Ben Poole shares new single ‘Empty’ from forthcoming album ‘Post-Midnight Behaviour’
British blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Ben Poole has released his new single, ‘Empty’, the second track taken from his forthcoming studio album, Post-Midnight Behaviour. Released through Gypsy Soul Records, ‘Empty’ is available now on all major streaming platforms and is accompanied by an official lyric video. “Ben Poole strips everything back on Empty, delivering one […]
Andy Smythe – Quiet Revolution – Review
Dreaming Element Records Andy Smythe’s eighth album, Quiet Revolution, is a thoughtful and ambitious collection of songs that examines the realities of modern life through sharp observation, social commentary and richly layered arrangements. Opening track Life Of A Man immediately establishes the album’s themes. Accompanied by Kit Dellow-Jones’ trumpet and Paul Challenger’s guitar, Smythe reflects […]
Blues Matters at Brezoi 2026: artist interviews
Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi has grown into one of the most distinctive blues events in Europe, drawing major international artists and devoted music fans to a spectacular setting in the mountains of Romania. Blues Matters was there throughout the 2026 festival, with Richard Constantinidi meeting performers from Romania, the UK, Europe, Canada and the […]
Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice – Who Knows What The Future Holds – Review
MoMojo Records At 75, Greg Piccolo sounds anything but reflective or ready to slow down. On Who Knows What The Future Holds, the former Roomful of Blues saxophonist delivers a collection of songs built on rhythm and blues fundamentals, played with confidence, honesty and decades of experience. Best known for his explosive tenor saxophone work, […]
Energy – Rise From The Fall – Review
Pyramid Records The story behind Rise From The Fall is one of survival, loss and unfinished business. These songs were not written from a place of comfort. Instead, they were forged through years of setbacks, perseverance and a determination to finally complete what had been left unfinished. The emotional heart of the album lies in […]
Parker Barrow – Hold The Mash – Review
Parker Barrow’s Hold The Mash arrives with confidence, energy and a strong sense of identity. Drawing inspiration from Southern rock, blues and Americana, the Nashville-based band deliver a release that feels equally at home on a festival stage or blasting from the speakers during a long drive down an open highway. Named after the infamous […]
The Commoners release new single ‘Runnin’ Blind’ ahead of November UK tour
Canadian roots rockers The Commoners have released their brand-new single, ‘Runnin’ Blind’, offering the first taste of their forthcoming third studio album, due in 2027. Available across all major streaming platforms from Friday, 24 July, the track arrives with an official music video and gives its name to the band’s extensive UK tour this November. […]
Sortie Blues 2026 brings international line-up to Belgium
Sortie Blues returns to Herent, Belgium, on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September 2026, bringing another strong international blues, roots and Americana line-up to one of the country’s most welcoming independent festivals. Held near Leuven, the free festival has built a loyal following by pairing high-quality live music with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. What began […]
Leeann Atherton – Good God – Review
Rainstorm Records Leeann Atherton’s Good God is an album filled with conviction, warmth and purpose. The Austin-based singer-songwriter has spent years exploring the spaces between blues, country, rock, soul and Americana, but on this release she turns her focus entirely to gospel music, producing a collection that feels both natural and deeply personal. From the […]
Brezoi, Romania – July 2026 – Day 1
The atmosphere was already electric on the eve of the official opening of the Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi. This year, the pre-festival day took on a truly special dimension by hosting the highly anticipated Romanian National Blues Contest 2026. Organised by Romania Blues and brilliantly hosted by the charismatic and soulful Mama Kaz Hawkins, […]