Your Blues News For 2023-03-20

Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia – ‘Blood Brothers’
APPLE MUSIC

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! (Definitely worth a listen.) [PREVIEW]

Matt Andersen – “Let It Slide”
YOUTUBE

You can tell with just one look that Matt Andersen’s a hard-working man. This tune was recorded at the Sonic Temple Recording Studio in Halifax, Nova Scotia where it can get pretty cold. But Matt’s heating it up inside with this leadoff song from his latest album (‘Big Bottle Of Joy’). Great band too. [VIDEO]

Elles Bailey – ‘Shining In The Half Light (Deluxe Edition)’
APPLE MUSIC

I haven’t seen this before. UK Blues Award winner Elles Bailey has essentially doubled-down on her 2022 album by adding 9 more songs to it. 5 are live cuts of the originals and 4 are brand new songs. She’s a terrific singer and I think this works. She’s made this record into a sumptuous meal that’s gonna satisfy a lot of fans. [PREVIEW]

“Remembering The Legacy Of Lightnin’ Hopkins: The Texas Troubadour”
YAHOO

Here’s an easy read about one of the historic Texas country Bluesmen, Lightnin’ Hopkins. He was an expressive musician with both his guitar and his voice. That served him well in intimate venues but also in the recording studio. The term “troubadour” suits him to a Texas “T.” [ARTICLE]

GA-20 – ‘Live In Loveland’
APPLE MUSIC

If you’re of a mind that the Blues is best when performed live, you’re gonna dig this new album from GA-20. Their lean sound would have fit perfectly in any of those legendary 60’s Chicago Blues clubs. But it’s absolutely contemporary. This band is on a roll. (Me likey.) [PREVIEW]

Blood Brothers – “A Thousand Heartaches”
YOUTUBE

What’s a picture of Lana Turner doing in my newsletter you ask? Well, this is just one of the many movie stars Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia used in their latest video. (‘Blood Brothers’ double-dip this week.) As the title implies, the song is about loss and the vintage movie clips tell the tale pretty well. [VIDEO]

The Cash Box Kings – ‘Oscar’s Motel’
APPLE MUSIC

Sometimes you just want to wrap yourself up in some good old Chicago Blues. And when you do, you can count on The Cash Box Kings to keep you warm and toasty. This veteran ensemble (with guest stars) is the real-deal. They’ve got that authentic sound down pat plus there’s a bonus – they remind you of just how much fun the Blues can be. [PREVIEW]

• (Out Now) Skylar Rogers – ‘Among The Insanity‘
• (Out Now) Scott Weis and Soul Krewe – ‘Sugar Shack‘
• (Out Now) Bernard Sellam & The Boyz From The Hood – ‘Feelin’ So Fine‘
• (Out Now) Peter Storm & The Blues Society – ‘Second‘
• (Out Now) Ally Venable – ‘Real Gone‘
• (03-24) Eric Bibb – ‘Ridin’‘
• (03-28) Taj Mahal – ‘Savoy‘