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.

If you love Rock, Blues and Brazilian music, then you are in for a treat with Artur Menezes' latest release, Fading Away. Joining Artur Menezes on the release are Gui Bodi, Lemar Carter, Kesha Shantrell, Revel Day, Carey Frank, Travis Carlton. Matt Mitchell, Zé Leal, Gary Novak, Chris Chaney, and Special Guests: Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith. Released on the VizzTone label, this 8-track release is destined to become a favorite. Although the title of the release is Fading Away, make no mistake, Artur Menezes is front and center and boldly making his presence known. 

American singer, songwriter, guitarist Casey James shines on his latest 10-track blues release, If You Don't Know By Now produced by Grammy® winner Tom Hambridge. Joining Casey James are Tom Hambridge, Tommy Macdonald, Mike Rojas, Rob McNelley, Wendy Moten, Bryan Meggison, and Desmond Ng. The release, Casey James - If You Don't Know By Now, hit the street on September 18, 2020, so run to pick up a copy.

Alastair Greene - The New World Blues is a fresh and exciting release from Alastair Greene and has his trademark creative lyrics and blazing electric and slide guitar. The release features a Power Trio of Alastair Greene, Tab Benoit on drums and harmonies, and Corey Duplechin on bass. The New World Blues was recorded with limited remixing and only a few overdubs resulting in a "raw" energy filled release that is cut from the souls of the Power Trio. 

Nora Jean Wallace has a voice that was made to sing the blues, a voice that will knock you off your feet and demand your attention and thank goodness for that. After taking a break from singing to care for her mother, she returns full force with an album, Nora Jean Wallace - Blues Woman, released by Severn Records, Inc. label that is absolutely stunning. Joining Nora Jean are Kim Wilson, Johnny Moeller, David Earl, Steve Gomes, Kevin Anker, Steve Guyger, Stanley Banks, and Robb Stupka. The release hits the streets on October 30, 2020.

The latest release Ain't Done Yet from legendary band Savoy Brown continues a decade long approach that lead singer / songwriter / guitarist Kim Simmonds has taken the band through. The Blues Rock sound of Savoy Brown is one of the longest running in existence. The latest 10-track release shows that there is no slowing down in energy or creativity for this legendary trio (Kim Simmonds, Pat DeSalvo, and Garnet Grimm). 

Singer Luba Mason has a wow of a release with Luba Mason - Triangle released on the Blue Canoe Records label that hits the streets on October 23, 2020. Marking her fourth solo release, Luba Mason - Triangle features Luba Mason's signature vocals, Joe Locke on vibraphone, Samuel Torres on percussion, and James Genus on bass. Always on the forefront of pushing music to new levels, Luba Mason challenges and engages her audience with music across genres with Pop songs like Paul Simon's Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover and The Beatles Ticket To Ride, to Jazz, Broadway songs, and more, all done with Luba Mason's creative styling that will have you hitting the play button several times to have another listen.

American Jazz pianist and composer Chick Corea  takes the listener on a musical journey that transcends time and place playing the music written by some of the legendary pianists throughout history including Chopin, Scarlatti, Scriabin, Mozart, Monk, Jobim, Gershwin, Evans, and Wonder on Chick Corea Plays, a 2-disc extravaganza of an album released on the Concord Jazz label! On this release, there is no band backing him up, it is just Chick Corea playing solo piano with music composed by some of his favorites and it is fabulous! The first disc has 15-tracks and the second disc has 18 tracks. Do pick up a copy and sit back for some incredible piano music.

Multi-nominated bluesman Al Basile takes a step in a new direction with his latest release, Last Hand released on his Sweetspot records label, which has a rich Jazzy Blues feel. Last Hand is like a Blues opera that tells the tale of a May-December romance over the course of this fabulous 12-track release. Joining Al are Bruce Bears on piano and organ, Brad Hallen on electric bass, and Mark Teixeira on drums. The musicianship is on this release is pure magic to complement Al Basile's engaging lyrics. The album hits the streets on August 21, 2020, so grab yourself a copy and sit back and enjoy listening to an exciting tale told by songwriter extraordinaire Al Basile.

I love Jazz piano and when I saw Michael Silverman's debut instrumental Jazz album, Michael Silverman - Human Spirit featuring Jeff Lorber, I was intrigued to give it a listen, followed by several listens. Joined by his brother, acclaimed veteran drummer Rob Silverman, and a host of talented guest musicians Jimmy Haslip, Eric Marienthal, David Benoit, Michael Thompson, Adam Hawley, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Gary Novak, the album sparkles with crystal clarity. The release hits the street on July 15, 2020. 

New York Jazz trumpeter John Lake has a fabulous new 11- track instrumental Jazz release entitled, Seven Angels, that hits the street on June 26, 2020. I got my hands on the release early for Luxury Experience, and instrumental Jazz fans are in for a real treat with Seven Angels. John Lake proves his mettle as a dynamic Jazz composer, arranger, and soloist on this dynamic freshman release, so be sure to grab a copy and give it a listen.