Joe Bonamassa proves why the Royal Albert Hall remains his spiritual home
There are some artists who simply belong at certain venues. Joe Bonamassa and Royal Albert Hall now feel inseparable. WORDS: Paul Long IMAGES: Laurence Harvey Wednesday 6th May marked Bonamassa’s fourteenth appearance at the historic London venue, a remarkable achievement for any artist, let alone one operating largely outside the mainstream music machine. For many […]
Samantha Fish releases new live single “Don’t Say It” from upcoming album Paper Doll Live
Samantha Fish has released Don’t Say It, the latest preview of her upcoming live album Paper Doll Live, due out June 12 via Rounder Records. Recorded at the historic Bijou Theatre, the album captures Fish in her natural environment: onstage, loud, loose and fully locked into the moment. Backed by a fired-up band and joined […]
Joanne Shaw Taylor announces new album The Trouble With Love and shares emotional new single
Joanne Shaw Taylor has announced her new studio album The Trouble With Love, due for release on October 23 via Journeyman Records. Alongside the announcement, the British blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter has released the album’s latest single, This Is Who I Am, a heartfelt reinterpretation of the Celeste track originally featured in the TV thriller […]
Blues Music Awards 2026 winners crowned in Memphis
The Blues Music Awards returned to Memphis for another celebration of the artists, albums and musicians shaping today’s blues scene, with major honours going to Ronnie Baker Brooks, D.K. Harrell and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Hosted by The Blues Foundation, the annual awards recognise excellence across the blues world, spanning traditional blues, soul blues, blues-rock and […]
Laura Cox powers through disrupted Edinburgh show at Voodoo Rooms
A late start did little to derail Laura Cox’s Edinburgh show at The Voodoo Rooms, with the French guitarist delivering a tight, high energy set once things got underway. The evening began with a brief evacuation after a fire alarm interrupted proceedings, pushing the schedule back and leaving a packed room waiting to get back […]
Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 2026 returns with 110 shows across the city
The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival returns from 17 to 26 July 2026, bringing more than 110 concerts to venues across the city. Founded in 1978, the festival has grown into one of the largest and most respected jazz and blues events in Europe, and remains a key part of Edinburgh’s reputation as one of […]
Chris O’Leary announces new album Blue Collar and releases single Bad Decisions
Blues vocalist and harmonica player Chris O’Leary has announced his new album Blue Collar, set for release on July 10, 2026 via Alligator Records, alongside the first single Bad Decisions. The track arrives with a new video and offers an early look at an album built from real experience, sharp writing and a lifetime spent […]
Altered Five frontman Jeff Taylor dies aged 64
Jeff Taylor, singer and frontman of the Altered Five Blues Band, has died aged 64. Taylor passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 30, 2026, at his home in West Allis, Wisconsin. The news was confirmed by Blind Pig Records and the band. A founding member of Altered Five, Taylor helped form the Milwaukee […]
Taj Mahal releases new album Time featuring lost Bill Withers song
Blues and roots legend Taj Mahal has released his new album Time, available now via Resonatin’ Records / Thirty Tigers. The record arrives as both a reflection on a career spanning more than six decades and a clear statement that Mahal remains fully engaged creatively. Blending blues, soul, folk, reggae and global influences, Time continues […]
Carmen Ratti Band find strength in subtle soul-blues on Come To Me
There is a quiet confidence running through the Carmen Ratti Band’s latest release, one that never feels the need to shout for attention. Recorded at Greaseland Studios under the guidance of producer Kid Andersen, Come To Me finds its strength in subtlety, sitting comfortably where soul, blues and modern R&B meet. It is a record […]
