Mike Guldin — “While I Can” — Blue Sky Tunes

Mike Guldin is a veteran bluesman from Eastern Pennsylvania with roots-driven songwriting that crafts the stories he sings, and the music that swings so effortlessly behind his expressive vocals.

His sixth album, “While I Can,” brings together his aptly named Rollin’ & Tumblin’ band plus a handful of musical aces who help polish off the dozen tracks that spark this lively session.

The album comes from the Rock House studio of Grammy-laden Kevin McKendree, who produced its clean, crisp sound, contributed to the songwriting and adds his always top-notch keyboard skills. The music has a live feel that focuses on its immediacy and honesty.

The title itself comes from a conversation between McKendree and Guldin: “One of the first things Kevin asked me was why I was making this album. I conveyed to him the story of when my dad Vernie got sick and he told me, ‘Mike, if there is something you wanna do in life, do it while you can’. Hence how we arrived at the title “While I Can.”

Guldin’s Tumbler bandmates here include Bill Sharrow, Tim Hooper, Billy Wear, Craig Thatcher, and The Snake Eyes Horns — Andy Kowal, Kyle Hummel, and Sal Lombardo Sr. And it would be criminal not to mention the artistry of the backup singers, Jackie Wilson and the McCrary Sisters, who add gospel and soul-soaked harmonies. (Full credits at the end of the post.)

Everything opens up on “Driving Rain,” with its anthemic feelings of striving for love despite the storm: “I’m drivin’ in the drivin’ rain. I’m gonna run wide open ’til I’m in your arms again.” A gorgeous, soulful duet with Wilson sparks “Heartbreak In Disguise,” and “Let It Shine” adds the McCrarys to highlight its inherent optimism with a countrified essence.

“Always A Woman” rocks its way along until “Luck Runs Dry” asks the always tough question: “It’s a matter of time before you go down / Whatcha gonna do when your luck runs dry.” Gentle rhythms flow on “Placencia Nights,” until “Goin’ Back To Memphis” soars with soulful Southern blues on uplifting background spirit from the McCrarys.

“When The Bills Come Due” features tough guitar work about tougher times: “The day has come to realize the truth / We need to come together when the bills come due.” “Roll Chattahoochee Roll” is a rollicking journey flowing through Southern memories, with soulful backing by Wilson: “Whenever I come home, the river soothes my soul / My family is here, and my roots run really deep.”

Guldin rocks through a delicious version of Don Gibson’s country classic “Oh Lonesome Me,” once again with Wilson’s sparkling vocal help. “Deadwood” is Wild-West country flavored with a taste of the blues and the honky-tonk closer “Down the Hatch” is a sprightly lament about the barroom life: “My wife says I drink too much, and there’s some truth to that / I blow in a tube to start my car, that’s where my life is at.”

“While I Can” is a splendid combination of whip-smart songwriting by Mike Guldin and musical vitality that creates this thoroughly enjoyable session.

Guldin is indeed doing it while he can. Let’s hope that he does it again.

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Here’s an older video of Mike Goldin’s band:

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Here’s a recent interview with Mike Guldin:

Tracklist and credits:

Steve Mackey – Bass Bill Sharrow – Bass Andrew Portz – Trumpet Lynn Williams – Drums Tim Hooper – Keyboards Kyle Hummel – Saxophone

1. Driving Rain — 3:48 Written by Kevin McKendree (East Folks Music, BMI), Dave Duncan (Covered Call Music, BMI), Curtis Salgado (Odalgas Music, ASCAP) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ, Guitar Steve Mackey – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums Andrew Portz – Trumpet Kyle Hummel – Saxophone

2. Heartbreak In Disguise — 3:54 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), Kevin McKendree (East Folks Music, BMI), James Pennebaker (Pennepicker Music, ASCAP) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ James Pennebaker – Guitar, Fiddle Steve Mackey – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums Tim Hooper – Keyboards

3. Let It Shine — 3:41 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), William J. Sharrow (BMI), Laura‑Anne Klee (BMI) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Bill Sharrow – Bass Tim Hooper – Keyboards Andrew Portz – Trumpet Kyle Hummel – Saxophone

4. Always A Woman — 3:53 Written by Kevin McKendree (East Folks Music, BMI), Gary Nicholson (Sony ATV Music Publishing, ASCAP) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ Gary Nicholson – Guitar, Background Vocals Steve Mackey – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums

5. Luck Runs Dry — 3:36 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), Kevin McKendree (East Folks Music, BMI) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ Steve Mackey – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums

6. Placencia Nights — 3:27 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), Kevin McKendree (East Folks Music, BMI) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ Steve Mackey – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums

7. Goin’ Back To Memphis — 3:48 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), John Cumming (BMI) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar John Cumming – Guitar Bill Sharrow – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums Kyle Hummel – Saxophone

8. When The Bills Come Due — 2:41 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), Kevin McKendree (East Folks Music, BMI), James Pennebaker (Pennepicker Music, ASCAP) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ James Pennebaker – Guitar Steve Mackey – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums

9. Roll Chattahoochee Roll — 3:01 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), William J. Sharrow (BMI), Stanley Kevin Vannoy (BMI) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar, Bill Sharrow – Bass, Stanley Kevin Vannoy – Guitar. Lynn Williams – Drums, Andrew Portz – Trumpet, Kyle Hummel – Saxophone

10. Oh Lonesome Me — 3:36 Written by Don Gibson (Sony ATV Acuff Rose Music, BMI) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar, Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ, Steve Mackey – Bass, Lynn Williams – Drums

11. Deadwood — 2:50 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), Kevin McKendree (East Folks Music, BMI) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ Steve Mackey – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums

12. Down The Hatch — 3:14 Written by Michael Guldin (Hot Mustard Music, ASCAP), Kevin McKendree (East Folks Music, BMI), James Pennebaker (Pennepicker Music, ASCAP) Mike Guldin – Vocals, Guitar Kevin McKendree – Piano, Organ James Pennebaker – Guitar Steve Mackey – Bass Lynn Williams – Drums

The United Kingdom boasts a blues world all its own, another example of the worldwide popularity of this uniquely American music. And they have their own blues awards.

The UK Blues Federation is an affiliate of the U.S. Blues Foundation, and a member of the European Blues Union. Since 2018, the UK Blues Federation has been hosting the UK Blues Awards.

Here’s a statement from the federation’s web site:

“The UK Blues Federation believes that Blues music in the United Kingdom (UK) needs to be better represented and coordinated in order to achieve the respect and prosperity that it deserves.

“Consequently in 2015, we established a pan-UK Federation to promote and support Blues in and from the UK in all its forms and styles. It is our aim to achieve the maximum recognition for UK Blues music, past, present, and future and thereby to boost the profile and prosperity of all involved with the genre in the UK, bringing those involved together to achieve this vision.

“As an Affiliate of the Blues Foundation in The USA and an Active Member of the European Blues Union our activities have a global reach.

“Since 2018 The UK Blues Federation has been hosting The UK Blues Awards. Our aim being to allow the industry and the public to nominate and vote for those they believe, through their work in the previous year, deserve the recognition an Award will give them.“

Here are the winners of the 2026 UK Blues Awards, announced April 8 (and here’s a list of the nominees):

Young Blues Artist of the Year
Zac Schulze

Emerging Blues Act of the Year
The Whisky Flowers

Unsung Hero of the Year
Jim Simpson

International Blues Artist of the Year
Joanne Shaw Taylor

Acoustic Blues Act of the Year
Mississippi MacDonald

Blues Festival of the Year
The Great British R&B Festival

Lifetime Achievement Award
Eric Clapton

Blues Album of the Year
Catfish – Time To Fly

Blues Vocalist of the Year
Alice Armstrong

Traditional Blues Artist of the Year
Connor Selby

Dave Raven Blues Broadcaster of the Year
Elles Bailey

Blues Club/Venue of the Year
The Tuesday Night Music Club

Matt Long Blues Instrumentalist of the Year
Will Wilde

Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year
Alice Armstrong

Blues Band of the Year
The Cinelli Brothers

Rick Vito — “Slidemaster” — MoMojo Records

Music without words isn’t all that unusual — Mozart didn’t write any lyrics — but a wordless album of blues and roots music is unique, and in Rick Vito’s hands, excellent music.

(It’s not too unique this month, though, since my previous post was on another fine instrumental album just released by Tom Principato, “Twangin’!”)

Vito is probably best known for his role in the legendary supergroup Fleetwood Mac from 1987-1991, when he revived the rootsy blues feeling of the band’s early years. In 2008 he partnered with Mick Fleetwood to form the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band and was nominated for a 2010 Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues category as both artist and producer for the album “Blue Again.”

Rick’s solo albums began with Atlantic Records in 1992 with “King of Hearts,” after which he began performing worldwide with his own band. His guitar work has also appeared on hundreds of recordings by such artists as Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt, John Mayall, Albert Collins, John Prine and many, many more. He also received the 2024 Blues Music Award for song of the year, “It’s Two A.M.,” and his compositions have appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including the TV series, “Blue Bloods.”

But, to paraphrase one of the songs covered here, a change was gonna come.

“For many years now, friends have asked, ‘when will you release an instrumental album?’ Having recorded even more instrumental tracks this past year, I finally decided to do just that,” says Vito. “To my knowledge there have not been many slide guitar instrumental albums, and out of this came the idea for “Slidemaster.” These new works are paired with some of my very favorite cuts from previous albums resulting in a soulful collection of all-instrumental slide guitar tracks. This album comes from years of recording in a style that I hope you will love as much as I do.”

It’s hard to understate the elegance of Vito’s slide work here, Vito remastered and remixed versions of five previously released songs and recorded seven new takes. Five of the total are smartly selected covers covering a range of styles. And he plays acoustic and electric bass and percussion, along with aan outstanding supporting cast. (Musicians and credits listed at end of post.)

Everything jumps out with the upbeat blues, “Vegas Jump,” a masterclass in super-slide work written by Vito, followed by the enchanted lines of “Steal Away” with undertones of a sweet Hawaiian guitar. “The Big Beat” rocks with … a big beat, and “The Danger Zone” is another haunting slow blues. “Red Hot Baby” is tough blues shuffle, and you can almost hear a “red hot baby” chorus line.

“Albatross” is a dreamy interlude from Peter Green, with sensuous slide; “Soul Shadows” add a funky percussion intro, and the original “Slide the Blues” is a slinky slow-drag shuffle made for a belt-buckle-polishing slow dance.

“A Change Is Gonna Come” removes those words from Sam Cooke’s anthemic recording and translates them into gorgeous slide language. “River of Blues” flows effortlessly into the sublime “The Supernatural,” another Peter Green composition, all wrapped up with a reverent, ethereal reading of “The Lord’s Prayer.”

With “Slidemaster,” Rick Vito demonstrates the depth of expression he coaxes from his slide, using tone and nuance to say more than mere words. His musical mastery will leave you speechless — the slide rules!

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“Slide the Blues” from the album:

Tracklist & credits:
Vegas Jump — 3:05
Steal Away — 3:12
The Big Beat — 3:30
The Danger Zone — 3:40
Red Hot Baby — 3:15
Albatross — 2:50
Soul Shadows — 3:20
Slide the Blues — 3:25
A Change Is Gonna Come — 4:05
River of Blues — 4:10
The Supernatural — 2:58
The Lord’s Prayer — 2:17

Musicians:
Guitars: Acoustic & Electric Bass, Keys, Percussion: Rick Vito
Drums: Rick Reed (tracks 1, 5, 6, 8, 9), Lynn Williams (track 11), Charles Johnson (tracks 2, 3, 4, 7)
Electric Bass: Charlie Harrison (tracks 1, 6, 8, 9)
Organ: Mark Horwitz (track 9), Kevin McKendree (track 12)
Songs: Rick Vito, Vitone Music, BMI, plus: “Albatross” and “The Supernatural” by Peter Green, Primary Wave Music; ” Steal Away” by Jimmy Hughes, Screen Gems-EMI Music; “The Lord’s Prayer” by Albert Hay, Malotte, G. Schirmer Inc..; “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke, Abkco Music Inc.

Tom Principato — “Twangin;’ — Powerhouse Records

Tom Principato has been delivering “roots music for you soul” with his guitar and his voice for more that 40 years, 18 albums and countless gigs.

For the first time, the Washington, D.C.,-based artist is delivering an album filled with his rootsy blues, boogie and rock, and a little country, without his voice — the instrumental “Twangin’!” that lets his guitar do the talking.

It’s Principato’s first studio album in 13 years, with five originals and six covers, each highlighting aspects of his guitar style and virtuosity. He gets some fine help from Dave Elliott, Big Joe Maher and Jim Brock on drums, Steve Wolf and Jim Robeson on bass, and Tommy Lepson on organ.

The rousing opener, “Night Walk,” an old Ventures song, lets you know what’s in store, as Principato’s phrasing and tone do all the talking necessary. “Kentucky” adds a vintage country flair. “Drop D Boogie” is a rollicking original, followed by another Principato creation, “Smoky Blue,” that sounds just like its title — a late-night blues riff filled with a subtlety and swing.

“The Bone Head Shuffle” is a tough-enough original shuffle that sings its own blues lyrics. “All Night, All Day (Angels Watching Over Me)” is a gentle, gospel-flavored exercise with sweet guitar refrains. “Champagne,” a Merle Haggard recording, is filled with crisp country picking.

The originals “Beyond The Stars” and “Head First” both flow effortlessly and melodically into the gorgeously phrased Ketty Lester classic “Love Letters.” Another Ventures creation, “Blue Star,” brings the session to an eloquent finale.

It’s great to have new music from Tom Principato. His guitar work has always been magical, and now it speaks for itself. Do yourself a favor and listen to what it’s saying. It will leave you speechless!

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Here’s “Night Walk” from the album:

Tracklist & Credits

1. Night Walk 2:51
   (Wilson, Bogle, Edwards, Taylor) Capitol Records LLC
   Tom Principato guitar, Dave Elliott drums, Jim Robeson bass
   2. Kentucky 3:20
   (Karl Davis) Tom Principato guitar, Dave Elliott drums, Steve Wolf bass
   3. Drop D Boogie 2:54
   (Tom Principato) French Lady Music BMI
   Tom Principato guitar, Big Joe Maher drums, Jim Robeson bass
   4. Smoky Blue 3:24
   (Tom Principato) French Lady Music BMI
   Tom Principato guitar, Jim Robeson bass, Jim “Sticks” Stickman drums
   5. The Bone Head Shuffle 2:50
   (Tom Principato) French Lady Music BMI
   Tom Principato guitar, Jim Brock Drums, Steve Wolf upright bass
   6. All Night, All Day (Angels Watching Over Me) 3:33
   (Otis L. McCoy) Public Domain
   Tom Principato guitar, Tommy Lepson organ, Jim Brock Drums, Jim Robeson bass
   7. Champagne  2:31
   (Roy Nichols & Norman Hamlett) Shade Tree Music BMI
   Tom Principato guitar, Dave Elliott drums, Steve Wolf bass
   8. Beyond The Stars 3:05
   (Tom Principato) French Lady Music BMI
   Tom Principato guitar, Jim Robeson bass
   9. Head First 4:16
   (Tom Principato) French Lady Music BMI
   Tom Principato guitar, Jim Robeson bass, Jim “Sticks” Stickman drums
   10. Love Letters 3:08
   (Victor Young & Edward Heyman) Sony/ATV Music Pub.
   Tom Principato guitar, Steve Wolf upright bass
   11. Blue Star 3:16
   (Victor Young & Edward Heyman) Sony/ATV Music Pub.
   Tom Principato guitar, Jim Robeson bass, Jim “Sticks” Stickman drums

Seth James — “Motormouth” — Qualified Records

The music of Seth James is a heady brew of his native Texas blues, Memphis soul and Southern rock, all distilled for decades into the grit of his authentic rootsy voice.

His latest album, “Motormouth,” follows James’ 2024’s “Lessons,” a tribute to the music of Delbert McClinton, a major musical influence. This session finds the veteran singer/songwriter exploring his Texas roots in a more expansive set, emphasizing his own sharp musical sensibilities.

The result is an album filled with bluesy bravado, Texas swing, soulful vocals and greasy roadhouse vibes driving a set of covers and originals filled with sharply told tales of love and life. All of those deep roots bear honey-dripping fruit in James’ music.

A pair of insistent original blues rockers — “Why Should I Suffer” and “Motormouth” — pull you right in with slyly perceptive lyrics, razor-sharp music, and a stunning chorus of backup singers (Alice Spencer, Nick Jay, Etta Britt, Miss Jackie Wilson). “I’m In Trouble” finds him admiring a woman and admitting the obvious: “I been dodging trouble for most of my life / But this kind of trouble is the kind I like.”

“I’ll Be Gone” is joyous Texas swing with an old-fashioned message: “If you don’t wanna sell me bacon, don’t open up the store,” while an especially soulful original, “I Can’t Find Your Mind,” looks in vain for a personal connection. There’s a sensitive cover of McClinton’s “Just A Thought,” while “I Can’t Wait” finds Delbert joining in, leading another McClinton cover, the churning R&B of “I Got To Know.” A swinging version of the Doc Pomus classic “Lonely Avenue,” is filled with extra joy from the backup singers.

“I Feel The Burden” is an uplifting gospel-drenched track, raised higher by the rousing fervor of the backup chorus, and the closer, “Start A Brand New Day” is a gently swung invitation to do just that, bringing this joyous session to a conclusion full of hope and optimism.

Seth James has given us a crackling good album filled with the down-home honesty and vitality of his singing, songwriting and the musicians who bring it all home.

“I don’t want to do a good job so that I can be successful and sell more records,” James says. “Don’t get me wrong – that would be great, too. But that moment where everyone is together, their glasses cheers-ing while they shake off the blues a little bit –
I want to be part of that.”

If “Motormouth” doesn’t shake off your blues, you need to listen to it again. And again. It’s damn fine music!

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Delbert McClinton says: “With the release of this new CD, Seth James has become one of the most important vocalists I’m aware of!”

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Here’s a live performance by Seth James: “Cigarettes, Anger and Wine”:

Tracklist & credits:

1. Why Should I Suffer — S. James, G. Nicholson, B. Britt • 2:56
2. Motormouth — K. McKendree, S. James • 3:08
3. I’m In Trouble — D. Bryant • 4:04
4. It’s Later Than You Think — S. James, K. McKendree, P. McLaughlin • 2:46
5. I’ll Be Gone — C. Linden • 2:49
6. High Horse — L. Russell • 4:08
7. I Can’t Find Your Mind — S. James, G. Nicholson, B. Britt • 3:03
8. Just A Thought — D. McClinton, A. Anderson • 3:52
9. I Can’t Wait — D. McClinton • 3:13
10. I Got To Know — D. McClinton • 2:37
11. Lonely Avenue — D. Pomus • 3:16
12. I Feel The Burden — G. Clark • 2:51
13. Start A Brand New Day — C. Allen • 2:42

• Seth James (vocals, guitar)
• Kevin McKendree (keyboards)
• Rob McNelley (guitar)
• Steve Mackey (bass)
• Lynn Williams (drums)
• Jim Hoke (saxophones)
• Vinnie Ciesielski (trumpet)
• John Hinchey (trombone)
• Alice Spencer, Nick Jay, Etta Britt, Miss Jackie Wilson, The Time Jumpers

The musicians:

• Seth James — vocals; lead guitar (Dick50); horns; BGVs
• Dick50 — house band providing guitars, horns, BGVs
• Kevin McKendree — piano, organ
• Rob McNelley — guitar
• Steve Mackey — bass
• Lynn Williams — drums
• Horns (arr. Jim Hoke)
  • Jim Hoke — saxophones
  • Steve Herrmann — trumpet
  • John Hinchey — trombone
• The Time Jumpers — featured on multiple tracks
  • Andy Reiss — electric guitar
  • Larry Franklin — fiddle
  • Joe Spivey — fiddle
  • Kenny Sears — fiddle
  • “Ranger Doug” Green — archtop guitar
  • Jeff Taylor — piano
  • Billy Thomas — drums
  • Eddy Dunlap — steel guitar
  • Brad Albin — upright bass