Music Scene

Jeremiah Johnson Band – Blues Heart Attack released on the Connor Ray Music label is 12-tracks of the Blues with a twinge of St. Louis Blues mixed in with Texas Blues. The Jeremiah Johnson Band consists of Jeremiah Johnson, Jeff Girardier, and Benet Schaeffer, with special guests Nathan Hershey, Frank Bauer, and Tom "Papa" Ray to complement the well-crafted studio release with all music written by Jeremiah Johnson.

The Royal Southern Brotherhood – The Royal Gospel, the latest release from this talented Blues Rock group released on the Ruf Records label features RSB members, Cyril Neville, Bart Walker, Tyrone Vaughan, Darrell Phillips, Yonrico Scott, with special guest Norman Caesar lending his talents on this impressive album.

Van Wilks – 21st Century Blues is his first studio release in 10 years, and the wait was well worth it! The 12-track release starts out blazing, continues to add steam, and culminates in an impressive finish that begs the finger to hit the play button again. Joining Van Wilks on this fabulous release are special guests Christopher Cross and Malford Milligan.

Jefferson Grizzard establishes his talent front and center, with Daydream Of Hope, a follow-up to his acclaimed Learning To Lie CD, released on the Back Porch Syndicate Records label. The 9-track release features all original music written by Jefferson Grizzard, with impressive guitarmanship, storytelling lyrics, and a honeyed whiskey voice that helps Jefferson Grizzard and the band lay down a release that you will want to add to your collection.

Mike Zito & The Wheel – Keep Coming Back released on the Ruf Records label is a rollicking Blues follow-up to his releases Songs From The Road and Mike Zito & The Wheel – Gone To Texas. Joining Mike Zito are Jimmy Carpenter, Rob Lee, Lewis Stephens, Scott Sutherland, Anders Osborne, Trina Shoemaker, Suze Simms, Riley Zito (Mike Zito’s daughter), and David Farrell who keep the Blues moving along nicely on this fabulous 12-track release.

The Jazz group, Fourplay: Bob James, Nathan East, Chuck Loeb, and Harvey Mason, with special guests and ex-Fourplay members Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour, celebrate their 25th anniversary with their aptly titled CD, Silver, released on the Heads Up International label, a division of Concord Music Group.  Fourplay – Silver is a mix of Funk, Fusion, Pop, Jazz, Blues, and that all so familiar tight melodies and the Fourplay exactness from talented musicians at the highest level.

Jazz vocalist Luciana Souza is at her most daring with her latest release, Luciana Souza – Speaking in Tongues on the Sunnyside Records label. She deftly explores and melds musical heritages, cultures, and genres with her ensemble of Lionel Loueke, Gregoire Maret, Massimo Biolcati, and Kendrick Scott, and the listener is enriched by the journey that leads to new discoveries.

Grammy® winning Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour (aka Captain Fingers) celebrates his 40th anniversary since his debut album release in 1976. His latest release, a TWIST of RIT, is not a "best of" rehash of old tunes; it consists of 12 tracks of new and old favorites with a "twist and flip" released on the Concord Music Group label.

Love the Big Band Jazz sound? Look no further than Sasha’s Bloc – Heart On Fire Featuring Jane Monheit, an 11-track release of original music by bassist, songwriter  Alex Gershman that pays tribute to the Jazz of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to dance and romance as you listen to this gorgeous release.

Samantha Fish – Wild Heart is a blend of polished guitar work and engaging vocals that crosses genres from Rock, to Country, to Blues, and more. Her guitar riffs are like flint on steel as they ignite a musical flame which burns brightly throughout the release. Accompanied by Luther Dickerson, Brady Blade, Lightin’ Malcolm, Sharde Thomas, and Dominic Davis, Samantha Fish stakes her claim as a musical force to be reckoned with for many years.