So this is a running list for the year. As I discover a new one, it will get added here. Seems easier.
You know, it’s big fun for me to find albums that make my head turn. Believe me! I listen to many during the week and I’m a pretty tough audience. But when I hit on one that really resonates?
It’s glorious.
Out of all the albums I’ve enjoyed this year, these are the ones that moved me the most. They sit just a notch above the others. They’re the records that end up in my permanent rotation.
Now remember, I don’t claim these as the “Best” Blues albums of the year – I’m not a big fan of those kinds of lists and I would never claim the expertise to put one of them together. But these are the records that made me sit up and take notice. The albums I played once and then had to play again. Albums I feel are definitely worth a listen!
Maybe you will too.
Note!…they’re listed in Newest-to-Oldest (release-date) order.
Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia – ‘Blood Brothers: Live In Canada’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-11-20)
This is hot – like 4-alarm fire hot! It’s the Blood Brothers (Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia) coming at you with a live set that’s just spilling over with heat and energy. It’s impossible to sit still and listen to this record. And man, everyone was “on” when they recorded this performance. The band, the crowd, and especially the Brothers. Their guitars must still be smoking.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – ‘Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-11-20)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is one Blues-Rocker at the top of his game. This new album is people’s exhibit #1. He’s written some great songs for this record. He’s also split lead vocals with longtime bandmate Noah Hunt which gives the album an interesting feel. And of course Kenny always makes room for those razor-sharp guitar skills of his. Great album.
Joe Bonamassa – ‘Blues Deluxe Vol. 2’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-10-06)
20 years ago ‘Blues Deluxe’ was the album that Joe Bonamassa said, “taught me to always trust your gut and bet on yourself.” That bet paid dividends – for Joe and for us too. This new album is a celebration of the Blues and proves again that he’s one of the absolute cornerstones of contemporary Blues. It’s insanely satisfying.
Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind – ‘Behind The Veil’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-09-29)
Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind’s new album is a beaut! Jason’s harmonica work is wickedly good (gold-standard stuff) and his band has no trouble keeping up. He’s put together a great selection of tunes that show off everyone’s talents too. The variety and virtuosity here are impressive. Every spin yields something new.
Robert Jon & The Wreck – ‘Ride Into The Light’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-08-07)
Not a Blues album per se, but Robert Jon & The Wreck’s latest record is just too damn good to pass up. Is there another band out there that can stack 8 great, original tunes together into one album? Like this? I’m scratching my head right now. This is Southern (California) Rock at its primo best folks! And this band’s “up-and-coming” days are over – they’ve arrived.
Ghost Hounds – ‘First Last Time’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-07-31)
Some bands are just so good musically they can bend & blend genres at will. Ghost Hounds is definitely one of those bands. They write and rock songs that could find their way onto several different charts. This album is a gem and a muscle-flex of great Blues-Rockin’ goodness. I bet you won’t spin it just once.
Ole Lonesome – ‘Tejas Motel’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-07-17)
When I first read the band’s name (Ole Lonesome) I thought, “gotta be from Texas.” Well, I got that one right. And the band’s debut album on Gulf Coast Records get’s it right too. It’s band-written original material and all of the tunes snap together seamlessly. This is a full meal of weighty Blues-Rock.
Vintage Trouble – ‘Heavy Hymnal’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-06-23)
Musical spontaneous combustion! This record by Vintage Trouble goes BANG from the get-go and sizzles the whole way through. Not straight Blues, but that influence is here, along with several others, all balanced just right. The content, the pacing, the musicianship – it’s all there. I think this one’s a stunner.
Eric Clapton – ‘The Definitive 24 Nights (Live)’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-06-23)
Imagine over 5 hours of Eric Clapton’s live music culled from 24 historic Albert Hall performances. Now imagine it remixed and remastered into multiple CDs as well as a 2-hour theatrical film. That’s what we have here. A prodigious achievement that crowns a monumental career. (A collector’s item if there ever was one.)
Govt’ Mule – ‘Peace…Like A River’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-06-16)
Gov’t Mule hits it out of the park on this new album. There are 12, mostly extended cuts, of delicious music here. And not a single note or beat out of place. It’s Mule at their Jamming, Progressive, Southern Blues-Rocky best. This is what a world-class band sounds like folks! Suffice it to say, I found this record compelling.
Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton – ‘Death Wish Blues’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-05-19)
As collaborations go, the Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton version hits big! Their 12-tune album starts out hot and bakes and cooks its way to the end. I found myself thinking that every one of these tunes would be terrific in a live show. So many influences – balanced so well. One-plus-one equals a whole lot more than two on this record.
Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia – ‘Blood Brothers’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-03-17)
Of course the guitars on this Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia joint effort soar. That’s expected – especially since the record was produced by Josh Smith and Joe Bonamassa. But their vocals and song selection match right up. No weak spots here. These guys should hang out together more often!
Marc Broussard – ‘SOS 4 Blues For Your Soul’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-03-03)
I’ve been waiting for this one. Marc Broussard is one of my faves and he’s got a voice that can make any lyric his own. And he nailed it here. This is an album of covers (all but one) made famous by other artists – from Howlin’ Wolf to Lou Rawls. A wide range, but Marc can handle it. These songs belong to him now.
Dyer Davis – ‘Dog Bites Back’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-02-17)
Here’s a debut album that will make your head snap around when you hear it. It’s 23 year-old Dyer Davis with a record that belies his age. Lots of guest stars, but Dyer is the absolute central talent here. Blues-Rock to a little Soul, it sounds like he can do it all. He’s got the voice, the guitar, and the songs too. I couldn’t listen to this record just once!
The Stumble – ‘The Deal’
APPLE MUSIC (2023-01-14)
The Stumble is a six-piece UK band that can muscle their way through anything! With a lead singer most bands would kill for (Paul Melville) and slayers on every other instrument, this band kicks butt on this album. They’re supposed to be a great live act and you can just tell it’s true when you hear this record.
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
Download this FREE Blues Resource Guide and keep up with everything that's going on in the world of Blues Music.