Music Scene

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Hiromi – The Piano Quintet:: Silver Lining Suite is a stunning 9-track piano jazz album composed and arranged by pianist Hiromi and released in late September 2021 on the Telarc International label, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc. Hiromi – The Piano Quintet is comprised of Hiromi on piano, Tatsua Nishie (1st violin), Sohei Birmann (2nd violin), Meguna Naka (viola), and Wataru Mukai (cello).