All of the recordings on Al Blake’s XX Large Bag of Blues feature Blake in mostly solo, duo and trio settings. You of course can hear Al sing, play guitar and harmonica. He is joined by Fred Kaplan, the titan of the blues piano, as well as world renowned, blues harmonica master Kim Wilson on a handful of tracks, where he lends some of the tastiest harp playing in his long and distinguished career. One song features the exceptional country blues guitar of Nathan James.  This blues music does not have any artificial sweeteners or additives. It is not pre-processed fast food for the masses. It isn’t watered down, diet blues for the blues-light crowd either. This CD contains a double extra-large portion of the real thing.  

When Dave Alvin left the Blasters in 1986, the band’s founder, leader, singer, second guitar player, harp man and older brother Phil Alvin hired the already highly acclaimed guitarist Michael Mann aka Hollywood Fats. As Phil famously said “I feel like my band has lost the world’s greatest songwriter, but gained the world’s greatest guitar player." This two-disc, twenty-seven song collection demonstrates why Phil Alvin is, as per usual, right on the mark. Mostly Dave Alvin originals and a few traditional blues nuggets sprinkled into the mix make this the best live Blasters set on the market. Fats’ guitar adds a spark that ignites a fire that actually brings new life into some classic Blaster staples. As most of our readers know Hollywood Fats would die just a few months after this night of American music was recorded. 

Yet another gem from Rick Estrin and his great band. Once again Estrin and the Cats offer up a slightly subversive twist on the straight-ahead natural blues. (For a complete album review see our Monthly Album Spotlight in this month’s edition of BLUES JUNCTION.)

After having us wait nearly ten years between albums earlier in this millennium, Harman is on a roll of late. This brand-new release is his second in as many years, his third offering since 2015 and his fourth in the decade. You can add this new CD on Big Jon Atkinson’s Big Tone label to the winner’s column. As always Harman is surrounded by world class talent. These musicians include of course Big Jon handling all the guitar duties. Bob Welsh is featured on both piano and organ and his skills are utilized in service of some wonderful material all written by the incomparable James Harman. A relentless stream of fresh ideas is again unleashed by Harman and they sit comfortably atop the warm Big Tone sound. Vintage grooves that you may have never heard before make Liquor Parking an aural experience not to be missed. - D.M. 

Over the past decade, Greg Izor has recorded a body of work that retains the best parts of traditional blues while adding a fresh, modern take to the sound.  From his early releases under his own name to the stunning ensemble recording with The Peacemakers, he has always brought the best out in covers while writing in the style of the old masters.  This collection of all original tunes produced by Greg Izor and Josh Fulero, features musicians with whom Greg has a long history of collaboration:  Mike and Corey Keller, Willie Pipkin, Jason Corbiere, Randy Glines, Michael Archer, and Emily Gimble.  Tough blues, country ballads, and Cajun waltzes come together in an album that showcases Izor’s unique approach to Southern music.  - C.L..

Chris Fast is a blues veteran from the southern part of southern California better known as San Diego County. He and his great band of fellow San Diegons traveled just a bit north to the south Orange County beach resort town of Laguna Beach to record a live album at the legendary Mozambique. Fast is an under-appreciated talent who excels as a vocalist, harmonica player and band leader. This set of the straight-ahead natural blues demonstrates this, as the band plays with confidence and swing. The latter is something that is often lacking in today’s blues world. Check out the guitarist Steve Wilcox on these tracks. He is also worthy of your attention. You may want to get hip to the Chris Fast Band and Moz Live just might be the place to start. - D.M. 

One of the most highly anticipated albums of the year doesn’t disappoint. Executive Producer Jim Pugh brings the consummate blues guitarist into his Little Village and pairs him with blues recording master and multi-instrumentalist Kid Andersen at his Greaseland studios. Watson comes full circle by returning to his early stomping grounds of San Jose, California, and even records a track with Gary Smith (his first boss) the Godfather of the Bay Area harp men. – D.M.  

This Talladega, Alabama, native and Richmond, California, resident has just released thefourth and best album of his career. Mike’s vocal chops are tailor made (or is it visa versa) for the Big Tone Studio production of Big Jon Atkinson. Here Big Jon captures the essence of vintage, down home electric blues and the vocals of this fine blues singer, whose stock seems to be on the rise. An all-star assemblage of musicians was put together by Big Jon. They are led by Kim Wilson. His magnificent harp playing is all over the record. - D.M. 

Twenty four previously unheard songs by such blues legends as Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, James Cotton, Son House, Magic Sam, T-Bone Walker, Junior Wells, Big Mama Thornton, Clifton Chenier, Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Lightnin’ Hopkins, J. B. Hutto & His Hawks, Roosevelt Sykes, Luther Allison, Otis Rush, Big Joe Williams, Charlie Musselwhite and more. The first ever release of music recorded live at the landmark event called the "Woodstock of the Blues." This set's music is raw & wild. – C.L. 

Moody, atmospheric with musical and lyrical sophistication. Yep, it’s another fine album in the long career by one of the charter members of the New England blues mob. Coronet player, songwriter and vocalist Al Basile has just released his 17^th album (by my count). Since he became a member of Roomful of Blues in 1973, he has hitched his wagon to that band's founder and leader, Duke Robillard. Each of his solo records was produced by Duke and again this one features his fine band. They are bassist Brad Hallen, drummer Mark Teixeira and organist Bruce Bears. They are joined by trumpeter Jeff “Doc” Chanonhouse and long time Duke sideman and long-time former member of Roomful and current Jimmie Vaughan band member, sax man Doug James. In a blues world full of guitar histrionics and over blown harmonica wankers, Basile’s muted coronet is a wonderful sorbet. – D.M.

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