Recommended New Releases

Byther Smith Blues on the Moon (Delmark)
A lot of stories make hay of Smith's time as a boxer, but the image of Smith in the ring is an appropriate metaphor for the sound of his tough, straight ahead blues. This live set recorded in 2007 at the Natural Rhythm Social Club on Chicago's South Side is an inspired performance. Smith rips through a couple sets that are as hearfelt, tough and gritty as anything from the 1950's, yet he doesn't sound dated. If you're a fan of traditional Chicago blues, you'll dig "Blues on the Moon". This is one of the best CD's I've heard all year, and I'm only 6 songs in as I write this. - Jon Norton

Eden Brent Mississippi Number One (Yellow Dog)
Brent was studying music at the prestigious North Texas State University, then decided to follow her heart. She dropped her formal education to be mentored by the aging but gifted blues pioneer, "Boogaloo Ames". That mentorship turned into a 16 year friendship. When you listen to Mississippi Number One, its apparent the student absorbed the lessons of the master, as Brent veers from rollicking boogie woogie to sparse, personal ballads. She's also a fantastic singer, as her husky voice compliments her virtuosic playing. - Jon Norton

Julian Fauth Ramblin' Son (Electro-Fi)

Toronto native Julian Fauth is turning heads north of the border with his haunting barrelhouse piano and colorful, often dark storytelling.  From the opening track, his piano blues will sound familiar, yet different.  And once you dig into his characters and stories, you'll know that Fauth isn't rehashing the sound of the legends he reveres.  Truly an original. - Jon Norton

Magic Slim & the Teardrops Midnight Blues (Blind Pig)  When Morris Holt moved from Mississippi to Chicago at age 18, he wasn't good enough to crack the elite Chicago blues scene.  Retreating back south to hone his chops, he returned to the Windy City a decade later with a vengence, and a new moniker: Magic Slim.  Now 71, Holt is one of the elder statemen of the Chicago blues sound.  On Midnight Blues, Slim tears into a number of covers, including songs by Little Milton and Muddy Waters.  He also wrote 5 new songs in his familiar uncompromising style.  Another solid release from the man who epitomizes the classic Chicago blues sound. - Jon Norton

Hucknall Tribute To Bobby (simplyred.com/ATCO)
Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall is one of the most soulful voices in pop/soul. On this tribute to R&B/soul legend Bobby "Blue" Bland, Hucknall, with his maturing voice, delivers a loving salute to one of his musical hero's. "Tribute to Bobby" may be a bit poppy for blues traditionalists, but man, this guy sings his @&$ off. Click on the CD cover to hear for yourself.  - Jon Norton

Buddy Guy Skin Deep (Silvertone/Zomba)

The story goes that just after Buddy Guy moved to Chicago from Louisiana, Muddy Waters told a very skinny and scared Guy to eat the sandwich he had just made for him or he wouldn’t have the energy to cut it up with Otis Rush and Magic Sam. Apparently he ate the sandwich and proceeded to cut up both Magic Sam and Rush.

Now that he is the dean of Chicago blues, it’s nice to hear Guy writing new songs and attacking his guitar as if were still playing for his dinner.  On Skin Deep, Eric Clapton, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Robert Randolph join the fun, but it’s Guy who shines on uptempo numbers like "Show Me The Money", and especially ballads like "Out in the Woods" and "I Found Happiness". Not his best, but still damn good. - Jon Norton

Gaye Adegbalola Gaye Without Shame (Vizztone)
The sassy and funny frontwoman for Saffire unapologetically announces her orientation to the world. "Gaye Without Shame" is a declaration AND a fantastic blues release. Adegbalola will make you think, chuckle and hum along as she bares her soul over 18 tracks that range from acoustic to full band blowups and a few surprise covers. - Jon Norton

Matthew Stubbs Soul Bender (VizzTone)
An all instrumental album. Of originals.  Without all the pyrotechnics. How refreshing !  Equal parts blues, R&B, Memphis Soul, rock and surf, Soul Bender is a showcase for 25 year old Matthew Stubbs' fantastic songwriting and guitar playing.  But when you listen to Soul Bender, it's what's not there that gets your attention.  In a blues world full of Stevie Ray Vaughan wannabe's, Stubbs has written and recorded 11 songs that are allowed to breath. - Jon Norton

Mannish Boys Lowdown Feelin' (Delta Groove) 
Based in California, this group has quickly become one of the most popular groups in the country.  Finis Tasby, Johnny Dyer, and Bobby Jones are referred to as the “supergroup” of blues.  This 4 year old band has a traditional blues feeling with a modern style. I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to own all 4 of their CD’s. - Frank Black

Current GLT Blues Releases