Gov’t Mule – Heavy Load Blues
MULE.NET
Ready for a full meal? Well, Gov’t Mule is serving one up with their new album, Heavy Load Blues. It gets off to a kickin’ good start and just doesn’t stop! Great guitar, tasty organ, spot-on song choices, and, of course, Warren Hayes‘ vocals. (Trust me, you’re gonna want seconds.)
Billy F. Gibbons – “Jingle Bell Blues”
YOUTUBE.COM
‘Tis the season folks so it’s time to get ready for a sleigh-full of holiday tunes done by your favorite Bluesmen and Blueswomen. And right on cue, here’s Billy F. Gibbons with his version of “Jingle Bell Blues.” (Sounds right to me.)
Bonamassa Shatters Own Billboard Record With His 25th Number 1 Blues Album
KPVI.COM
For the 25th time in his career, two time-Grammy nominee Joe Bonamassa sits atop Billboard’s Blues Album Chart, still holding the record for more number 1 albums than any other musician on that chart. (This is Mr. B. at his best too.)
Paul Gilbert – “I Saw Three Ships”
YOUTUBE.COM
Stop me if you’ve heard this one – holiday tunes, Blues artists? So here’s Paul Gilbert doing his part to keep it all going. (That reminds me – hey Santa, please bring me a guitar like Paul’s.)
Blues Greats To Rock Gods, Paul Natkin And His Camera Have Seen Them All
CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM
The photo exhibition, titled “Wall of Blues: Photos by Paul Natkin,” lines the walls of the cafe in the handsome Logan Center on the campus of the University of Chicago. A small slice of work by one of music’s great photographers.
Eric Clapton – The Lady In The Balcony: Lockdown Sessions
APPLE MUSIC
Eric may have rubbed you the wrong way a little bit this year, but if you can set that aside, you’ll enjoy this splendid album. Recorded live, it’s just a few extraordinary musicians taking some simple songs and turning them into real ear candy.
Immersive Online Music Education Mega-Trend To Revive Live Music
NEWSWIRE.CA
Joe Bonamassa has announced the upcoming release of his first official online guitar instructional series, an interactive and immersive experience utilizing new educational technology with Joe Bonamassa Blues-Rock Masterclass and In The Jam With Joe Bonamassa to be released in November just in time for the holidays.
Keb’ Mo’ – “Lean On Me”
YOUTUBE.COM
“Lean On Me”, the new single by Keb’ Mo’, from his upcoming January album Good To Be. Says ‘Keb, “Lean On Me is probably one of the most famous songs about friendship. I wanted to record it to honor my friend, Bill Withers, who we sadly lost last year.”
Will The Guitar Boom Outlast COVID?
MUSICTRADES.COM
The COVID pandemic delivered a wholly unanticipated boost to the guitar industry, propelling it into record territory. “Lockdown” protocols that severely crimped out of home activities apparently prompted millions to take up the guitar. (Get ready, 16 million new guitar players are coming folks.)
Piedmont Bluz Acoustic Duo Live At Paste Studio
PASTE MAGAZINE
Mini Concert from the Piedmont Bluz (Valerie and Benedict Turner). They specialize in the Piedmont style of Blues. Preserving the original songs in the context of their original artists and timeframe – connecting the past to the present.
Sue Foley Talks About New Album, Book Project
SACURRENT.COM
Nice interview with Blueswoman Sue Foley. Canadian by birth, Texan by musical choice. Her new album, Pinky’s Blues, is out. And she’s getting closer to finishing her Guitar Women project/book. (It’s actually her PhD. project – wow!)
ATWB New Blues Playlist
BEVNET.COM
Got some new tunes for you this week on the ATWB New Blues Playlist. Gov’t Mule, Joe Louis Walker, Colin James, and of course Mr. Clapton and more. Check them out on Spotify — and please Follow or Share.
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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