As the VizzTone label group aptly noted to Mathias Lattin, "Welcome to the family," as they released Mathias Lattin - Up Next. All songs on the release were written by Mathias Lattin and coupled with his exceptional guitar work and vocals, the result is a release that crosses genres from Blues, Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Swing. 

Barcelona-born pianist, composer, and music director Olivia Pérez-Collellmir now makes her home in Boston, Massachusetts and is on the faculty at Berklee Music. Her self-titled debut release, Olivia, hit the streets on September 15, 2023, and if you love Latin jazz piano, you really need to give this album a listen.  Joining Olivia Perez-Collellmir on piano is a multi-talented ensemble of international musicians that make it such an engaging and sensational release.

For those who like to jam and enjoy listening to "Road Trip" jamming music, the Popa Chubby and the Beast Band - Live at G. Bluey's Juke Joint NYC  double-CD set has to be added to the music collection. The double-CD set contains 19-tracks with 11 original tracks performed by Popa's all-star "Beast Band," consisting of Popa Chubby on guitar, Mike Merrit on bass, Mike Dimeo on keyboards, and Stefano Giudici on drums. With 12 tracks running 6:30+ minutes or longer, you are in for a sound barrage of heavy Blues and hard driving Rock. 

The latest release from Bluesman pianist Mitch Woods - Friends Along The Way, features a stellar cast of Blues friends that have been a part of his life "along the way" namely Van Morrison, Taj Mahal, Ruthie Foster, Charlie Musselwhite, Elvin Bishop, John Hammond, Joe Louis Walker, Maria Muldaur, Kenny Neal, Cyril Neville, Marcia Ball, John Lee Hooker, and James Cotton. With friends like that, I thought this release was going to be good before I even gave it a listen; after listening to it, I knew it was great! Released on the Club 88 Records label, this Double CD Deluxe Edition is a must for Blues collectors.

Neal Richardson's latest release Neal Richardson - The Maximalist is a musical journey of life and love. The story is told through Neal's deft melding of jazz classics, with his skillful interpretations, and five original tracks. A star-studded band with each lending their unique talent and perception to the tracks resulting in a must have release. Neal's vocal prowess and piano playing has never been better, I am now looking forward to his next release.

Blues Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Eric Johanson has a new album out that totally rocks entitled, The Deep And The Dirty. Joining Eric on this stellar release are Terrence Higgins on drums, Eric Vogel on bass, Jesse Dayton on shaker and tambourine, and Patrick Herzog on shaker and tambourine. The 12-track album was released on the Ruf Records label, hit the streets on July 28, 2023, and is well worth giving it many a listen.

Fans of live Blues will flock to the latest release from Backtrack Blues Band - A Day By The Bay, which was recorded live at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival. Backtrack Blues Band has been performing for over 40-years and have performed with a Who's Who of artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Gregg Allman, and the list goes on. The nine-track live release will find its way on many a Blues fans play list and is the perfect release to play at a party. 

Instrumental jazz piano fans are in for a treat with the stunningly gorgeous new 15-track album from the Danny Fox Trio - Time Took Care of It released on the Adhyâropa Records label. Since 2008, the Danny Fox Trio comprised of Danny Fox on piano, Chris van Voorst van Beest on bass, and Max Goldman on drums, has been exciting audiences with their version of jazz that "cooks." For their fourth album, Time Took Care of It, Danny proves his talent in the kitchen as well as on the piano, with Time Took Care of It: A Cookbook Companion to the album. If you love instrumental jazz, this latest album from the Danny Fox Trip is well worth a listen. The release hits the streets in April 2023.

The Wood Brothers - Heart Is The Hero is the band's eighth studio album and is downright fabulous from start to finish. Joining band members Chris Wood, Oliver Wood, and Jano Rix, are special guest musicians Matt Glassmeyer on saxophone and Roy Agee on trombone. The 10-track Heart Is The Hero album is worth giving many a listen to and hits the streets on April 14, 2023.

The latest release from Ally Venable, Ally Venable - Real Gone, is the fifth in a string of outstanding releases from the 23-year old guitar afficionado. With special guest contributors, Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa, you know she is running with the right crowd. Ally writes "..about what goes on in my life, or....what others can relate to," and with Real Gone, you feel the down home, relentless, and passionate Ally Venable. 

The latest release, and sadly the final release, from Savoy Brown, Savoy Brown - Blues All Around, is a blues-based rock release that sums up over 50-years of blues influenced music from the vocals and fingers of Kim Simmonds. The British based band has been a mainstay in the blues music genre, and they continue to add to the blues music songbook with their twelve original tracks on Savoy Brown - Blues All Around.

Blue Moon Marquee - Scream, Holler & Howl marks the sixth release from the duo of A. W. Cardinal and Jasmine Colette. Their unique way of blending blues, jump, jazz, soul, rock-n-roll, and country creates a sound which is captivating, and with Blue Moon Marquee - Scream, Holler & Howl it may be their best release to date. The release contains 11 original tracks and 2 covers from the legendary Lonnie Johnson. 

Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia each have an  extensive discography, so for the release of Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia - Blood Brothers, they united to craft a sensational release that draws together their unique energy and styles. The release contains 11 original tracks written by Mike Zito or Albert Castiglia, and as co-producer Josh Smith states, "With this release, they have both found their musical confidante." In addition to this release, look for Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia - Blood Brothers coming to a venue in your town. 

Cincinnati-based bluesman Ben Levin has another great release out entitled, Take Your Time, which is something he clearly does not do, as this is his fifth stellar release, and while a seasoned Blues veteran with a trail of Blues award nominations to his credit, he is only in his 20s. Released on the VizzTone Label Group, the 12-track Ben Levin: Take Your Time release features Ben Levin on piano, joined by Blues master Bob Stroger, Lil' Ed Williams, Lil' Jimmy Reed, Johnny Burgin, Noah Wotherspoon, Aron Levin, Walter Cash, Ricky Nye, Shorty Starr, and Kris Butler. Lovers of the Blues are going to love Ben Levin: Take Your Time; I sure did!

The latest live release from Too Slim and the Taildraggers - Brace Yourself keeps the bar moving upwards. With over 30-years of playing together, the trio, of Tim "Too Slim" Langford, Zach Kasik, and Jeff "Shakey" Fowlkes, shows that nothing can slow them down. An evening of Blues, Rock, and a nod to the many Americana influences on this creative trio results in a hard charging, blazing must-have release.  

The debut release Eric Demmer - So Fine is truly "SO FINE." After over 30 years playing with a Who's Who of musicians and bands (i.e. Eric Clapton B. B. King, Carlos Santana, The Allman Brothers,...), Eric Demmer finally lets loose with this exceptional release featuring 12 original tracks that brings together an All-Star list of musicians. A long-awaited release that was well worth the wait; so, take some time and enjoy a special musical moment.  

Get ready to let yourself go as you reset your heart rhythms with the third installment of the percussion forward Drumology series - Drumology Volume III. The creative minds of Rob Silverman, Michael Silverman and Jay Oliver have hatched another sensational release that features some of the best drummers in the world as they bring their unique flavor to each track. Accompanied by a Who's Who of musicians, this is a release that will continue the musical groundswell started by Drumology Volume I and Drumology Volume II.   

Multi-Grammy award-winning Latin Jazz pianist, composer, and singer, Eliane Elias has another stellar album with Quietude, recorded in São Paulo, Brazil, and released on the Candid Records label. With two Grammy wins and four nominations under her belt, Eliane Elias continues to deliver a magical performance on the 11-track, Quietude. Joining Eliane Elias are guitarists, Marcus Teixeira, Lula Galvâo, Oscar Castro-Neves, and Marc Johnson, with Celso de Almeida on drums, Paulo Braga on drums and percussion, and Emilio Martins on percussion. The release hits the streets on October 14, 2022 and should be a "must" for collectors.

The Pat Petrillo Big Rhythm Band - The Power Station Sessions is an assortment of music that crosses genres, changes up traditional tempos, and restates how and why tracks are set down in an order on a release, but in the end - IT JUST WORKS! Featuring a Who's Who of artists such as Nile Rodgers, John Popper, Oz Noy, Lenny Pickett, Felicia Collins, Glen Burtnik, David Cook, Scott Ambush, Steve Jankowski and of course the heart and soul of the release, Pat Petrillo. 

American jazz pianist Bill Evans was a legend who created a plethora of iconic, award-winning music. Remastered and released in June 2022, Bill Evans: You Must Believe In Spring, is a genius of a release of exceptional jazz piano and will be a welcome addition to any jazz collection. Joining Bill Evans on piano are Eddie Gomez on bass, and Eliot Zigmund on drums. Recorded at Capitol Studios in 1977, this compilation is on Craft Recordings and manufactured and distributed by Concord. 

The second release from the band Bywater Call - Remain is like finding the elusive pearl when you're out for an evening of fresh oysters. No way was I ready for a release like this with a powerful Southern soul blues/rock mix that had me mesmerized from the opening track and did not let up while leaving me wanting more (for their next release). This is a release that will have listeners searching the internet for additional music from this captivating band. You will run out of accolades when talking about Bywater Call - Remain. 

Basin Street Records has another Blues star in New Orleans with Kevin Gullage's debut album, Kevin & The Blues Groovers - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed Blues. This is 9-tracks of pure Blues listening pleasure comprised of some old Blues, some borrowed Blues, and some new Blues written by the multi-talented Kevin Gullage. The album hit the streets on July 15, 2022, and is well worth picking up and giving it several listens.

Following the success of Drumology in 2020, Rob Silverman and his brother Michael Silverman were inundated by world renowned drummers wanting to participate on future Drumology releases, and thus Rob Silverman - Drumology Volume II was born kicking, screaming and begging to be listened to. This release is a tour-de-force in music that melds various genres centered around the baseline formed from creative and powerful drummers. 

Award-Winning Blues Rock Guitarist Songwriter Albert Castiglia lays down another exciting and fabulous release with I Got Love, which hit the street on July 17, 2022. Joining Albert Castiglia are his band comprised of Justine Tompkins, Ephraim Lowell, and Lewis Stephens, on this oh-so memorable 11-track album released on the Gulf Coast Records label. I highly recommend that you give this one a listen!

Big Daddy: It's A Mad Mad Bad Dad World is 10 tracks of Chicago Blues Rock wonderful. Singer, songwriter, guitarist Paul Waring, together with guitarist Pete Galanis, Elton Jaan on Hammond organ, Ari Seder on bass, Jason "JROC" Edwards on drums, and Andrea Miiologos and Bree Gordon lending their backing vocals on three of the tracks, makes this release one you want to pick up and give many a listen.

The wait is over as Micki Free releases Turquoise Blue featuring 13 original tracks with a Who's Who of Guest Star Appearances from greats such as Andy Vargas, Steve Stevens, Karl Perazzo, Gary Clark, Jr., "Kingfish Ingraha", and Cindy Blackman-Santana. Written during extensive downtime when Covid first broke out, and as Micki stated, "The songs are a direct testament to how I felt during that crazy time." That crazy time lent itself to sensational Blues, Rock, and a bit of psychedelic all wrapped around great lyrics and vocals by Micki. 

The latest live release from Mike Zito - Blues For The Southside is a tour-de-force 15-track release. When you think of live Blues music, Mike Zito should come to the forefront as he is not only a master guitarist, a master playing the Blues, but he is a master performing live. The release features guitarist Tony Campanella, Eric Gales, and Dave Kalz along with a band of Blues greats, Matthew Johnson, Lewis Stephens, and Doug Byrkit. So, grab a drink and sit back for an evening of spellbinding live Blues where no reservations are required.

Singer, songwriter Dana Fuchs proves once again why she is the reigning "Queen of Blues Rock" with her latest CD, Borrowed Time, released on the Ruf Records label. Great storytelling lyrics, masterful instrumentals, and Dana Fuchs' powerhouse of a voice on this 12-track release with its strong Southern Rock focus is truly sensational and hits the streets on April 29, 2022. 

Jazz collectors are in for a rare treat with the April 2022 release of two important Bill Evans albums, Bill Evans - Morning Glory, his 1973 concert at the Teatro Gran Rex, in Buenos Aires, Argentina playing with Eddie Gomez on bass and Marty Morell on drums, and Bill Evans - Inner Spirit, his 1979 concert at the Teatro General San Martin, in Buenos Aires, playing with Marc Johnson on bass and Joe Labarbera on drums. These double-disc releases on the Resonance Records label are jazz treasures that show the genius of the great Bill Evans.

Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Bernard Allison continues to prove his mettle with his latest album, Highs & Lows, released on the Ruf Records label, which hit the streets on February 25, 2022, and debuted in the number one spot on Billboard on March 12, 2022. This 11-track release is 45 minutes of pure Blues magic.

The Nashville-based blues rock band, The Twangtown Paramours have a great third album with the release of The Twangtown Paramours - Double Down On A Bad Thing, which hits the streets on February 4, 2022. Joining Marybeth Zamer and Mike T. Lewis are Shawn Pelton, Dave Keyes, Steve Conn, Ed Alstrom, Will Barrow, Mark Deffenbaugh, Gary DiBenedetto, Dan Nigro, and Vinnie Cutro. Hold on to your hats as Marybeth Zamer belts out the numbers that will have you cheering and singing along to the catchy Mike T. Lewis lyrics.

After a whirlwind of holiday preparations and travel, I am delighted to be back at my desk and sliding into the new year with the album Soul Café: Step Aside featuring Ed Starrett on guitar, Jerry Scruggs on keyboard/organ, Jason Swagler on saxophone/flute/keys, Tim Quarells on drums, Bud Quarells on bass, and Donald Williams on percussion. This 8-track instrumental jazz album hits all the right notes for a perfect Soul Café infused 2022.

The release of Samantha Fish - Faster marks the eleventh release, on the Rounder Records label, by this remarkable singer, songwriter, guitarist, and overall outstanding musician. The creativity continues to roll from Samantha with 12 new tracks that encompass many different formats (genres). But with Samantha, the term genre is amiss when referring to her work, as creativity like Samantha's does not fit a single format or category, it fits being listened to over-and-over again. 

Blues singer, songwriter, and pianist Ben Levin is already making headway in the world of the Blues at age 22. His album, Ben Levin - Still Here is 12-tracks of the vintage Blues sound that he loves; it is a Blues release for Blues aficionados. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ben Levin clearly lets his passion fly on his newest release that hit the streets on October 22, 2021, on the Vizztone label. Joining Ben Levin on the release are Aron Levin on guitar, Chris Douglas on bass, and Oscar Bernal on drums. 

Chick Corea Akoustic Band LIVE includes tracks from the Akoustic Band's song book starting with the 1980s and moving forward, as well as the band pays tribute to some of the greats in the jazz world such as Thelonious Monk, Chet Baker, and Duke Ellington. This is the Akoustic Band's first release in over two decades, but the sound feels like it was just a few minutes break between sets. This is the last LIVE session by the legendary Chick Corea which says it all, this a must have release. 

Danish blues singer, songwriter, guitarist Thorbjorn Risager and his band The Black Tornado have been thrilling audiences for just shy of two decades. The band formed in 2003, released their first CD in 2004, and their career has skyrocketed since then due in part to the smoked honeyed whiskey voice of front man Thorbjorn Risager, and the talented band is par excellence as well. The new double-CD release, Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado: Best Of, features 25 fabulous songs crafted to perfection over the years as well as some new music. Released on September 24, 2021, on the Ruf Records label, this is a blues album for collectors. 

Sensational is the word that immediately came to mind as I listened to Contemporary Jazz keyboardist David Garfield - Stretchin' Outside The Box release that hit the street on September 27, 2021. The sixth, and last, in David Garfield's Outside The Box series, the double CD release has 24 fabulous tracks totaling over 137 minutes of listening pleasure and features an amazing roster of top musicians. Joining David Garfield are Chuck Loeb, Rick Braun, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Eric Marienthal, and that is just the tip of the iceberg of the talent. I highly recommend giving this stellar release many a listen.

Longtime singer, songwriter, multi-talented musician, and Bluesman Al Basile scores another hit with B's Testimony comprised of lucky 13 song tracks. Joining Al Basile are Kid Anderson on guitars, Mark Teixeira on drums, Bruce Bears on keyboards, Doug James on tenor sax, Jeff "Doc" Chanonhouse on trumpet, and Shy Perry lends her stunning vocals to one of Al's songs. Released on Al Basile's Sweetspot Records label, the release hits the street on September 17, 2021. Al Basile fans will definitely want to add this latest release to their collections.

Jazz composer, musician, band leader Gary Meek debuts his new band comprised of Gary Meek, Michael Lent, Skylar Campbell, and Robert Wider and their new Jazz album, Monterey Groove. Joining the band on this stellar release include special guests Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Dave Weckl, Dave Marotta, Dan Robbins, Robert Papacica, Anthony Paolini, Akili Bradley, Janice Perl, John Nava, and Dennis Murphy. Released on the Autumn Hill Records label, Monterey Groove, hits the streets on August 27, 2021.

Tito Jackson's debut 11-track Blues release, Under Your Spell, released on the Gulf Coast Records/Hillside Global label is forty captivating minutes of Blues magic. Joining the legendary singer / songwriter / guitarist Tito Jackson are George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Marlon Jackson, Joe Bonamassa, and Claudette King, to name but a few of his stellar guests. The release hit the streets on August 6, 2021.

Instrumental Jazz composer musician Tom Kennedy has some new tales to tell with his latest release, Tom Kennedy Stories featuring Dave Weckl released on the instrumental label, Autumn Hill Records, that hits the street on June 11, 2021. Tom Kennedy is joined by a musical "who's who" of talent including Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver, Gary Meek, Roger Squitero, Nick Marchione, Mike Stern, Ada Rovatti, Rand Brecker, Roger Guth, and Bill Evans. Instrumental Jazz fans are in for a real treat with this release as the 8-composition release runs 55-minutes and is pure musical inspiration.

Mike Zito's latest release, Mike Zito - Resurrection, shows another side and depth from this extraordinary musician. Mike's mastery of the guitar is legendary, but Resurrection shows a depth in the lyrics, melodies, and order of tracks to tell a story and create a musical journey. Sharing in his journey are Zach Zito, Matthew Johnson, Doug Byrkit, Lewis Stephens, Eric Demmer, Fernando Castillo, and Lisa Leuschner Andersen. 

Need some happy music in your life? Put on your New Orleans Blues dancing shoes and give Maria Muldaur's latest release with the band Tuba Skinny entitled Let's Get Happy Together a listen as this is one album that will have you dancing along to the 12-tracks with a smile on your face. Released on the Stony Plain Records label, the album hit the street on May 7, 2021.

Singer-songwriter guitarist Randy Lee Riviere has a new 13-track release entitled Wyoming that is Country accented Blues. Together with Kenneth Blevins, David Santos, Kevin McKendree, James Pennebaker, and Yates McKendree, Randy Lee Riviere: Wyoming is a release that will have you sitting up, taking notice, and giving it many a listen to Randy's engaging, storytelling lyrics complemented by some exceptionally fine instrumental work. The album hit the street on February 26, 2021 on the Wilderness Records label.

The Dave Weckl Band Live in St. Louis at the Chesterfield Jazz Festival 2019 takes the listener on a musical journey of Jazz and Funk. Featuring the amazing team of Dave Weckl, Gary Meek, Jay Oliver, Tom Kennedy, and Buzz Feiten, the 11-track instrumental Jazz release is an all-round standout of a release. The album hits the streets on April 9, 2021 on the Autumn Hill Records label.

The latest release from Tommaso Starace is Tommaso Starace - The Power of Three and it is one of Tommaso's best. The release was recorded in a large open venue without the use of headphones, which allowed the band to hear and feel the raw energy they were crafting. The 'a cappella' type setting created a big resonant sound that cascades throughout the release. The band takes the baseline of 7 covers and then projects their own feel and music sense to create renditions that will have you touting the release with other music aficionados.  

The once up-and-coming star, Ally Venable, has not only arrived, but she raised the bar across the Blues-Rock genre with her latest release Heart of Fire. The release features 10 new songs and a rhythmic cover of Use Me by Bill Withers. Heart of Fire features guitar legends Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Devon Allman complementing the guitar wizardry of Ally Venable. 

Leonard Bernstein (1918 - 1990) was a highly acclaimed and celebrated American composer, conductor, pianist, and educator, whose music thrilled audiences throughout the world. His music has had a profound influence on the world of Jazz, and Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra - Bernstein Reimagined released on the MCG Jazz label, celebrates his musical style, achievement, and genius. The album hits the streets on January 29, 2021.

Rhythm City the self-titled debut album of Jazz trio Ptah Williams on piano and keyboards, Larry Kornfeld on bass, and Rob Silverman on drums, with special guests Eric Marienthal on saxophone, Randy Brecker on trumpet, and Michael Silverman on synthesizer, runs over 74 minutes of instrumental eclectic Jazz pleasure. Released on the Autumn Hill Records label in December 2020, this 8-track album deserves many a listen. If you love instrumental piano Jazz, you are going to love Rhythm City.