Carolyn Wonderland — ‘Truth Is” — Alligator Records

The truth is, Carolyn Wonderland is a powerful vocalist, plays electrifying guitar and writes bright, intense lyrics.

And she’s brought all those skills together again for another fine album, the musically eclectic “Truth Is.” Wonderland has been plying her blues trade and recording since 2001 and is just a few years removed from her coveted stint as lead guitarist for British bluesman John Mayall and The Blues Breakers — a spot that has solidified her standing in the upper ranks of blues guitarists, and a spot previously occupied by Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Peter Green, Coco Montoya, and Walter Trout.

Wonderland’s last album, “Tempting Fate,” won the Austin Music Award for Best Blues Artists and Best Guitarist, and she was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame. She has also been nominated for a Blues Music Award three times.

All of which has led to her second album for blues-centric Alligator Records (her 13th overall), showing off her skills on guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, trumpet and piano. Bassist Naj Conklin and drummer Giovanni Carnuccio join a seeming cast of thousands here for ten original tracks and two covers. The music reflects Wonderland’s penchant for exploring music that ranges beyond traditional blues boundaries, and also gives her songwriting skills room to roam.

Wonderland explains: “I’m kind of a weirdo. I have kind of a genre-less approach. So, it never would have occurred to me that I would be good enough for Alligator or that I would be their kind of thing. So, I was really excited,” she says in interview on American Blues Scene.

The opener, “Sooner or Later,” is example of that genre-bending, as Wonderland’s lap steel dances to a countrified psychedelia, with her vocals carrying their own down-home twang. Producer Dave Alvin is featured on guitar (he also produced “Tempting Fate”). Marcia Ball and Ruthie Foster lend backup vocals on the following tracks — “I Ain’t Going Back Again” and the rocking “Truth Is,” explained in the lyric: “Truth is right there in the very air we breathe. So why is it so hard to believe it.”

“Let’s Play a Game” is a smooth, almost dreamy message: “We’ve marched to the capitols. We’ve sang in the holler. Dined with the kings. And lo, Lord, how hard we’ve tried but peace without justice that’s just freedom denied.” The bluesy, easy-swinging “Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard Again” has a distinctive roadhouse flair with Cindy Cashdollar on lap steel and honky-tonk piano from Red Young, plus some concluding Wonderland whistling. “It Should Take” leans toward a bright New Orleans rhythm.

“Wishful Thinking” is the first cover, from Greg Wood and Eddie Hawkins, a gently flowing ballad, with a universal thought: “I wish that everything that ever fell apart could come back together again exploding backwards into perfection but that’s just wishful thinking.”

“Orange Juice Blues” by The Band’s Richard Manuel is a standout track, a fearsome blues riding Wonderland’s guitar and Cindy Cashdollar’s lap steel leads, Shelley King’s acoustic guitar, Young’s B3, Balls’s piano and King on backup harmony. It’s a roughhouse gem of a song, mined from all the rest that glitters here.

“Tattoos as His Talisman,” with Wonderland’s vocals and Alvin’s guitar soaring, is a tough ode to an illustrated man. “Flowers In Bloom” coaxes a slow-dance melody and aching vocals from Wonderland, haunted by a relationship. “Deepest Ocean Blue” floats in on Latin rhythms and leads into the closing deep blue passion of “Blues for Gene,” a tribute to pianist Gene Taylor, a friend of Wonderland’s, who played with the James Harman Band, toured with Canned Heat and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. The song emotionally explains his death during the 2022 power failure amid frigid weather in Texas in 2022. Henri Herbert wraps up his gorgeous piano work here with a raucous boogie-woogie climax. It’s a powerful song, lyrically and musically.

Carolyn Wonderland’s “Truth Is” more than lives up to its title. It’s her musical truth, offered with a splendid rawness and emotion, a passionate exploration of her musical sensibilities and musical skills. Honest. It is.

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Here’s an interview with Carolyn Wonderland in Rock & Blues Muse.

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Here’s “Sooner Or Later” from the album:

Tracklist and credits:

1. Sooner Or Later 4:13
(Carolyn Wonderland, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP)
2. I Ain’t Going Back 2:54
(Carolyn Wonderland, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP)
3. Truth Is 3:39
(Carolyn Wonderland, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP)
4. Let’s Play A Game 4:00
(Carolyn Wonderland, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP)
5. Whistlin’ Past The Graveyard Again 4:00
(Carolyn Wonderland & Dave Alvin, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP / Blue Horn Toad Music admin. by BMG Bumblebee, BMI)
6. It Should Take 2:25
(Carolyn Wonderland, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP)
7. Wishful Thinking 4:16
(Greg Wood & Eddie Hawkins, Chump Salvage Music, BMI / Muscience Music, ASCAP)
8. Orange Juice Blues 3:37
(Richard Manuel, Universal Tunes, a division of Songs of Universal, BMI)
9. Tattoos As His Talisman 3:29
(Carolyn Wonderland & Dave Alvin, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP / Blue Horn Toad Music admin. by BMG Bumblebee, BMI)
10. Flowers In Bloom 4:26
(Carolyn Wonderland, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP)
11. Deepest Ocean Blue 3:52
(Carolyn Wonderland, Shelley King, Naj Conklin & Giovanni Carnuccio III, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP / Lucky Monday Music, ASCAP / Naj Conklin, BMI / Tyrannoscore, ASCAP)
12. Blues For Gene 6:40
(Carolyn Wonderland & Dave Alvin, Wonder Chicken Publ., admin. by Drive Music Publ., ASCAP / Blue Horn Toad Music admin. by BMG Bumblebee, BMI)

Carolyn Wonderland Electric Guitar, Lap Steel, Vocals, Whistling
Naj Conklin Electric and Upright Bass
Giovanni “Nooch” Carnuccio Drums, Percussion (2,3,6,7)
with
Shelley King Harmony Vocals (2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11), Acoustic Guitar (4,5,7,8,9,11), ”Pop” (10)
Dave Alvin Electric Guitar (1,8,9,12)
Red Young B3 Organ (1,2,3,4,8,10,11), Piano (5,10,11)
Bukka Allen Piano (1,7), B3 Organ (7,9)
Kevin Lance Percussion (1,11)
Ruthie Foster Vocals (2,3)
Marcia Ball Vocals (2,3,8), Piano (8)
Cindy Cashdollar Lap Steel Guitar (5,8)
Henri Herbert Piano (6,12)
Stuart Sullivan Percussion (7)

Produced by Dave Alvin
Recorded and Mixed by Stuart Sullivan at Wire Recording at Point West, Austin, TX
Additional Engineers:Drew Potter and  Pete Caponi
Mastered by Collin Jordan and Bruce Iglauer at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL
Photos by Mary Keating Bruton, MKB Photography
Packaging Design by Kevin Niemiec
Hair and Makeup by Brandi Cowley
Stylist: Cheryl G Smith, Wardrobe Matters

This album is dedicated to the memories of two musicians who changed me for the better, and whom I miss dearly, John Mayall and Gene Taylor. May you find yourself in their music.

Brandon Santini — “Which Way Do We Go” — MoMojo Records

If there ever was an artist whose talents were accurately reflected in the name of his record label, it would be Brandon Santini and MoMojo Records.

Santini’s deeply rich vocals, ethereal harp playing and magical songwriting are as mysterious as they are spiritual — in other words, filled with his personal mojo.

His latest album, “Which Way Do We Go?” is filled with that mojo — it’s a powerful emotional statement issued in a soulful contemporary blues format. And it’s filled with Santini’s original lyricism — his name is on every song.

Recording in Memphis mainly with his touring band and musical sidekick/producer Jeff Jensen, Santini makes a prescient opening statement in the stark question of the first song and title track, laid down to a visceral harp-laced soundtrack: “The world keeps turning with or without us…I want to know brothers and sisters which way do we go?” Its anthemic statement marched headlong into the music that follows.

“The War Ain’t Over One,” sung as though from deep in another dimension, deals with seemingly endless personal struggles amid searing guitar riffs. “See That Pony” is a frisky blues trot with galloping harp.
“Ain’t Turning Back” is a slow blues seared in grease and served as soul food. ” A Southern-blues anthem of defiance and survival. A slow-burning soul-blues tune that makes you feel every mile of the road behind you.

“Do What Comes Naturally” is introduced by a piercing harp, followed by a throbbing groove. “Mile After Mile” rides a looping beat along a never-ending journey: “Mind gets worried and my feet get tired / it’s a never ending journey, but one worthwhile.”

“Working on a Mystery” rocks hard and fast, chasing an inexplicably just-out-of-reach woman: “I’m working on a mystery that I can’t seem to understand.” “Trouble Stay Away” is a fast-paced blues warning “trouble” to watch its step. “Blues So Bad” starts out as a gentle acoustic blues, then turns tough enough. “Baby’s Got Soul” is self-explanatory, with a driving beat, leaning nicely into the closer, the sassy, “She Got the Way,” about a groovy kid of woman: “Looking in the mirror while you comb your hair, she comes dancin’ in her underwear…”

Brandon Santini’s “Which Way Do We Go?” is a passionate statement that jumps out from the blues and races headlong into a soulful stew laced with world-wise vocals, swampy harp-led musicality and lyrics that have a magical mystery tour flair. Enjoy it soon and often.

But here’s how Santini explains it:
“It felt great to return to my former hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, to record with my touring band and longtime musical comrade and friend, Jeff Jensen. These deeply personal songs were written during the pandemic and its aftermath, and the album features the raw power that this band takes with them wherever we go. This is a moment of reckoning. If we don’t find our way with love and compassion, I fear what lies ahead.”

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Here’s a recent interview with Brandon Santini from Michael Limnios at Blues GR

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Here’s the title track, “Which Way Do We Go?”

Tracklist and credits:
Which Way Do We Go? (Santini) 4:112.
The War Ain’t Over (Santini) 4:023.
See That Pony (Santini, Jensen) 3:074.
Ain’t Turning Back (Santini) 4:235.
Do What Comes Naturally (Santini) 4:246.
Mile After Mile (Santini, Jensen) 4:407.
Working on a Mystery (Santini, Arthur) 2:438.
Trouble Stay Away (Santini) 3:079.
Blues So Bad (Santini) 3:5710.
Baby’s Got Soul (Santini) 4:5611.
She Got the Way (Santini) 3:00

Recorded August & December 2024 at High/Low Recording in Memphis,TN
Produced by: Jeff Jensen Mixed by: Pete Matthews & Toby Vest
Engineered by: Toby Vest, Pete Matthews, & Ron James
Mastered by: Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters

Personnel:
Brandon Santini-Lead Vocals, Harmonicas, Electric Rhythm Guitar (track #2),Hand Claps
Timo Arthur-Electric Guitar (except track #6), Acoustic Guitar (track #9), Hand Claps
Jeff Jensen-Electric Guitar (tracks #1, 6, 7), Acoustic Guitar (track #7), Backing Vocals (track#1), Hand Claps
Cliff Moore-Bass, Hand claps
Ron James-Drums, Percussion, Hand Claps
Jesse James Davis-Backing Vocals (tracks #1, 2, 4, 7

Tad Robinson — “Soul in Blue” — Delmark Records

Grits may very well be groceries, according to Little Willie John, but they are also one of the primary ingredients in that nourishment for the soul served up as sweet soul music.

That thought came to mind while I was listening to soulman Tad Robinson’s latest album, the effervescent “Soul in Blue.” On these ten smartly crafted tracks, Robinson digs deep with passionately gritty vocals, shouting, moaning and caressing his blues. It’s exactly that grit that makes it all work — Robinson’s voice is smoky, well-aged whiskey, smooth and sharp as the song demands, with an occasional shot of spine-tingling falsetto.

And the demands here are simple: Rip the musical pain from his soul and pour it into yours.

It all begins with the original “Keep It in the Vault,” as Robinson’s harp-fueled intro eases into a slow rocking blues that sets the stage for what follows. What’s next is an achingly mournful lost-love ballad, also original, “Out of Sight Out of Mind,” and a tearful vocal turn on the melancholy tale.

“Somewhere There’s a Train” rolls in with a more optimistic song, waiting for his lady to get their plans on track, highlighted by a hopeful Roosevelt Purifoy Jr. organ solo. “(I’m) Down to My Last Heartbreak,” a Wilson Pickett chestnut, adds a little funk to Robinson’s soulful cover. “Deeper Than You Think” is another gentle ballad, powered by a silky smooth vocal, a majestic Purifoy organ break, building into a breathtaking falsetto finale. “It’s Private Tonight,” by prolific songwriter Arthur Adams, is another slow-driving soul-blues full of heartache and longing: “I don’t wanna hold nobody but my baby tonight.”

“Keep You Heart Open for Love” opens with funky backbeat, sharp guitar and a message summed up by its title. “Up in the Air” adds a restless harp intro and solo to this upbeat original: “Everything made is up in the air except for you and me.”

“Forgive and Forget” is a gritty pleading for forgiveness: “If you decide to come back home, I’ll be waiting there for you …. love me baby like I love you.” The original closer, “This Time,” is another gorgeous ballad, filled with sensuous anticipation of a new love, swept along on a beautiful melody amidst a tapestry of backup vocals.

Tad Robinson is not a newcomer. He recorded for Delmark in the 1990s, became a regular on the blues circuit in the U.S. and in Europe, and has collected two W.C. Handy Award nominations and eight Blues Music Award nominations. It’s been six years since Robinson’s Blues Music Award-nominated “Real Street,” and the “Soul in Blue” is waiting in the wings as another award-quality session.

It’s a tribute to Robinson’s personal and musical grit that he’s still pouring music from his soul into ours. And that makes “Soul in Blue” some of the tastiest soul food groceries on your plate.

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Here’s an interview with Tad Robinson by Michael Limnios of Blues GR

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Here’s “Keep Your Heart Open for Love”

Tracks and credits:
➊ KEEP IT IN THE VAULT 4:47
Tad Robinson (Robinworks Music, BMI)
➋ OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF MIND 5:14
Tad Robinson, John P. Bean, Alberto Marsico
(Robinworks Music, BMI; Quarter Sawn Music, ASCAP)
➌ SOMEWHERE THERE’S A TRAIN 3:52
Tad Robinson, Alberto Marsico (Robinworks Music, BMI)
➍ (I’M) DOWN TO MY LAST HEARTBREAK 3:49
Di Fosco T. Ervin Jr. , James B. Willingham Jr.
(Screen Gems – EMI Music, BMI)
➎ DEEPER THAN YOU THINK 4:56
Steve Gomes, Tad Robinson, Kevin Anker (Gomesong Music, BMI)
➏ IT’S PRIVATE TONIGHT 4:07
Adams, Arthur K. (Stone Agate Music, BMI)
➐ KEEP YOUR HEART OPEN FOR LOVE 4:39
Tad Robinson (Robinworks Music, BMI)
➑ UP IN THE AIR 3:07
Tad Robinson, Steve Gomes
(Robinworks Music, BMI; Gomesong Music, BMI)
➒ FORGIVE AND FORGET 4:02
Tad Robinson (Robinworks Music, BMI)
➓ THIS TIME 3:51
Tad Robinson (Robinworks Music, BMI)

TAD ROBINSON vocals and harmonica (ALL TRACKS)
KEVIN ANKER keyboards (1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10)
PAUL HOLDMAN guitar (1, 2, 5, 8, 9)
BRIAN YARDE drums (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9)
DAVID MURRAY bass (1, 9)
THE DELMARK ALL-STARS
ROOSEVELT PURIFOY JR. organ (4, 6, 7, 10)
POOKY STYX drums (4, 6, 7, 10)
LARRY WILLIAMS bass (4, 6, 7, 10)
CARLOS SHOWERS guitar (4, 6, 10)
MIKE WHEELER guitar (4, 6, 10)
SPECIAL GUESTS
ALBERTO MARSICO keyboards (2, 3)
STEVE GOMES bass (5, 8)
DAVE SPECTER guitar (7)
ALEX SCHULTZ guitar, bass (3)
TOMI LEINO lead guitar (1)
CHRIS VITARELLO rhythm guitar (2)
MARK BUSELLI trumpet (5)
RICH COHEN tenor saxophone (5)
BRANDON MEEKS bass (2)
GERALDO DE OLIVEIRA congas (10)
DEVIN B. THOMPSON background vocals (2)
LORIE SMITH background vocals (2)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCTION AND SUPERVISION: Julia A. Miller AND Elbio Barilari

The venerable blues magazine Living Blues has opened the voting for its 2025 Living Blues Awards readers’ poll in its latest edition. (There’s also a critics poll.) Go here to vote for the best of 2025. Just for fun, here are the winners from last year.

Here’s a list of Living Blues Award nominees for musical categories (There’s an additional category for blues books.)

Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard)

• Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
• Roosevelt Purifoy
• Victor Wainwright
• Eden Brent
• Marcia Ball
• Anthony Geraci
• Ben Levin
• Mitch Woods
• Dave Keyes
• Bruce Katz

Best Blues Album of 2024 (New Recordings)

• Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne: Ooh Yeah!
• Sue Foley: One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar 
• Eric Bibb: In the Real World 
• Rick Estrin and the Nightcats: The Hits Keep Coming
• Shemekia Copeland: Blame It on Eve
• John Primer & Bob Corritore: Crawlin’ Kingsnake
• Cedric Burnside: Hill Country Love
• Benny Turner: BT
• The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra Featuring Willy Jordan: What Are You Waiting For?
• Ronnie Baker Brooks: Blues in My DNA
• Jerron Paxton: Things Done Changed
• Chris O’Leary: The Hard Line
• Jontavious Willis: West Georgia Blues
• Zac Harmon: Floreada’s Boy
• Guy Davis: The Legend of Sugarbelly
• Toronzo Cannon: Shut Up & Play!
• Sugaray Rayford: Human Decency
• Tinsley Ellis: Alligator Records

Blues Artist of the Year (Female)

• Sue Foley 
• Rory Block
• Shemekia Copeland
• Irma Thomas
• Kat Riggins
• Rhiannon Giddens
• Candice Ivory
• Anne Harris
• Anna Popović
• Vanessa Collier

Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar)

• Sue Foley (Ottawa)
• Duke Robillard
• Eric Bibb
• Lurrie Bell
• Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
• Toronzo Cannon
• John Primer
• Ronnie Baker Brooks
• Mr. Sipp
• Jimmy “Duck” Holmes

Blues Band of the Year

• The Blackburn Brothers 
• Southern Avenue
• The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
• Altered Five Blues Band
• Chicago Blues Lifters
• Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band
• The Phantom Blues Band
• Mississippi Heat
• The Bo-Keys
• The Nighthawks

Blues Artist of the Year (Male)

• Eric Bibb
• Taj Mahal
• Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
• Bobby Rush
• Mr. Sipp
• Bob Corritore
• Ronnie Baker Brooks
• John Primer
• Cedric Burnside
• Rick Estrin

Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica)

• Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds)
• Billy Branch
• Bob Corritore
• Big Harp George
• Mark Hummel
• Brandon Santini
• Charlie Musselwhite
• Rick Estrin
• Jason Ricci
• Omar Coleman

Most Outstanding Blues Singer

• Shemekia Copeland
• Valerie June
• Sugaray Rayford
• Mavis Staples
• Diunna Greenleaf
• Oscar Wilson
• John Németh
• Alabama Mike
• William Bell
• Jerron Paxton

Best Live Performer

• Bobby Rush
• Shemekia Copeland
• Rick Estrin
• Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
• Cedric Burnside
• John Primer
• Mr. Sipp
• Southern Avenue
• Ronnie Baker Brooks
• Anne Harris

Best Blues Album of 2024 (Reissue Recordings)

• Pat Hare: I’m Gonna Murder My Baby: In Session, 1952–1960
• B.B. King: Live in Japan
• John Lee Hooker: Burning Hell
• Various Artists: I’m Glad About It: The Legacy of Gospel Music in Louisville, 1958–1981
• Various Artists: Home of the Blues (Don’t Stop Lovin’ Me): The Lost Masters Vol. 1, 1960–1962
• Roy Brown: Rocks
• T-Bone Walker: T-Bone Blues
• Skip James: Today!
• Albert King: Live Wire / Blues Power
• Ray Charles: Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

Various Artists — ‘‘Jus’ Blues 25th Anniversary Legends Collection” — Jus’ Blues Records

The Jus’ Blues Music Foundation has been around for 25 years, without much of the national fanfare of larger blues organizations.

That’s a shame, since the nonprofit Jus’ Blues organization has dedicated itself thusly: “Our mission is to nurture the soul of the blues while preserving the legacy of the originators of traditional blues music.”

That’s a heady and worthwhile goal, as the blues originators have been rapidly passing into those primeval mists where recognition can be just another memory, and their music often criminally unheard.

So for its 25th anniversary, Jus’ Blues has released this vital new album of somewhat lesser known but still vital artists. Their work here is just an abbreviated version of the soul and blues talent that digs deep into the rich history of the blues, and that has helped it become nothing less than America’s classical music.

The lineup here includes: Latimore (new version of “Let’s Straighten It Out”), Bobby Rush (new version of “Garbage Man”), Lucky Peterson (previously unreleased track), Trudy Lynn (previously unreleased track), Jimmy Burns, Benny Turner, Diunna Greenleaf, Theodis Ealey, Mr. Sipp ” The Mississippi Blues Child “ (only on the vinyl LP), Zakiya Hooker (John Lee Hooker’s daughter) and Teeny Tucker.

It’s a tremendous lineup: There’s a heady mix of blues and soul by a group of artists who’ve been there and done that, and who are still doing it quite well. Diunna Greenleaf opens with her original “Sunny Day Friends.” an upbeat R&B swinger, followed by the hypnotic deep blues of Jimmy Burns’ “Stranded in Clarksdale,” with a wicked-sounding, stripped-down quartet. “Bluesman’s Journey” is Zakiya Hookers’s tribute to her legendary father, John Lee Hooker.

“Who Sang It First” by Benny Turner looks back at the musical roots of his music, with a nod to those “who sang it first.” Trudy Lynn delivers another R&B fueled track, “Turning the Same Ole Corners,” and the indefatigable Bobby Rush with just his harp revises his classic “Garbage Man.” Ageless veteran Theodis Ealey effortlessly lets us know the “Blues is Calling My Name,” in an easy rocking cut.

“Ain’t That the Blues” is a soulful Teeny Tucker contribution, followed by Lattimore’s slow burner, “Let’s Straighten It Out.” If you wind up with the vinyl album, to be released later, you’ll get the funky “Hold It In the Road” by Mr. Sipp. The closer adds a little more chunky funk to the gospel-themed “See My Way God” from Lucky Peterson.

This 25th anniversary collection was created by recording a song by some of those to be honored at this year’s Jus’ Blues Music Awards & Conference, July 31 in Biloxi, Miss. (where the vinyl LP version will be released).

This scintillating collection is a thoroughly enjoyable sampler of the thoughtful work done at Jus’ Blues to preserve the contributions of some of the originators. It’s great history, and it’s great music.

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Here’s the Jus’ Blues kind of music:

Tracks & credits:

Sunny Day Friends (Written by Diunna Greenleaf)
Vocals – Diuanna Greenleaf
Guitar – Anson Tunderburgh
Bass – Johnny Bradley
Keys – John Street – B-3 Organ
Drums – Wes Starr
Horns – Ron Jones

Stranded In Clarksdale (Written by Jimmy Burns)
Vocals – Jimmy Burns
Guitar – Jimmy Burns
Bass – Ron Lasken
Keys – Roosevelt Purifoy
Drums – Greg Haar

Bluesman’s Journey (Written by Zakiya Hooker, Reginald Estes, Christopher James, Ollan Christopher Bell)
Vocals – Zikaya Hooker
Guitar- Bobby Young
Bass – Ollan Christopher Bell
Keys – Janice Maxie – Piano / Keyboards
Drums – Marlon Green

Who Sang It First (Written by James George and Benny Turner)
Bass – Benny TurnerVocals – Benny Turner
Guitar – Will McFarlane
Guitar – Jack Miele
Wurlitzer – Clayton Ivy
Organ – Joe Krown
Drums – Justin Holder
Background Vocals – Tiffany Pollack and Kassie Netherland Miele

Turning the Same ole’ Corners (Written by Trudy Lynn)
Vocals – Trudy Lynn
Background Vocals – Trudy Lynn, Versai Sain, Charlie Brown
Guitar – Lead guitar & B-3 organ – Lucky Peterson
Bass – Frankie Floyd
Keys – Haran Griffin
Drums – George Mullin

Garbage Man (Written by Bobby Rush)
Vocals – Bobby Rush
Harmonica – Bobby Rush
Bobby Rus – Vocals
Bobby Rus – Harmonica

Blues Is Calling My Name (Written by Larry Griffith)
Vocals – Theodis Ealey
Guitar – Lead guitar – Theodis Ealey
Rhythm guitar – Victor Hodge
Bass – Lebron “Porky” Scott
Keys – David Savage
Drums – Lavell Parker
Horns – Sultan Mohammad – Tenor Sax, Abdul Ra’ool – Trumpet, Lloyd Oby – Trombone

Ain’t That The Blues (Written by Teeny Tucker and Robert Hughes)
Vocals – Teeny Tucker
Guitar – Robert Hughes
Bass – Robert Blackburn
Keys – Linda Dachtyl
Drums – Darrell Jumper
Background singers – Mary Ashley, and Paula Brown

Let’ Straighten It Out (Written by Benny Latimore)
Vocals – Latimore
Bass – George Chocolate Perry
Keys – Latimore
Drums – George Chocolate Perry

See My Way God (Written by Lucky Peterson)
Vocals – Lucky Peterson

The winners of the 2025 Blues Music Awards, as announced last night in ceremonies in Memphis, Tenn. (Winners are in bold type.)

BB King Entertainer of the Year

Duke Robillard
Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
Rick Estrin
Shemekia Copeland
Sugaray Rayford

Album of the Year

Blame It On Eve, Shemekia Copeland
Fine By Me, Curtis Salgado
Hill Country Love, Cedric Burnside
Person of Interest, Billy Price
What Are You Waiting For?, Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan

Band of the Year

Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
John Nemeth and the Blue Dreamers
Nick Moss Band
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats
Southern Avenue

Song of the Year

“Blues For My Dad”
performed and written by Chris Cain

“Blues In My DNA”
performed and written by Ronnie Baker Brooks

“Mama, I love you”
performed by Albert Castiglia and written by Albert Castiglia, Kevin Burt, & Jerry Jemmott

“Tough Mother”
performed by Shemekia Copeland and written by John Hahn & Will Kimbrough

“Watch the World Go By”
performed by Eden Brent and written by Bob Dowell & Eden Brent

Best Emerging Artist Album

8000 Miles to the Crossroads, Prakash Slim
Carry On, Destini Rawls
Drifter, Jovin Webb
Go Be Free, Sonny Gullage
Revelation, Piper & The Hard Times

Acoustic Blues Album

Naked Truth, Tinsley Ellis
One Guitar Woman, Sue Foley
Raw Blues 2, Doug Macleod
The Legend of Sugarbelly, Guy Davis
Things Done Changed, Jerron Paxton

Blues Rock Album

About Time, Dennis Jones
Broken, Walter Trout
Life is Hard, Mike Zito
Righteous Souls, Albert Castiglia
Struck Down, The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Contemporary Blues Album

Blame It On Eve, Shemekia Copeland
Blues In My DNA, Ronnie Baker Brooks
Do It My Own Way, Vanessa Collier
Good Intentions Gone Bad, Chris Cain
The Hits Keep Coming, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats

Soul Blues Album

Fine By Me, Curtis Salgado
Human Decency, Sugaray Rayford
Person of Interest, Billy Price
REVIVAL, Kat Riggins & her Blues Revival
What Are You Waiting For?, Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan

Traditional Blues Album

Crawlin’ ’Kingsnake, John Primer & Bob Corritore
Getaway Blues, Eden Brent
HAPPY HOUR, Mitch Woods
Hill Country Love, Cedric Burnside
Roll With Me, Duke Robillard

Acoustic Blues Artist

Doug MacLeod
Eric Bibb
Guy Davis
Keb’ Mo’
Kevin Burt

Blues Rock Artist

Albert Castiglia
Mike Zito
Tab Benoit
Tommy Castro
Walter Trout

Contemporary Blues Female Artist

Beth Hart
Carolyn Wonderland
Danielle Nicole
Ruthie Foster
Vanessa Collier

Contemporary Blues Male Artist

Chris Cain
Johnny Sansone
Mike Zito
Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
Ronnie Baker Brooks

Soul Blues Female Artist

Annika Chambers
Candice Ivory
Kat Riggins
Thornetta Davis
Vaneese Thomas

Soul Blues Male Artist

Alabama Mike
Billy Price
Curtis Salgado
Johnny Rawls
William Bell

Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award)

Diunna Greenleaf
Eden Brent
Rhiannon Giddens
Sue Foley
Teeny Tucker

Traditional Blues Male Artist

Cedric Burnside
Duke Robillard
Jimmie Vaughan
John Primer
Jontavious Willis

Instrumentalist – Bass

Benny Turner
Bob Stroger
Jerry Jemmott
Michael ”Mudcat” Ward
Rodrigo Mantovani

Instrumentalist – Drums

Chris Peet
Derrick D’Mar Martin
June Core
Kenny ”Beedy Eyes” Smith
Tony Braunagel

Instrumentalist – Guitar

Chris Cain
Christoffer ”Kid” Andersen
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Eric Gales
Ronnie Baker Brooks

Instrumentalist – Harmonica

Billy Branch
Bob Corritore
Kim Wilson
Mark Hummel
Rick Estrin

Instrumentalist – Horn

Jimmy Carpenter
Doug James
Deanna Bogart
Trombone Shorty
Vanessa Collier

Instrumentalist – Piano (Pinetop Perkins Piano Player)

Anthony Geraci
Ben Levin
Bruce Katz
Eden Brent
Mitch Woods

Instrumentalist – Vocals

Beth Hart
Billy Price
Curtis Salgado
Danielle Nicole
Ruthie Foster

Southern Avenue — “Family” — Alligator Records

Southern Avenue, the street, is a historic street in Memphis, Tenn., a boundary of the East Buntyn Historic District neighborhood, and leading right past the original Stax Records. Memphis, of course, is a city known for its significant musical history — rooted in the blues.

Southern Avenue, the band, is three sisters and one husband, known for their significant musical abilities — rooted in the blues.

Their latest album is “Family,” a joyous celebration of their music, and, according to Ori Naftaly, the guitarist/songwriter and husband of lead vocalist/songwriter Tierinii Jackson: “Through our music, we expand our family to include our fans and whomever is moved by our songs.”

The other sisters are drummer/vocalist/songwriter Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson and percussionist/violinist/vocalist Ava Jackson. Together they create music filled with gorgeous harmonies and soaring musical arrangements, filled with emotional resonance and uplifting lyrics. The music is a delicious blend of roots, blues and soul; a tribute to the joyful essence of their music.

This session, their Alligator debut, is 14 original songs, but three, including the title cut, are teasers at less than a musical minute. The soaring opener is “Long Is the Road,” a tribute to perseverance: “A debt to his heart left him without a dime / So he put it in a song and turned water to wine…He hit rock bottom / But he keeps on rocking.”

“Upside” continues the theme with a driving beat: “Every day’s a new day. Find me on the upside.” “Found A Friend In You” includes North Mississippi Allstar Luther Dickinson on bass that throbs meatily.

Tierinii Jackson handles the lead vocals effortlessly throughout, with passion and power when it’s needed. The sisters’ harmonies blend beautifully throughout, weaving a seamless tapestry fueled by tight, just-right guitar work.

“So Much Love” is a lyrical gem, a smooth, soulful ballad that’s upbeat in music and mood. “Family” follows, a truncated but spirited vocal with cool slide intro. The primeval “Late Night Get Down” keeps up the snaky slide in a harmonious swampy blues. “Rum Boogie” is a raucous homage to the Beale Street cafe of the same name.

“Gotta Keep The Love” adds a little funkiness to the mix, with sister/drummer Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson driving the throbbing rhythms (just like she keeps the entire session on track). “Sisters” adds to the “Family” theme: “We move mountains / For each other.” Another short but very sweet track “Kept On Moving On” leads into the soaring intro of “Back To What Feels Right.” “Flying” strides in on a throbbing beat, driven by rolling organ fills, with a powerful Tierinii Jackson vocal refrain: “If I die, at least I’ll die flying.”

“Believe” is the third mini-masterpiece, followed by the anthemic closer, “We Are,” with its uplifting, personal message from this gifted “Family” –“We are the music of the soul….”

A message from the “Family” sums up their music beautifully. So we’ll end on that hopeful note:

“This album is more than a record to us—it’s a declaration of our growth and unity. Born in the heart of Memphis, our sound reflects the cultural crossroads of this city, a tapestry of harmonies and rhythms that could only come from a melting pot of experiences like ours. These songs chronicle our evolution—not just as a band, but as a family. They dive into the moments that shaped us, the struggles that tested us, and the dreams that keep us moving forward. The sound of destiny fulfilled—the sound of people who were meant to find one another. This album isn’t just something to hear; it’s something to feel. Like a vibrant family photo album, these songs capture snapshots of our past, reflections of our present, and our hopes for the future. To us, music is about connection—and this collection of songs is our invitation to share that connection with you.” — Southern Avenue: Tierinii Jackson, Ori Naftaly, Tikyra “T.K” Jackson, Ava Jackson

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Here’s an interview with Rock and Blues Muse.

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Here’s “Upside” from the album:

Tracklist:
01 – Long Is The Road
02 – Upside
03 – Found A Friend In You
04 – So Much Love
05 – Family
06 – Late Night Get Down
07 – Rum Boogie
08 – Gotta Keep The Love
09 – Sisters
10 – Kept On Moving On
11 – Back To What Feels Right
12 – Flying
13 – Believe
14 – We Are