Author Archives: Mike

Tune into the Weekend: Taj Mahal nails Spike Driver Blues on upcoming Music Maker Relief Foundation anniversary compilation

We’ve talked here before about the Music Maker Relief Foundation (MMRF) and its good works in helping Southern musicians in need. 2019 is shaping up to be a particularly exciting year for the organization, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary … Continue reading

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Jawbone gives lots to jaw about with self-titled debut

Sticking with the UK flavor of our last review (Ian Parker’s album paying tribute to blues great Willie Dixon), today we’re discussing the eponymous debut album from a new four-man band called Jawbone (who take their name from a song … Continue reading

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My Heart Belongs to the Blues

It’s voting day today, and that probably makes it a pretty good one to “elect” to listen to some blues, at least for voters in some races (as if anyone here needs an excuse!) Here’s the latest edition of our … Continue reading

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Ian Parker dishes Spoonful of Gold on album paying tribute to blues great Willie Dixon

We hadn’t heard much about British blues-rocker Ian Parker before we caught a track from his new album on BBC recently, but that — plus learning that said album was a tribute to Chicago blues musician/writer/producer and “Poet Laureate of … Continue reading

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Hold On tight because Kirk Fletcher’s latest album will blow you away

In introducing the band on his recent recording paying tribute to the Three Kings of the Blues, Joe Bonamassa called fellow guitar-slinger Kirk Fletcher “one of the greatest modern blues guitar players in the world”, and one listen to that … Continue reading

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Pianist Anthony Geraci branches out on Why Did You Have to Go

If you’re looking for something from pianist Anthony Geraci that’s drastically different from what he does with his main gig with Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, then Geraci’s latest album Why Did You Have to Go (Shining Stone Records) isn’t … Continue reading

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Doyle Bramhall II continues to evolve with Shades

We first heard Doyle Bramhall II when he and his band Smokestack played opening act on Eric Clapton‘s 2001 Reptile tour. A little research revealed that Bramhall also had a bit of a role on the Reptile album, including serving … Continue reading

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Deva Mahal, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton join Bettye LaVette and others at inaugural Highmark Blues & Heritage Festival

We weren’t able to catch much of the inaugural edition of the Highmark Blues & Heritage Festival that took place at the August Wilson Center in downtown Pittsburgh this past weekend, but the few acts we did manage to see … Continue reading

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Blues Been Mighty Good to Me

Things may finally be starting to cool down a bit on the outdoor thermometer but we’ve got another hot one for you here with this edition of our talk-free BluesPowR Radio Hour, featuring double-shots from both Jim Gustin & Truth … Continue reading

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Reigning Queen of Beale Street Barbara Blue makes big splash with Fish in Dirty H20

It’s been a few years now since we’ve had a chance to talk about smoky-voiced Pittsburgh native Barbara Blue, who has been holding down a five-nights-a-week gig at Silky O’Sullivan’s on Memphis’ Beale Street for the past 21 years, a … Continue reading

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