Reviews

HeavyDrunk

Just the thought of Holy Water suggests everything right. Leader Rob Robinson christened his nine-piece Nashville-based ensemble after he heard that blues luminary Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown referred to someone as … Read more

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley

Rob Ickes—his surname aptly rhyming with yikes—can make a Dobro sing his heart’s praises in any manner of style. He’s graced the recordings and shared the stage with everyone from … Read more

Lauren Anderson

Singer and songwriter Lauren Anderson grew up in Chicago and now resides in Nashville, where she’s a regular performer at the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar. Anderson’s 2017 EP … Read more

Toronzo Cannon and the Chicago Way

  When Toronzo Cannon was on Delmark, prior to his arrival at Alligator, he caught attention as a fiery guitarist, Hendrix accolade, forceful vocalist with a sharp contemporary outlook. His … Read more

The Waterboys at Webster Hall, NYC

Photos by Debra L. Rothenberg  I first saw The Waterboys around 1984, on the redeye to NYC from London. Everyone on the flight was sleeping except me and the three … Read more

The Jorgensens

“Walking in Memphis” was a full-blown religious experience for Marc Cohn, with a passionate gospel choir hanging on his every word and piano flourish as they made their way down … Read more

Wishbone Ash Live at Rockpalast 1976

Full of youthful vim and vigor, their well-honed musical chops sharper and more refined than ever, a confident Wishbone Ash arrived at Sporthalle in Cologne, Germany, on Dec. 1, 1976, … Read more

Shane Alexander

With all apologies to literary giant Oscar Wilde, the importance of being earnest is not lost on contemporary folk dream weaver Shane Alexander. Tired of directing his own vitriol squarely … Read more

Bobby Rush

Until humankind discovers the fountain of youth, we’ll have to make do with the music of Bobby Rush. On Sitting on Top of the Blues, the 85 year-old chitlin’ circuit … Read more