Barbara Healy & Groove Too

Been There Done That McKenna Records Barbara Healy has long been one of the finest vocalists in the lower Willamette Valley whose talent is reflected in her amazing, passionate songwriting and performances. Since the 1980s she has been delivering…

Mick Kolassa

Taylor Made Blues Swing Suit Records Mississippi-based bluesman Mick Kolassa is back with his third recording in as many years, and as with those previous two he has hit another winning formula with Taylor Made Blues. Kolassa is an exceptional…

David Vest

Devestatin’ Rhythm Ark-O-Matic Even if David Vest were not the articulate songwriter that he is, his piano playing would still be able to tell stories that’d capture your attention. His expressive boogie style just has a way of its own to…

Gabriel Cox

I Surrender Self Produced When I reviewed Gabriel Cox’s debut album a couple years ago, the first thing I said that you’re going to notice is that this man can sing. Does that bear repeating? Cox is a natural singer whose voice is filled…

Ty Curtis

Blame Me Self Produced Ty Curtis makes authentic music from his heart. His songwriting skills are amoung some of the very best I have heard as of late with lyrics and instrumentation finely melded together to appeal far more than to just one…

Rose City Kings

A Love So Strong Self Produced A Love So Strong represents the return of the Rose City Kings after a hiatus of several years after band leader Dan Berkery decided to step away from music for a little while.  Always an exceptional songwriter…

Sammy Eubanks

Sugar Me Underworld Records Sugar Me, Sammy Eubanks new album, kicks off with a little swampy and gritty guitar riff as he describes that what ever he’s listening to it’s “It’s All Blues to Me.” And it’s hard to argue as he explains…

Alligator Records Forty-Fifth Anniversary Collection

Various Artists Alligator Records When you write anything about Alligator Records, you might as well be writing the history of the blues itself during the past four-and-a-half decades. Bruce Iglauer created the label to provide an outlet to…

Shawn James

On The Shoulders Of Giants Self-Produced Shawn James hails from Fayetteville, Arkansas and is the leader of the successful band The Shapeshifters whose music encompasses a unique mixture of heavy rock, bluegrass, and folk. The band tours seemingly…

Mr. Stress Blues Band

Live At The Brick Cottage 1972-1973 Smog Veil Records Take note — sound-wise, Live At The Brick Cottage 1972-1973 may not come across as the best recording that you’re going to hear of a live performance. After all, it was recorded using…