Sugar Ray and the Bluetones Evening Severn Records -  This October 12^th  release is a killer. The title track to this album Evening  is one of my favorite T-Bone Walker tunes and that is sayin’ something. It is also one of my favorite slow blues as well. This tune is typically not a vehicle for the harmonica, though Norcia lends his fine harp work to this track which gives it a very smoky, atmospheric vibe. It is an absolutely haunting rendition of this already dark tune that is stunning.



The Cash Box Kings Holler and Stomp Blind Pig - The tune, That’s My Gal written by guitarist Joel Paterson on their tremendous Blind Pig debut album reminds me somewhat of the Slim Harpo tune Tip On In. Oscar Wilson gives a fine vocal performance to go along with Joel Paterson’s greasy Excello style guitar playing on this track. This is great track from a terrific new album which came out in October. The Cash Box Kings’ core band includes Wilson along with its principle song writer, vocalist and harp player Joe Nosak, and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith on drums. Also on board for this record are ,as mentioned Paterson who imbibes virtually every track with stellar fret work and bassist Jimmy Sutton who is one of the best bass players in the world adds a rockabilly feel and deep Memphis sounding grooves to this album.  Guitarist Billy Flynn and pianist Barrelhouse Chuck make excellent contributions as well.

Jimmie Vaughan Plays More Blues Ballads and Favorites Shout Factory - Jimmie Vaughan’s album, which came out in July is, as he says, a bookend to his 2010 release entitled Blues Ballads and Favorites. More Blues Ballads and Favorites was recorded to sound like an old jukebox. With Vaughan, it has always been about the song. Jimmie and his outstanding band breathe new life into some old gems. We have been grooving to the Jimmy Liggins tune Teardrops Keep Falling from this Shout Factory release. 



Ivan Appelrouth Blue and Instrumental Eller Soul Records - This is the Virginia based guitarist’s first album as band leader. Appelrouth plays mostly originals on this album but takes some classics out for a spin on a few tracks as well. Appelrouth goes back to one of the greatest instrumental blues albums of all time The Cool Sounds of Albert Collin’s and dusts off the classic tFrosty. In doing so he does a great job in breathing new life into this old war horse.



Shawn Pittman Edge of the World Delta Groove - Shawn Pitman’s 10^th album Edge of the World was released on May 17th. It is his Delta Groove Records debut. When I pointed out to Shawn that the song, That’s the Thing, has a heavy Guitar Slim influence, he told me that’s exactly what he was shooting for. The album is full of originals save one Howlin’ Wolf cover. In other tunes Pittman channels some Texas guitar icons like Johnny “Guitar” Watson and Jimmie Vaughan. Oh… and by the way Pittman is a good vocalist who happens to play every instrument on the album



Duke Robillard Low Down & Tore Up Stony Plain This record which has been out for a few months now has a wonderfully under produced, off the cuff feel about it. Duke again visits some wonderful old tunes and breathes new life into some real blues gems. One of my favorite slow blues tunes of all time is a tune very closely associated with Pee Wee Crayton, Blues After Hours.  The prolific Rhode Island based guitarist does Crayton and this tune justice, which is no surprise to anyone who has followed Duke’s phenomenal career. As far as I am concerned Duke Robillard is a national treasure.

Mighty Mojo Prophets Mighty Mojo Prophets Rip Cat Records - The Mighty Mojo Prophets inaugural album is also the first release on the Southern California based label Rip Cat Records. This spring, self- titled release is a good one. We have been grooving to the song West Coast Blues which features the album’s producer and label mate Johnny Mastro on harp. This terrific up and coming band is led by vocalist Tommy “Big Son” Eliff and guitarist and Mitch “ Da Switch” Dow. The band recently received a Blues Music Award Nomination for best new artist. As far as I am concerned it is very well deserved.  

Big Pete Choice Cuts Delta Groove - Big Pete’s album Choice Cuts on Delta Groove Records came out last fall and is a favorite out here at the JUNCTION. The Dutch singer and harmonica player Pete van der Pluijm is out in front of this “special guest’ laden album whose core band is pretty special as well. Guitarist Alex Schultz, bassist Willie J. Campbell and drummer Jimi Bott offer strong support throughout this album. We just can’t stop grooving to the Smoky Smothers tune I Got My Eyes on You and the guest harmonica player, Al Blake.

Terry Hank Look Out! Delta Groove - Terry Hanck’s album which came out last June on Delta Groove entitled Look Out! has the tenor sax man and soulful vocalist in collaboration with Chris Andersen who wears several hats in this fine production. The song Appreciate What You Got is a song with a message. Hanck’s sense of humor and Andersen’s guitar help get the point across. It is one of my favorite tunes on an album full of great songs.

Big Joe and the Dynaflows You Can’t Keep a Big Man Down Severn - Big Joe & the Dynaflows’ You Can’t Keep a Big Man Down is vocalist and drummer Big Joe Maher and company’s 2011 release on Severn Records. It is a first rate album. The song Nothin’ but Trouble is a Maher original and features the band’s guitarist, Rob McNelley laying down some tasty T-Bone Walker inspired licks. Pianist and organist Kevin McKendree, bassist Bill Campbell and sax man Dennis Taylor round out the lineup of this terrific east coast band. Big Joe and the Dynaflows really know how to swing and this record is a fine example of that.