This week it’s all about the Blues Music Award Winners…
B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year – Tommy Castro
TOMMYCASTRO.COM
Tommy Castro’s a great entertainer but his album, ‘A Bluesman Came To Town’ probably sealed the deal on this award. It’s a concept album. A complete story of a man’s musical odyssey, from his humble beginnings on the farm “Somewhere.” Through his struggles and successes on the road as a musician. And then finishing up, back where he started, a wiser and better man. It’s the Hero’s Journey of a Bluesman told in 13 song-chapters. Tommy stuck the landing on this one. [ORDER]
Album Of The Year & Contemporary Blues Album – ‘The Blues Don’t Lie’ – Buddy Guy
BUDDYGUY.NET
Here’s a double-double! Buddy Guy scored not one, but two awards for his album. Buddy surrounded himself with great guest stars, great songs, and great production on this record and you just gotta love it. The man’s forgotten more about the Blues than most of us will ever learn and it’s a joy to see him cranking out such terrific work. [ORDER]
Acoustic Blues Album – ‘Mississippi Son’ – Charlie Musselwhite
CHARLIEMUSSELWHITE.COM
This album from Charlie Musselwhite was a Blues treat. His harmonica took a backseat in favor of a stripped down guitar and vocal presentation. This record gave us a glimpse of what it was like to sit in a little club and listen (really listen) to an original Bluesman. This was Charlie’s homage to the music he cut his teeth on. (So simple it’ll never die.) [ORDER]
Blues Rock Album – ‘I Got Love’ – Albert Castiglia
ALBERTCASTAGLIA.NET
This record was 47 minutes of non-stop, in-your-face Blues Rock. Albert Castiglia put so much energy into this music, you might break a sweat just listening to it. He shreds at full speed and his rhythm section has no trouble keeping pace. This one will get you moving and keep you going. (Fitbits are optional.) [ORDER]
Soul Blues Album – ‘In Too Deep’ – Sugaray Rayford
SUGARAYRAYFORD.COM
When I first queued up this album, I was expecting it to be Rhythm & Bluesy. And it was. But it also had layers and themes that ran much deeper than usual. Sugaray Rayford’s material here is thought provoking at times and even challenging. But he keeps it positive and never loses the beat. A real nice balancing act. [ORDER]
Traditional Blues Album – ‘May Be The Last Time’ – John Németh
JOHNNEMETH.COM
Facing some serious health issues at the time, John Németh managed to record a great album. He had a lot of guest “friends” chipping in, around his harmonica and vocal work. And the result was some first-rate music that will make you smile. Traditional Blues done right. [ORDER]
And The Rest…
BLUES.ORG
All of the above albums are great, deserving winners. But there were many more winners. Too many to list here. But some of my faves were: Curtis Salgado (Soul Blues Male Artist), Shemekia Copeland (Instrumentalist – Vocals), and Anthony Geraci (Instrumentalist – Piano). Click below to check out the full list and to dig into some great Blues music. [ARTICLE]
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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