Mary Flower

Mary Flower

Livin’ With The Blues Again Little Village Foundation By Greg Johnson When it comes to the world of acoustic guitarists, Mary Flower is a treasure who stands tall among her peers. Whether it is performing the blues, ragtime, folk, or Americana,…
The Lloyd Jones Struggle - Full Force

The Lloyd Jones Struggle – Full Force (Self Released)

Full Force Self Released By Greg Johnson While going through some items at home, Lloyd Jones unearthed a long forgotten cassette of a live show recorded back in 1995 at The Emperor’s Chambers. Though the sound on the tape had some flaws,…
Stuff You Gotta Watch - Dusty Dust Records

James Clem – Stuff You Gotta Watch – Dusty Dust Records

Stuff You Gotta Watch Dusty Dust Records By Greg Johnson James Clem has a unique delivery that is always exciting and fun whether fingerpicking or performing on slide guitar or ukulele. On his latest release, Stuff You Gotta Watch, he has…

Julie Amici and Dean Mueller

I Loved You So Self Released By: Missi Hasting Baker I Loved You So is a charming (and welcome) foray into country blues by Portland-based duo Julie Amici and Dean Mueller.  The collection represents gorgeous collaborative songwriting by…
Rory Gallagher - Blues

Rory Gallagher

Blues Chess / UMC Review by Greg Johnson Celebrating what would have been the fiftieth anniversary of the start of his solo career, Blues, the latest release from the archives of Rory Gallagher is a treasure trove of amazing guitar work.…
Jimmie Vaughan - Baby, Please Come Home - Last Music Company

Jimmie Vaughan

Baby, Please Come Home Last Music Company Review by Greg Johnson Anyone who thinks that blues guitar, or any guitar playing for that matter, needs to be fueled by speed and flash, should take a lesson directly from Jimmie Vaughan. Vaughan’s…
Harpdog Brown - For Love & Money

Harpdog Brown

For Love & Money Dog House Records Review by Greg Johnson Harpdog Brown takes us on an enjoyable romp that brings back thoughts of the nostalgic rhythm & blues tracks of the 50s and 60s. There is a lot of musical echoes here from…
Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings - The Lost Sessions

Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings

The Lost Sessions E Natchel Records Review by Greg Johnson I was talking with guitarist Tom Holland during sound check at the 2014 Blues Music Awards when Elvin Bishop walked up to me. Pointing at Holland he said, “You know that this guy…
Rosie Flores - Simple Case of the Blues (The Last Music Company)

Rosie Flores

Simple Case of the Blues The Last Music Company Rosie Flores has been making a name for herself for the past four decades, and a variety of musical genres assure that she resists being pigeonholed. Working over the years in both California…
Richard Wilkins - What A Life (Self-Produced)

Richard Wilkins – What A Life (Self-Produced)

What A Life Self-Produced For many years, Richard Wilkins has been a vital part of the Portland area blues scene, leading bands, laying down dynamic bass beats, and blowing killer saxophone. Yet, even though he has performed for so long, he’s…