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

Jimmy Adler — “It’s Hot!”

Jimmy Adler has been working his blues guitar magic on the Pittsburgh music scene and beyond for 35 years.

His latest album, “It’s Hot!,” is a smoothly crafted session of a dozen original songs reflecting that lifetime of musical experiences.

While the multi-faceted music here is rooted in the blues, Adler effortlessly blends Latin rhythms, New Orleans flavor, and some soul and gospel into the mix. His versatility on the guitar shines throughout, complemented by a sparkling group of backing musicians. He moves it all along with relaxed, understated vocals that emphasize Adler’s smart lyrics.

“Best of Times” opens the album with a funky beat, a stinging guitar solo and an upbeat message that reflects the spirit of the music that follows. Its message is profoundly simple: ” The waters may be rough, But you can weather any storm / with courage and commitment, you gotta keep on sailin’ on.”

“Slow Drag” is a delicious ode to the bliss of slow, very slow, dancing, with just the appropriate hint of bump and grind, and a salacious sax solo by Eric Spaulding, all of which invoke fond memories. “Recipe for Love” invokes Sister Rosetta Tharpe in an easy-swinging ode to the tasty ingredients for romance, with lots of clever wordplay baked in. “Kingston Shuffle” adds a reggae flair, leading into a guitar-driven romp of roadhouse blues in “At the Hideaway,” with a shoutout to his hometown of Pittsburgh.

“Higher Ground” adds kickass horns to a hard-driving R&B shuffle, followed by the rocking, fleet-footed “Benny the Booker” — When the cops showed up, Benny was gone….” with some barrelhouse piano for good measure. “Fish Fry” cooks with a little down-home blues, and “Lighthouse” is another torchy slow-dancer with sweet backup vocals. “Connie Jones” offers gentle New Orleans rhythms in a picturesque tribute to the seductive charms of the Big Easy: “The sound of the trumpet blows like an evening prayer….”

A lyrical guitar introduces the romantic balladry and Latin flavor in “Savor the Flavor.” The rocking title song, “It’s Hot,” with a fittingly warm Spaulding sax solo, turns up as the closer, bringing it all home with a hot musical flourish.

Of his musical heritage, Adler credits Steve Korpa, a former art teacher, who “became my mentor and go-to person. I sought his comforting advice. No matter how challenging a day could, he offered a positive outlook. One of his most memorable phrases stuck with me throughout my 30 years of teaching: ‘If you can see it in your mind, can get it in your life.’

“This celebratory collection of songs is connected to the roots of my experiences and infused with the hope and of the Korpa philosophy Once I saw it in my mind, I set out to make it a reality.”

His reality here is reflected in this sparkling collection of Jimmy Adler music-making. The combination of Adler’s guitar skills, creative lyrics and sizzling backers make for great listening. What happens in Pittsburgh doesn’t have to stay in Pittsburgh.

Savor the flavor, indeed.

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Here’s a look at Jimmy Adler live:

Tracklist and credits:

1. Best of Times
2. Slow Drag
3. Recipe for Love
4. Kingston Shuffle
5. At the Hideaway
6. Higher Ground
7. Benny the Booker
8. Fish Fry
9. Lighthouse
10. Conni.e Jones
11. Savor the Flavor
12. It’s Hot

Produced by Jimmy Adler and Dana Cannone
Recorded at the Church Recording Studio, Pittsburgh, PA
Mixed by Dana Cannone
Mastered by Garrett Haines at Treelady Studio
Thanks to all the musicians who participated in the making of this record:
Jimmy Adler: guitar and vocals
Bob lnsko: upright bass and Fender electric on “Best of Times”
Jim Richley: drums
Steve Binsberger: grand piano, Wuriitzer, and organ
Eric Spaulding tenor sax (tracks 2, 5, 8,12)
The Soulville Horns: Phil Brontz, tenor sax; George Amer, trumpet;
Stephen Graham, trombone (tracks 1, 4, 6)
Supporting vocals:
Bethany James (tracks 4, 6, 9)
John Gresh (tracks 5, 7, 8,10)
The gang vocals on “Recipe for Love” are John Gresh,
Liam Gresh, Lany Nath, Jimmy Adler, Phat Man Dee,
and Barb Adler
Horn charts for Soulville Horns by Ralph Guzzj

Jennifer Lyn & the Groove Revival — “Retrograde” — J&R Collective

In the world of astrology, a planet is called retrograde when it appears to be moving backward, even though it is still moving forward.

In the musical universe illuminated by Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival, a bright new star of an album called “Retrograde” appears to move back in time for inspiration, only to leap forward with the raw energy of electrifying rock and blues music. The ten sharply original songs here are by Lyn and lead guitarist Richard Torrance, who produced the session together.

The Revival’s music channels the spirit of great ’70s rock and classic blues riffs into a collection of smartly written songs that move from anthemic rock to blues ballads magnified through the lens of Lyn’s soul-stirring vocals. Jim Anderson on drums, Barb Jiskra on keys, and Nolyn Falcon on bass complete the Revival’s musical template.

A roaring “Light the Fire” ignites the proceedings as if lighting a fiery beacon for what’s to come while Lyn powers through the anthemic lyrics punctuated by stinging guitar: “In the darkness where our secrets lie / Whispered dreams in the midnight air / We’ll ignite a little spark in the dark … light the fire.” Next, “Searching for Solid Ground” turns introspective behind a rock-solid beat: “I’m lost in the whispers of my own mind / I’m tired of just walking around half blind … I’m searching for solid ground.” A bluesy intro welcomes “Sucker for the Pain,” with Lyn’s scorching vocals flowing over the proverbial needle and the damage done: “It’s like a needle in the vein / It ain’t the world gone wrong / You’re just a sucker for the pain.”

The flowing rhythms of “Refuge” highlight Lyn’s soaring vocal turn in the sensitive ballad, sparked by razor-sharp guitar licks: “Cause if the walls start falling down / And there’s no one else around / And I’m standing at your door / Will you be the refuge … For my soul?” Sensuous percussion leads into the sexual toughness of “Do Bad Things to You,” filled with just that desire: “There are things that you do / That make me want to / I want to do bad things to you.” A smooth, gently rocking ballad, “Soul Saver,” gives Lyn a chance to stretch out against jazzy organ and liquid guitar runs: “I was lost, but not anymore / You’re a soul saver / Now I see what I’m here for.”

Second-line rhythms unpack the self-awareness of “Baggage,” as Lyn claims her independence: “You’ve got baggage / Lots of baggage / As much as I’ll miss your lovely face / Your baggage won’t fit in my suitcase.”

Lyn is re-possessed with confidence in the hard-driving “’59 Cadillac,” as she takes the wheel: “He said he’s leaving / Going with the guys … I don’t care if he’s coming back / I got his ‘59 Cadillac.” The joyous refrains of “Breaking Chains” are another bid for personal freedom as Lyn declares “I’ve got a pocket full of money / And nothing but time / I’m done with gritting my teeth / Instead of speaking my mind.” The closer “Do It All Again,” strikes a passionately pensive note, working to a rousing climax that voices no regrets for loving hard: “I’m just the dreamer who got nothing in return / Standing in the ashes where our love burned / If I could do it all again / I would.”

Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival have reached a back to the future moment where they reach deep into the glorious past of rock and blues, and bring them together to keep moving forward in “Retrograde.” You’ll want to be a part of their stellar musical orbit.

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Track Listing:

1. Light The Fire
2. Searching For Solid Ground
3. Sucker For The Pain
4. Refuge
5. Do Bad Things To You
6. Soul Saver
7. Baggage
8. ’59 Cadillac
9. Breaking Chains
10. Do It All Again

David Starr — “Must Be Blue” — Quarto Valley Records

David Starr grew up with the blues. Let him tell you what happened as he made his way through his musical life:

“Blues music has always made me feel at home somehow,” he says. “Perhaps because it was some of the first music I heard as a young musician looking for his muse in gritty little clubs in Northwest Arkansas.

“Maybe it has to do with the timeless themes of love and loss, struggle and strife, the loud electrics, the way people can’t help but tap their feet when they hear it … playing blues-influenced songs always centers me in a way that no other music does.

“When I moved to the mountains of Colorado, my influences expanded to Americana and roots, and acoustic guitar became a muse of its own. This album is my version of a blues record, what you might call ‘Bluesicana’ – the grooves and electrics are there, but so is a mandolin. Call it coming home, full circle.”

That bluesicana is what you get on “Must Be Blue,” Starr’s first full album in his self-proclaimed genre, despite the singer/songwriter’s already having 11 other albums to his credit. This one features some Starr originals and heady covers.

The album opener, “Hole In The Page,” brings it all into focus, with tough, driving beat and steamy guitar solo, underscoring Starr’s gritty vocals exploring the heartache of a lost love. “Bringin’ It Back” is a bluesy shuffle, followed by the plaintive theme of “Just Got Back From Baby’s,” a married woman who just might be doing him wrong.

“Lonesome Train” tracks another lost-love saga that rips along, adding that a mandolin Starr mentioned, in a solo that drops right into place. “Listen To The Rain” is a gentle rocker with another railroading lament: “The same train that brought you home to me, is taking you away…”

The original “My Favorite Color (must be blue)” is a slow burning, sort-of title song with a painful look back: “I carried that torch for you until it burned me up…” The lyrical elegance of “Ezra Came To Call” takes a philosophical turn, but maintains a rocking beat, followed by “Time Is a Thief,” another reflection, not on lost love, but lost time: “I see all the things I might have been, how I wish I could start all over again.”

“I Wait For Mine” is another thoughtful musing, this time on waiting for redemption, fueled by stinging guitar licks. The closer is a soaring version of the Allman Brothers classic “Whipping Post,” and there couldn’t be a better conclusion to this sparkling album of bluesicana music.

David Starr may call “Must Be Blue” bluesicana music, looking at it through his blues-themed vision. I call it a damn fine album from a veteran musician who’s pulling together the musical elements of his life and making great music for the rest of us.

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Here’s “Hole in the Page” from the album:

Tracklist:
1. Hole In The Page
2. Bringin’ It Back
3. Just Got Back From Baby’s
4. Lonesome Train
5. Listen To The Rain
6. My Favorite Color
7. Ezra Came To Call
8. Time Is A Thief
9. I Wait For Mine
10. Whipping Post

Tim Gartland — “Right Amount of Funky” — Independent (April 25 release)

On the opening moments of his latest album, “Right Amount of Funky,” Tim Gartland grabs you with an elegant harp filigree intro to “Waste A Worry,” and then holds you fast with the quiet strength of his sonorous voice.

Then, once you’re trapped in the lyrical vortex of his worldy wordplay, you can’t not listen. But that just means you’re in tune with the full impact of Gartland’s impressive musical sensibilities.

Gartland has honed those sensibilities for decades, since he caught the blues as a teenager at a Muddy Waters show in his native Ohio. He moved to Chicago after college, continuing his graduate schooling on the Chicago blues scene. There he studied with Waters’ harp player, Jerry Portnoy, and played with the likes of Bo Diddley, Carey Bell, Big Jack Johnson and Pinetop Perkins. Gartland says he’s been deeply influenced by the greats – Little Walter for his groundbreaking harp style, Ray Charles for his interpretation of a song and Willie Dixon for his songwriting. Not bad for post-graduate work.

Gartland moved to Boston in 1989, and after more refining his skills in that scene, he embarked on his solo recording career with the release of his debut album, “Looking Into the Sun,” in 2011. In 2015, he moved on to his current home in Nashville.

And that eventually brings us to this set of eight sharply crafted songs written or co-written by Gartland with Nashville singer/songwriter Karen Leipziger. Backing up Gartland on the album are Jack Bruno, drums; Mike Joyce, bass; Robert Frahm, electric guitar and Nalani Rothrock on background vocals. Biglittle Recording studio owner and album co-producer with Gartland, Andy Peake, adds percussion and background vocals. Dennis Drummond provides acoustic guitar and backing vocals and Jolie Grace delivers backing vocal support. 

Together they blend into a crisp musical framework that explores Garland’s contemporary lyrical vision with rootsy authenticity.  Gartland says of his songwriting: “The blues is essentially a genre in which the singer is having a cathartic experience. If you write about themes that are meaningful to your experience, you will create something new.”

The aforementioned “Waste A Worry” opens everything up with Gartland’s richly relaxed vocals and a swinging harp solo highlighting its theme: “Don’t waste a worry on me….” The title track, ”Right Amount of Funky” struts out with exactly that — “The groove, that feels true, and makes you move, is the one to use. You know this funk right here, is the right amount of funky for me.”

“A Better Life” (a Leipziger co-write) tackles the theme of immigration with its Latin beat and sharply observant lyrics: “They left home, all they’d ever known, with little more than a pocketful of dreams. A chance at a better life, a promise of what could be.” “Walk Away,” the other Leipziger contribution, follows, and explores a doomed relationship with a bouncy, rocking beat: “The whole attraction was just a distraction….”

“If This Ain’t Heaven” (“it’ll do”) is a joyous love song with still more elegant harp throughout, “Alone Times,” brings a reggae flavor, and “About to Cry” is a slow bit of R&B caught up in its own heartache. The closer, “Stop Working Me” is an upbeat bluesy plea to be free of the world’s hustlers and their too plentiful hustles.

“Right Amount of Funky” is the best kind of music. Tim Gartland creates a light-hearted but thoughtful trip through his world, surrounded by a crisp musical framework. His always elegant harp weaves a bluesy tapestry throughout, and his rich, resonant vocals add power and a world-weary sense that he’s seen it all.

Now you need to hear it all.

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Here’s the title track:

Tracks:
01. Waste A Worry
02. Right Amount Of Funky
03. A Better Life
04. Walk Away
05. If This Ain’t Heaven 
06. Alone Times
07. About To Cry
08. Stop Working Me

Johnny Iguana — “At Delmark” — Delmark Records

Johnny Iguana’s latest album is quite a departure for the keyboard wizard whose music is most often found as part of a Chicago blues band — and he’s worked with some of the best, including Junior Wells and Otis Rush.

The album is a solo session, just Iguana and a vintage 1917 Steinway B that lives at the home of Delmark Records. The session was recorded as if it were a club show — in unedited single takes, and straight to analog tape. The sound it makes is simply splendid.

The result is a sparkling blend of magnificent greats and five new originals, all instrumentals. As Iguana (aka Brian Berkowitz) tells it:

“The cover songs here range from ones I’ve been doing on stage for years to ones I just started playing. The original compositions are all very new. In fact, some were arguably still in development when these sessions arrived…so, there is searching and discovery caught on tape. I thought all the covers made for entertaining solo piano pieces…all have blues on top or somewhere inside…at their root.“

Iguana launches the session with a rollicking rendition of a Little Brother Montgomery blues, “Bass Key Boogie,” followed by a dynamic, orchestral-sounding version of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold.” The original “For Dancers Only” highlights Iguana’s unique creativity, mixing doo-wop, boogie-woogie and danceable rhythms into a land of many dances.

“Stormy Night at a Moroccan Blues Bar,” another original, adds international intrigue, and “Messin’ With the Kid” returns to the blues with the toughness of the Junior Wells chestnut. More originals follow: “Tripping in a French Ambulance” floats then struts along, all somewhat trippily, and “One More, for the Cleaning Crew,” sweeps in with an offhanded lightness of being.

A rocking version of Check Berry’s “You Never Can Tell” rolls along on New Orleans rhythms, then “You Belong To Me,” splendidly revives the Magic Sam opus with a thunderous left hand. The original “Welcome Distractions,” just feels magnificent. The hard-pounding “Riff Raff” is anything but, and the closer, “Roll ‘Em,” pays tribute to Jay McShann with a rocking boogie beat.

“At Delmark” is a masterful effort. It rocks, it swings, it draws from jazz and classical sources, it lionizes the blues piano — and it gives Johnny Iguana a chance to display his dazzling Chicago keyboard chops in what is essentially an effervescent live concert. Give this piano man a listen!

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Here’s an interesting interview with Johnny Iguana by Michael Limnios at Blues GR.

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Johnny Iguana with Billy Boy Arnold:

Tracklist:

➊ Bass Key Boogie 2:58
Little Brother Montgomery (Delmark Records Admin)
➋ Heart of Gold 2:30
Neil Young (Silver Fiddle Music, ASCAP)
➌ For Dancers Only 2:20
Brian Berkowitz (Om God Music, ASCAP)
➍ Stormy Night at a Moroccan Blues Bar 3:01
Brian Berkowitz (Om God Music, ASCAP)
➎ Messin’ with the Kid 4:16
Mel London (World International Publishing Co, BMI)
➏ Tripping in a French Ambulance 3:32
Brian Berkowitz (Om God Music, ASCAP)
➐ One More, for the Cleaning Crew 2:43
Brian Berkowitz (Om God Music, ASCAP)
➑ You Never Can Tell 3:21
Chuck Berry (Isalee Music Productions, BMI)
➒ You Belong to Me 4:08
Samuel Maghett (Conrad Music, Leric Music, BMI)
➓ Welcome Distractions 2:22
Brian Berkowitz (Om God Music, ASCAP)
⓫ Riff Raff 3:56
Young, Young, Scott (Australian Music Corp. PTY Ltd., APRA,Sony/ATV Tunes, ASCAP)
⓬ Roll ‘Em 3:06
Jay McShann (Delmark Records Admin)

Johnny Rawls — “Make Them Dance” — Catfood Records

Johnny Rawls has been making sweet, sexy soul music for more than 50 years.

After learning to play guitar in his teens. Rawls’ schoolteacher in Purvis, Miss., got him gigs backing musicians who were touring the area, such as Z. Z. Hill and Joe Tex. In the mid 1970s, Rawls joined soul great O. V. Wright’s band, later became his music director and played with him until Wright’s death in 1980. The band then continued as the Ace of Spades Band for another 13 years.

Rawl’s career since then has been colored with blues awards from every spectrum: The Blues Music Awards, Blues Blast Awards, Living Blues Awards, and the W. C. Handy Awards have all acknowledged Rawls with multiple awards and nominations, including Soul Blues Album of the Year and Soul Blues Artist of the Year. Living Blues magazine described him as a “soul-blues renaissance man” when he was featured on the cover in 2002. Three of his albums have made the DownBeat Magazine Critics’ Choice Best of the Year List.

Rawls is noted on two markers along the Mississippi Blues Trail – one in Hattiesburg, Miss., and another, of all places, at Marker 110 in Rockland, Maine, testifying to the migration of blues from Mississippi to Maine (check out this bit of blues history here). Rawls’ first recorded with other musicians, but his first solo album, “Here We Go,” was released in 1996, and since then he’s released an album almost every year.

“Make Them Dance” includes songs written by Rawls, Catfood label head Bob Trenchard, or co-written by the two. The soulful backing band includes Rawls on rhythm guitar, Wil McFarlane – guitar; Bob Trenchard – bass; Steve Potts – drums; Dan Ferguson – keyboards; Andy Roman – sax solos; Mike Middleton – trumpet; Nick Flood – baritone/tenor/alto sax; Frank Otero – trombone; with guests Claton Ivey on keys, Jamie McFarlane on bass, Justin Holder on drums and backing vocals by Kimberly Horton and Trinecia Butler.

The session opens with the bouncy, horn-fed and very danceable groove of “So Cold,” followed by “Dreams of You,” a romantic slow-dance ballad featuring Rawls’ soulful pipes with elegant background singers. The title track steps out with a funky beat and the tempting refrain: “Make them dance all night long.” The aching “Move in My Direction” lets Rawls vocal weep at its pleading best.

“Costs Too Much,” Rawls’ sole solo creation, swings in hard on another strong groove with dance rhythms very much afoot. “Give It To Me,” leans on horns and organ for a tough bluesy sound. On “Rip Off the Bandage,” Rawls shouts the pain of a broken relationship. The sensual “Say That You Love Me” reaches deep into primeval soul for an answer to its heartache, while “Swimming with the Sharks” throbs with more danceable grooves.

The closer is the autobiographical “The Long Road,” a Rawls’ career reflection mirrored by gorgeous horn arrangements in the finest soul music tradition.

About this album, Rawls says:

“This new Johnny Rawls album is called “Make Them Dance” and that’s what it’s going to make you do,” he says. “I have some great love ballads on here, too; some of my best work and produced by the great Jim Gaines. One of the tracks on this is the song, ‘Move In My Direction,’ and that’s what you should do: move in the direction that Johnny Rawls is going.”

You would do well to pay attention to Johnny Rawls. And his music. He knows whereof he sings!

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Here’s some Johnny Rawls from a previous album:

Tracks and credits:

• 1  So Cold 3:57  (William Harmon & Bob Trenchard 2019)
• 2  Dreams Of You 3:52  (Bob Trenchard & Johnny Rawls 2025)
• 3  Make Them Dance 3:21  (Bob Trenchard 2025)
• 4  Move In My Direction 4:31  (Sandy Carroll, Stephanie C. Brown & Will MacFarlane 2025)
• 5  Costs Too Much 4:01  (Johnny Rawls 2025)
• 6  Give It To Me 3:03  (Bob Trenchard & Johnny Rawls 2025)
• 7  Rip Off The Bandage 3:25  (Bob Trenchard & Johnny Rawls 2025)
• 8  Say That You Love Me 3:11  (Bob Trenchard 2025)
• 9  Swimming With The Sharks 3:20  (Bob Trenchard & Johnny Rawls 2025)
• 10 The Long Road 3:14  (Bob Trenchard & Johnny Rawls 2025)
  The musicians:
• Johnny Rawls – vocals all tracks & rhythm guitar
• Will McFarlane – guitar
• Steve Potts – drums
• Bob Trenchard – bass
• Dan Ferguson – keyboards
• Jamie McFarlane – bass track 4
• Clayton Ivey – keys track 4
• Justin Holder – drums track 4
• Mike Middleton – trumpet
• Andy Roman – sax solos
• Nick Flood – baritone sax, tenor sax & alto sax
• Frank Otero – trombone
• Kimberly Horton – background vocals
• Trinecia Butler – background vocals