Skoller, absorb these credentials. As a producer, he has produced … Read more
Laurence Jones
Laurence Jones, a young Turk of UK guitar with strong ability and a sure-footed understanding of blues-rock, is back with his fourth album. Partnered as usual with innovative and experienced … Read more
Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers
The unlikely named but suggestive Love Whip Blues is one of those albums that turn up from time to time from a modestly largely unknown source, but immediately grabs the senses … Read more
Billy Bragg & Joe Henry
Each year, early in my radio career, I did full three and five hour shows with railroad songs. It seemed so natural, and the allure of these songs just seems … Read more
