Mississippi MacDonald (Featuring Kerri Watt) – “Devil’s Chain”
YOUTUBE.COM
The man’s name is Mississippi MacDonald, but unless you checked beneath the surface, you wouldn’t know he’s an English gent. He’s got Bluesman bona fides though. And his newest single/video (“Devil’s Chain”) has a hook I just can’t get out of my head.
Dana Fuchs – Borrowed Time
DANAFUCHS.COM
Dana Fuchs completely sticks the landing on her latest album, Borrowed Time. Her raspy, Joplin-esque voice nails every tune. The album itself is much more Rock than Blues-Rock so be prepared for some velocity. But that’s okay because this is a collection of well-written songs that play like hit singles.
A Conversation With Kenny Wayne Shepherd
ONMILWAUKEE.COM
Here’s a brief interview with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, done before his recent Milwaukee concert. It shows off the thoughtful side of this artist who’s been one of the definers of modern Blues Rock. And 25+ years into his career, he’s leading by example.
Gov’t Mule – “Make It Rain” (Live)
YOUTUBE.COM
Some of you may know (at least those of you with Gov’t Mule Spring Tour tickets) that Warren Haynes fell down and went boom while on vacation. He busted his shoulder and that busted up the band’s tour schedule. But here’s a little something the band posted to tide us over. It’s the Mule covering a great Tom Waits/Kathleen Brennan tune.
Robin Trower – No More Worlds To Conquer
APPLE MUSIC
At 77, Robin Trower’s not slowing down a smidge. His guitar work is still mind-bending and it sets the emotional foundation of every song. He doesn’t sing (Richard Watts handles that) but Robin wrote and arranged every tune – played bass too. Let’s call this consciousness-expanding Blues. So get your favorite potable and dig in. (Or maybe saddle up an edible?)
Gary Moore Collection Part III Auctions Off More Of The Blues Icon’s Gear
GUITARWORLD.COM
Blues Rock guitar hero Gary Moore left behind an extensive gear haul when he passed in 2011. Much of his equipment has since been auctioned off in two previous sales, but now London auction house Bonhams has announced it will be hosting a third sale of Moore’s gear. (The last auction pulled in a cool $190,00.)
Eliza Neals – Badder To The Bone
ELIZANEALS.COM
The vocal energy on Eliza Neal’s new album is off the scale. That operatically-trained voice of hers takes no prisoners as she injects a whole lot of power and just the right amount of growl into every track. This is a strong album from a fireball of a vocalist.
Anthony Geraci – “The Blues Called My Name”
YOUTUBE.COM
New song from a new album from one of my favorite piano players on the planet, Anthony Geraci. It sounds (and looks) like a traditional Blues tune but it’s an original from Anthony. With Sugar Ray Norcia doing the vocal honors. (I knew I should have kept up those piano lessons.)
Travellin’ Blue Kings – Bending The Rules
APPLE MUSIC
Some of the best put-together, newer Blues seems to be coming out of the EU. Case in point? This new album from a Belgian group, Travellin’ Blue Kings. Let’s call this Contemporary Blues Rock for want of a better term. The playing’s tight. The tunes are all original, and it’s a real good listen.
John Lee Hooker & The Groundhogs – “Boom Boom”
YOUTUBE.COM
Something vintage from 1964. John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom.” John’s in pretty fine voice here — he was still in his 40’s. And since this was a British TV show, the audience gets as much camera time as the band. Always a hoot to see what passed for dancing in the 60’s. (Bravo dancing chef!)
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.