Hey there. It’s always nice to discover an interesting artist you didn’t know about. That’s what happened to me this week when I tripped over Lauren Anderson’s new album, Love On The Rocks.
Lauren’s getting a reputation as a “genre-bending” singer. Which is music-speak for “she can sing just about anything.” And when you listen to this album (her 2nd full-length effort) you’ll see how true that is.
She’s got a mean set of pipes. So she can cover everything from an a cappella Gospel tune to a soaring Rock number. All with a Bluesy feel too.
Love On The Rocks is her most complete work to date. The songs (her own compositions) fit together neatly. And this self-released album has a musical variety to it that shows off Lauren’s strength and range. I think this is a hit.
I hadn’t really heard about Lauren before the week began. But I guess good fortune favors the curious. So I know about her now. Good deal.
Online Corner
Photo by Avi Richards on Unsplash
While boxing the Internet compass this week I found some things of interest.
Joanne Shaw Taylor is getting my interest piqued about her upcoming Joe Bonamassa-produced album. The saga of Muddy Waters’ home-to-museum project inches along like a snail. And Tito Jackson told me some things I didn’t know.
It’s good to be an Internet sea dog.
Videos
- Joanne Shaw Taylor: She’s singing from the heart on “Let Me Down Easy” – from her upcoming album, The Blues Album
- Seth Lee Jones: Looks like just a regular morning for Seth. Breakfast, guitar, and tunes – all on “Tulsa Time.”
- Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps: In a small club setting. Singing about love, in “It Takes One To Know One.”
- Sari Shorr: Her version of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a little haunting. (Especially with her lyric update.)
Articles
- Muddy Waters: His Chicago home has been assigned “Protected Status.” That’s one step closer to becoming a city landmark.
- Tito Jackson: Some insights into Tito’s new music and his early Jackson 5 days. (Some things you may not have know.)
Podcasts/Livestreams
- Blues Kitchen Radio: Liam and Gaz wax on about live shows. And hit their usual mark on eclectic stories and tunes.
New Blues Albums
Some interesting additions this week.
Lauren Anderson impresses with a real “zero-to-sixty” type voice. Tito Jackson surprises with a layered album filled with so many great arrangements. And EG Kight reminds us all of just what solid Blues sounds like.
Out Now
- Lauren Anderson: Love On The Rocks …Prepare yourself. Lauren’s voice will hit you like a double-shot expresso.
- Tito Jackson: Under Your Spell …Bluesy with a touch of Pop-Soul. Tito called in some great guest stars too.
- EG Kight: The Trio Sessions …A really solid Blues album. Plenty of acoustic guitar and harmonies.
- Artur Menezes: Jam In The Van …A short 4-Song live EP that shows off the Brasilian’s guitar shredding skills.
- Malcolm Wells And The Two-Timers: Hollerin’ Out Loud …Debut album here. And Malcolm can lean into that harp.
Coming Soon
- GA-20: Try It…You Might Like It (Aug 20th)
- Johnny Tucker: 75 And Alive (Aug 20th)
- Robben Ford: Pure (Aug 27th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
New Tunes Alert!
I’ve added 10 new Blues tunes to the ATWB: New Blues Playlist for this week.
I got some GA-20, a bit of Tito Jackson, a touch of EG Kight, a couple from Lauren Anderson, and a melancholy little ballad from Joanne Shaw Taylor.
It’s the perfect little playlist to enjoy while you’re sipping your favorite $7 morning-mocha at your local caffeine retailer.
You can spin them on Spotify — and please Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Beth Hart
Ahh..the great Beth Hart. (sigh.)
Singing “Baddest Blues” from her Bang Bang Boom Boom album.
Here she is in 2013, using that electric-dynamo voice of hers to belt out (as she puts it) some “old-school style heartbreak.”
Nailed It!
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!
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