Arlo Guthrie‘s “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” has become a Thanksgiving tradition on radio like The Macy’s Day parade is on TV. Arlo changed the paradigm of late ’60s folk music with the song. A lifelong resident of western Massachusetts, Arlo is the son of folk music icon Woody Guthrie of “This Land Is Your Land” fame, … Read more
Blues and rock fans across Europe will be anticipating with relish the premiere of this heart-rending, inspirational album comprising eight self-penned tracks and an original version of a famous Scottish tune. Cover by Rob Blackham from Blackham Images 105 is the fifth studio album from Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band and will undoubtedly be … Read more
The blues runs deeply through the veins of singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Ruth Lyon and also within the themes of her original songs. Whilst the musical structures are not traditional blues, they are perfect platforms for her intense emotions and reflections in this latest recording, Direct Debit To Vogue. The title refers to Lyon’s reluctance … Read more
Craft Recordings celebrates the 60th anniversary of John Lee Hooker’s electrifying blues album, Burnin’, with several special reissues. Set for release on February 24, 2023, and available for pre-order today, the album includes the original recording of Hooker’s highly-influential signature hit, “Boom Boom,” and features members of the legendary Funk Brothers (Motown Records’ celebrated house … Read more
The context for this debut premiere of Bounty is significant. As Scotland’s singer and songwriter Liz Jones explains:The album was produced by myself and Jennifer Clark, starting from the basis of simple voice and acoustic guitar performances, but many musicians have later added contributions and many of the songs are richly layered. This is Jen’s … Read more
Normally, Windy City Wednesday shines a light on Chicago’s classic blues albums of the past. Portrait is a new(ish) album from Muddy Waters’ eldest son, Mud Morganfieldreleased just last week via Delmark Records. The lowdown is that most of the songs on Portrait were previously released by Morganfield on his album, Son of the Seventh … Read more
Orkney is a stunning archipelago situated off the north coast of Scotland which is rich in ancient history, culture and magnificent, wild scenery. The main island hosts the popular annual Orkney Blues Festival which makes it the most northerly event of its kind in the United Kingdom but attracts musicians nationally and from across the … Read more
“We didn’t try to be punk; we tried not to be, but fell miserably!” I guess you could say the combination of the blues and punk The Senders crafted so consummately was a happy accident. French frontman Phil Marcade And his band were just trying to play blues-based songs as well as they could, and … Read more
November 11 is Veterans Day, a day set aside to remember those who served their country in the armed forces. And rightfully so. These men and women devoted a part of their lives – and often put their lives in harm’s way – to protect the values we hold dear. Music and history are two … Read more
Throughout history countless women have given the blues a unique stamp, and fought their way to the front of the testosterone-saturated genre, oftentimes with little praise. Here are 12 of those women. These blueswomen paved the way for the musicians of today, or currently carry on the torch, while most likely intimidating the living hell … Read more