SARI SCHORR Never Say Never
Album Review for SARI SCHORR – Never Say Never Released on Manhaton Records One of the first things that strike the listener when playing this new album is the quality of and deft playing of the band members – keys ace Bob Fridzema, guitarist Ash Wilson, bass man Mat Beable and drummer Roy Martin. Producer […]
THE HARDCHANGERS Scarecrow
THE HARDCHARGERS Scarecrow Released by Marketsquare Music In my naivety, I did not expect to be reviewing a blues album where the principals came from Northern Ireland. More fool me as this trio have not only proved me geographically challenged but in the dunces’ corner when it comes to the genre. So far in their […]
SCOTTIE MILLER BAND Stay Above The Water
Scottie Miller is a potential Dr John understudy; he is not there yet but with his excellent songwriting, vocals, piano and mandolin skills he is not too far behind the esteemed Dr, although he has yet to acquire the menacing dark occult influences that the Dr John is so renowned for. Scottie has written all […]
SELWYN BIRCHWOOD Pick Your Poison
Already the recipient of numerous blues awards Floridian Selwyn now releases his sophomore Alligator album, his fourth overall, and a belter it is as well. Often, as you know, there can be a lot of hype in the business we call music with any number of the “next best newcomer” appearing quickly then fizzling out […]
STEVE KOZAK BAND It’s Time
One of Canada’s finest blues artists, Maple Blues Award winner Steve has been a pivotal member of the Vancouver music scene since the mid-1980s. The core band comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Kozak, Dave Webb on piano and Hammond organ, bassist Roger Brant and drummer Chris Nordquist. They are joined by special guests including the […]
SAMANTHA FISH Chills & Fever
Samantha Fish has built up a solid reputation with steady touring and a series of blues-rock albums. Last time out she explored the North Mississippi Hill Country style; this time around she has gone for a selection of soul and Rn’B tunes from the 60’s and 70’s recorded with members of The Detroit Cobras and […]
SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES Seeing Is Believing
Sugar Ray and the Bluetones – Seeing Is Believing This fine album of gut-bucket blues should please any fan of the good old electric-guitar-and-harmonica version of the genre. It’s by turns foot-stompin’ and mournful: If it breaks no new ground, neither does it disappoint. Vocalist and harpist Sugar Ray Norcia is one of several, illustrious […]
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES Terraplane
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES Terraplane. New West Records. This is Steve’s sixteenth album and he has focused solely on the blues, this decision came about whilst he was touring around Europe alone and armed with the skeletal ideas for numbers in his head; they became fully developed whilst in Nashville’s famous House of The […]
STEPHANIE MANNS Fool Like Me
STEPHANIE MANNS Fool Like Me. Independent. This Glaswegian singer/songwriter has been making waves with her brand of folk and blues-laced Americana, and I am pretty sure that this attention will only increase with the release of this excellent CD, the follow-up to 2014’s Come Closer. Her assured, sweet but powerful vocals deliver songs of love […]
STACY MITCHHART Live My Life
STACY MITCHHART Live My Life. Dr Sam Records. The talented songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist Stacy Mitchhart presents a series of twelve tracks, of largely original pieces, two instrumentals and choice covers on Live My Life. Leading on a range of guitars, lap steel, cigar box guitars, and hand percussion, this album sounds like Seasick Steve, […]