Peter Parcek – Most of the Time – Review
Lightnin Records Peter Parcek has been a mainstay of the New England blues scene for many years, but he is now producing some of the finest recorded music of his career. Most of the Time, the follow-up to 2020’s Mississippi Suitcase, continues the journey begun on that release. Parceck is a tasteful guitarist whose deeply […]
Misty Blues Band – Still Ticking – Review
Guitar One Records There is a particular kind of musical confidence that comes only with experience. It is the ability to stretch without losing focus, experiment without sacrificing soul, and make complex arrangements sound effortless. Misty Blues display that quality throughout Still Ticking. The band’s eighteenth album continues their exploration of the space where blues, […]
Kevin Burt – This Trip – Review
Gulf Coast Records Kevin Burt has never relied on studio polish or elaborate arrangements to make an emotional connection, and This Trip shows why restraint can be so powerful. This deeply personal collection strips the music back to its essentials, placing Burt’s voice, acoustic guitar and harmonica at the centre. Across eleven songs, he draws […]
Janet Devlin, 21 Soho (London) – gig review
Is anybody ready for raunchy Country Rock with an aftertaste of saucy Americana flavours? Janet Devlin and her cross gender demographic of devoted fans are. They sold out this cosy club situated to the rear of what was the legendary and much missed Astoria venue. Devlin is a veteran of the country circuit since appearing in […]
Brigitte Purdy – Mother of the Crossroads
DirtShack Records Brigitte Purdy blends blues, rock, soul, gospel and Americana on Mother of the Crossroads, creating a compact but energetic album that showcases both her commanding vocals and the strong musicianship surrounding her. Produced by Dave Osti, who also plays most of the instruments, the album opens with Sugar Fried Candy, a driving blues-rock […]
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 […]