Long Tall Deb and Colin John - Dragonfly

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2018
Time:41:31 
Size:96,0 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Americana/Blues/Mix
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. On the Way Down (Intro) - 1:55
 2. On the Way Down - 3:21
 3. Dragonfly - 3:42
 4. Lungs - 4:33
 5. I'll Be the One - 3:50
 6. Remember Why - 4:42
 7. Pull the Pin - 4:55
 8. Trouble - 4:38
 9. Horizontal Lightning - 4:00
10. Lights That Shine - 3:59
11. Dragonfly, Slight Return - 1:52

"Dragonfly, the second disc from Long Tall Deb and Colin John is a superb album to sink ones teeth into. This eleven track album explores a variety of worldly genres while anchored in American roots, blues and soul. Deb Landolt aka Long Tall Deb fills each song with her enchanting vocals, building a connection to the listener every time, while Colin John wondrously plays guitar." ~ Phillip Smith/

Dragonfly
Y
MF

Cooley Pope - Lake Saint Clair

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2025
Time:52:02 
Size:120,0 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Jazz/Blues/Pop/Soul/Rock/Easy Listening/Country/Mix 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. A Song For Abbey - 3:10
 2. Fun Tonight - 2:50
 3. It Anit Funny - 3:43
 4. Lake Saint Clair - 4:17
 5. I'm The Talk - 3:14
 6. Around This Time - 3:58
 7. Sunny Place - 4:01
 8. Long Time Ago - 4:26
 9. Bad Luck - 3:19
10. Tearsville - 4:21
11. 9mile Shuffle - 4:44
12. Umbrella Song - 3:48
13. East Kentucky - 2:32
14. Hear and There - 3:31

Detroit native Cooley Pope has mastered the driving sound of the Detroit blues guitar; he is also an excellent vocalist. This CD features a variety of musical styles and lyrical themes. All in all, it is a solid album.

Lake Saint Clair
MF
Y

Cristiano Ferreira - The Teacher's Rules!

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2017
Time:35:48 
Size:82,9 MB 
Label:Chico Blues Records 
Styles:Blues/Electric Blues/Jamp Blues 
Art:Full 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Give Your Love To Me - 4:27
 2. Wee Baby Blues - 4:46
 3. Brioi Blues - 2:52
 4. If You Care About Me - 4:46
 5. Angelica - 3:20
 6. Lonesome Blues - 3:32
 7. Swing Do Pampa - 3:30
 8. Travelin' Blues - 2:26
 9. If You Love Me, Baby - 2:46
10. Who's Gonna Be Your Sweet Man - 3:16

*The Teacher’s Rules* is the second album by musician and guitarist Cristiano Ferreira. The title alludes to the recognition Cristiano has earned among musicians in the Santa Catarina scene as a mentor and a benchmark instrumentalist.
The repertoire features original compositions and reinterpretations spanning New Orleans, Delta, Jump, and Texas blues styles. Recording began in 2015, with a core band comprising Alexandre Green (keyboards), Dayvk Martins (drums), Danilo Brito (electric bass), and Juamp Carranza (acoustic bass).
Seven guest musicians also contribute to the album. Among them is Luciano Leães—a friend and collaborator from Cristiano’s time living and performing in Porto Alegre—who brings New Orleans piano influences and Hammond organ sounds to the tracks "Angelica" (Duke Ellington), "If You Care About Me" (original), "Give Your Love to Me" (original), "Brioi Blues" (original), and "Wee Baby Blues" (Big Joe Turner). Adrian Jimenez, a harmonica player from Buenos Aires, revisits the acoustic/rural side of Muddy Waters on the track "Who's Gonna Be Your Sweet Man When I'm Gone." Clark Carballo’s washboard and Adrian’s harmonica evoke a rural blues sound on the original composition "Lonesome Blues."
In the horn section, collaborators from Brass Groove Brasil—Jean Carlos (trumpet), Braion Johnny (tenor and alto sax), and Carlos Schmidt (trombone)—channel the sound of 1950s "little big bands" on Cristiano’s versions of songs by T-Bone Walker and Roy Milton.
On acoustic bass, Tomas Oliveira adds a touch of class to tracks where the Jump blues influence comes to the fore, such as on the instrumental "Angelica."

The Teacher's Rules!
MF
Y

Crazy Texas Gypsies - Too Much Fun

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2005
Time:61:05 
Size:140,5 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. It's tough - 3:11
 2. High heeled - 4:00
 3. Too much fun - 4:08
 4. Hold me tight - 3:38
 5. Crazy - 4:06
 6. I didn't expect it - 6:44
 7. Strangers - 5:18
 8. You fool you - 4:30
 9. Texas women - 4:51
10. Can't let go - 5:24
11. Angel eyes - 4:06
12. Take me away - 4:52
13. Dancin' like a gypsy - 6:10

The Crazy Texas Gypsies started out in Reno in 1999 with drummer Jerry Coleman and Bob Cancro on the Hammond. They recorded their first album in 2002 during Street Vibrations in Virginia City Nevada with a second one at BigWater Studios in Lake Tahoe just over a year later. The Gypsies did many shows opening for great performers such as Delbert McClinton, Bernard Allison, Walter Trout, Curtis Salgado and many others before finding management with Katy Baker in 2004. They went right to work for Bill Graham Presents playing with acts such as Kenny Wayne Shepard and three shows with ZZ Top when legal matters brought the band to it's knees. Now........ Kenny Williams & Kevin Fraser from the original band along with Glenn Hummel & Doug Skoog from the Tacoma area have put the Crazy Texas Gypsies back together and are starting to play the Tacoma/Seattle area with plans of a new CD very soon ~ (10/10/2004, J.J. Garland)

Too Much Fun

MF

Y

Crosscut - Louisiana Swamp Pop Music

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:59:52 
Size:138,2 MB 
Label:CSP Records 
Styles:Louisiana Blues /Mix
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Crosscut Saw - 4:28
 2. Two Rights Don’t Make It Wrong - 3:34
 3. Louisiana Bound (feat.Wayne Toups) - 3:15
 4. I Don’t Want to Hear It Anymore - 3:19
 5. Out of My Heart and out of My Head - 3:38
 6. I Hear You Knocking (feat.Van Broussard) - 2:32
 7. Nothing Left to Lose but the Blues - 4:33
 8. Zero Willpower - 4:53
 9. Before You Accuse Me - 4:34
10. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long - 2:51
11. What Was I Thinking - 3:19
12. This Heart of Mine - 4:15
13. Bring It on Home to Me (feat.Van Broussard & Wayne Toups) - 2:50
14. She Put the Hurt On Me - 2:56
15. I Don’t Want to Know - 4:33
16. Dust My Broom - 4:14

Although Crosscut formed in Texas and makes its base of operations in Dallas, the band is right at home in neighboring Louisiana, the birthplace of swamp pop. The four-man group has many ties to the Pelican State, not the least of which is the spicy dash of zydeco and Cajun music in its songs, as well as a generous helping of blues and some country. More tangible ties exist, as well. Crosscut's lead singer and guitarist, Jerry Sartain, formerly played in the city of Lafayette with another group called Showdown. Lavell Jones, the band's drummer, traces his family's roots to Baton Rouge. So, too, does Jimmy Rogers, who produced the band's Destination Anywhere album in 2001 for CSP Records, a label located in Forney, TX. In keeping with the spirit of Louisiana, veteran Cajun artists Wayne Toups and Van Broussard are featured on the release. The CSP label also put out the band's first recording, an eponymous album that was split between cover songs and original material, during the summer of 1999. Other members of the band include bass player Terry Vieregge, and keyboardist and harmonica player Chuck Mabrey. Jones did not join the band until 2000, when he took over on drums for Erin Baker, who played on the band's self-titled debut. ~ Linda Seida/

Louisiana Swamp Pop Music
Y
MF

Robert Charels - Three Leg Dogs & Old Skool Cats

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2007
Time:60:04 
Size:138,0 MB 
Label:TooCool Music/Fountainbleu Entertainment 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Good People - 4:21
 2. Ride With Me Tonight - 3:46
 3. Don't Even Know - 5:40
 4. Three Leg Dog - 4:11
 5. Playin' On Me - 4:06
 6. We Hardly Make Love - 3:46
 7. Clarence Loves Suzette - 3:41
 8. Mean Ole World - 5:07
 9. Hey Shellena - 3:59
10. Old Skool Cats - 6:04
11. Need A Friend - 4:51
12. It Takes A Big Man To Cry - 4:12
13. Hoochie Coochie Man-Mannish Boy - 6:13

"Three Leg Dogs & Old Skool Cats" by singer Robert Charels mixes the best of the old with the new. Though he calls himself a blues singer, he presents a wide variety of material here, ranging from a Muddy Waters medley, to Fifties style ballads, to funk. Indeed, the CD contains only two shuffles! Although Charels touches upon the usual themes of love and cheating, he also throws in a dash of positive thinking. Harking back to the Yardbirds, Charels ups the ante by showcasing two flame-throwing guitarists. Produced by legendary bluesman, Michael Hill, this album showcases everything that's right about contemporary blues.
The band consists of Robert Charels (vocals, percussion), Bob Petrocelli (guitar), Anthony Steele (guitar), Eric Mauriello (bass), Dennis Cotten (drums), and Michael Hill (guitars, vocals). In the best blues fashion, the rhythm section of Dennis Cotten and Eric Mauriello provide a solid platform while never intruding into the spotlight. That job falls to the vocalist and two lead guitarists.
Robert Charels sings higher than most blues singers, slightly reminiscent of Paul Butterfield. Charels brings a positive, healing vibe to the music as evidenced in the self-penned, funk-powered "Good People." "Let's get together to make it better. We have the power of me and you. We're gonna make it if people care. There are good people everywhere." Many times, he sounds more on the r&b tip, as in "Playin' on Me." Here he chides a lover who puts more energy into her outside men than into her main squeeze.
This song features both guitarists at their best. One strums a creamy-smooth rhythm part while the other lashes out with stinging, Les Paul style guitar leads. They complement each other perfectly. As a matter of fact, this album serves a primer in English, blues-rock guitar. Just listen to the opening turnaround on the slow blues "Don't Even Know." Or catch the licks spread all over "Need a Friend." This guitarist definitely studied Jeff Beck. And then added a tasty dose of dissonance. The lead guitars also shine on the speeded up Muddy Waters medley, "Mud On The Tracks." And let's not forget the tasty Allman sounding rhythm riff on "Three Leg Dog."
Unlike many of the today's blues albums recorded live in the studio, this CD sounds put together Seventies style. The rhythm section lays down the basic track live, and then everyone else overdubs. You can tell the singer and guitarists put a lot of time and effort into getting every riff right. The diversity of rhythms and song structures insures that the listener's interest never lags. Check out the vocal harmony on Michael Hill's "We Hardly Make Love."
If you like your blues playful and positive, and you love your guitars creamy, loud and rough, pick up Robert Charels' latest CD, "Three Leg Dogs & Old Skool Cats." ~  �2007 Roger Zee

Three Leg Dogs & Old Skool Cats
MF
Y

Nino Grandi Band - Family of Blues

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:36:05 
Size:83,2 MB 
Label:Little Farm
Styles:Blues/Funk/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Medicine Man - 5:26
 2. Band Captain - 2:32
 3. Miss My Little Baby - 4:10
 4. I Will Never Let You Down - 4:06
 5. Mean Girl - 3:21
 6. The Ways of the Rastaman - 5:07
 7. Bad Luck Me - 3:18
 8. You Know - 2:17
 9. I Feel Like Dancing - 5:46

Despite being a versatile musician who has explored various styles throughout his 30-year career, Nino always had a strong Blues vein, referencing the great masters of the genre such as Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, and Buddy Guy.
"The Nino Grandi Band connecteds with the crowd through a heartfelt performance that embodies the true soul of the Blues. If you’re looking for a show that will leave festival-goers talking long after the music ends, this is your band!" 
- A.Nigra
"Here’s a band that take the Blues to a whole new level. Nino is an excellent musician ,very down-to-earth and charming. The band isn't only perfectly cast, but each member bring their own personality to the stage, supporting each other like a big family".
- K.del Remos

Family of Blues

Y

MF

Elliott Chavers - Rock This Mother

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1997
Time:50:11 
Size:115,7 MB 
Label:Hi Desert Records 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Rock This Mother   Pt 1 - 3:26
 2. Rock This Mother    Pt 2 - 3:27
 3. I Don't Know - 5:54
 4. Sister Martha - 5:07
 5. Midnight Grinder - 3:53
 6. Rooty Tooty Booty - 4:00
 7. Mistreated & Abused - 3:56
 8. Sipping Suds At The Pub - 3:21
 9. Betty Jo - 3:44
10. After Midnight Blues - 5:07
11. Fool Fool Fool - 3:50
12. Jazzy Blues - 4:21

This Texas-born singing sax player moved further west in the ’50s and, backing up players like T-Bone Walker, Pee Wee Crayton, Sam Cooke, Lowell Fulson, Freddie King and Jimmy Reed, helped to define what became the West Coast Sound. He became a front man when Cooke was late to a gig and they had to start, so Chavers stepped up to the mike and wowed everyone. Backed up by a super group of West Coast players, Chavers gets the job done with class. Smooth vocals to match his sax tone are his hallmark ~ Storyville.

Rock This Mother

Y

MF

Buddy Ace - The Silver Fox

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1994
Time:47:22 
Size:109,4 MB 
Label:Evejim Records 
Styles:Blues/R&B/Soul 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Fix It Man (Vocal) - 4:35
 2. It's Time to Move On - 4:14
 3. Damn Sho Get over You - 4:43
 4. Sittin' in the Dark - 4:22
 5. Think - 3:10
 6. Keep It in the Family - 3:46
 7. Just Your Fool - 3:15
 8. Let Me Do Something for You - 3:55
 9. Big Leg Woman - 4:27
10. Do It Together - 3:56
11. Just Gotta Know - 2:44
12. Fix It Smooth (Instrumental) - 4:10

Blues balladeer Buddy Ace was known as "The Silver Fox of the Blues" during a touring and recording career that spanned four decades. Born in Jasper, TX, on November 11, 1936, he grew up in nearby Houston, influenced by artists like Lou Rawls, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Ivory Joe Hunter. Performing early on in gospel groups, including some with fellow singer Joe Tex, Ace shifted his focus from gospel to blues and R&B during the early '50s. During this time, he toured with the Bland and Junior Parker bands, eventually signing a record deal in 1955 with Duke/Peacock Records. In the mid-'60s, Ace scored several R&B hits, including "Nothing in the World Can Hurt Me (Except You)" and "Hold On (To This Fool)." Relocating to Los Angeles in 1970 and later to Oakland, he spent much of this period touring in and around the Bay Area. Ace continued to perform and record into the '90s with Don't Hurt No More and Silver Fox being issued in 1994. On December 26, 1994, Ace passed away in Waco, TX. 
"The Silver Fox"  -  Gem of modern soul blues features first rate songs by Ronnie Lovejoy ("It's Time To Move On", "Damn Sure Get Over You"), Leon Haywood ("Keep It In The Family", "Just Your Fool") and Jimmy McCracklin ("Think", "Do It Together", "Just Gotta Know") ranging from funky blues, smooth jazzy soul ("Fix It Man") to pleading soul ("Let Me Do Something For You"). Ace's vocals are on fire and the production sounds contemporary to this day. Get it! ~ Tom Demalon.

The Silver Fox
MF
Y

Bud Grant - The George Mitchell Collection

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2007
Time:29:13 
Size:67,4 MB 
Label:Big Legal Mess Records 
Styles:Blues/Country Blues,/East Coast Blues/Field Recording 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Mean Ole Frisco - 3:53
 2. Rock Me Mama - 2:04
 3. Instrumental - 2:09
 4. Freight Train Blues - 2:29
 5. What's the Matter with the Mill - 2:59
 6. Trouble in Mind - 2:57
 7. Rattlesnake Moan - 3:48
 8. So Sweet - 2:52
 9. Blues Around My Bed - 3:46
10. Bud Grant's Blues - 2:11

George Mitchell is an American music historian, writer, record producer, musician and photographer. Born in Coral Gables, Florida, January 9, 1944 and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, from the 1960s until the 1980s he recorded blues musicians such as Jessie Mae Hemphill, Fred McDowell and Johnny Woods, George Henry Bussey and Jim Bunkley, Charlie Burse and Will Shade, Gus Cannon, Mississippi Joe Callicott, John Lee Ziegler, Jimmy Lee Williams, Furry Lewis, Houston Stackhouse, R. L. Burnside and Sleepy John Estes, later to be issued on Arhoolie Records (late 1960s), Revival Records (1971) and Rounder Records (from c. 1975) as 33 rpm albums.
Grant made his first guitar from a poplar tree. Before he was twelve, he played "frolicking" dance music at neighborhood parties. His uncle bought him a Sears Roebuck mail-order guitar for $4.95. He started playing blues in 1940, "learning to play from listening to records." In the following interview, Grant mentions, "I can play a little rock 'n' roll myself now, but I always fancy blues the most."
Bud Grant (real name Buster Grant) was an American blues guitarist and singer who worked in the Chicago and East Coast blues styles. His powerful voice—characterized by impressive range and melodic quality—stands out distinctly against the Mississippi-style sound typical of many other artists in the George Mitchell collection.
An important detail:
It is worth noting the existence of the massive *George Mitchell Collection* series, comprising 45 volumes of recordings by numerous blues and folk artists gathered by George Mitchell. The Bud Grant album is just one part of this extensive collection.

The George Mitchell Collection
MF
Y

Bucky Lindsey - Back Bay Blues

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2002
Time:54:12 
Size:125,2 MB 
Label:Gulftone Records 
Styles:R&B/Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Gros Vent - 5:03
 2. Back Bay Blues - 3:44
 3. Hog Killin' Time - 3:05
 4. The Hard Way - 4:21
 5. King of the Blues - 3:58
 6. Blue Twistin' - 6:13
 7. Battlin' the Blues - 4:09
 8. Good Day for the Blues - 4:39
 9. Big House - 3:20
10. Love Conquers All - 4:53
11. Four Walls - 4:14
12. While the Gettin's Good - 6:30

I’m not sure how many of our Americana UK readers are aware of Bucky Lindsey, who was a great songwriter, a funky bass player and the possessor of a fine baritone who only released one solo album, 2002’s “Back Bay Blues”. I only heard of his death through a very personal and heartfelt obituary by Mike Mills on the Last Music Company website, which, to the best of my knowledge, was the only social media response to Bucky Lindsey’s death on the 26th of June. Even if you don’t recognise the name, you will have probably heard his songs, which have been covered by artists as diverse as George Jones, Etta James, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Ruth Brown, together with co-writes with Dan Penn including the title track of Solomon Burke’s 2002 acclaimed “Don’t Give Up On Me”. Born Harvey Hoy Lindsey in 1943 in Biloxi, Mississippi, Bucky Lindsey went to school in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and subsequently went on the road as a bass player with the likes of guitarist and southern rock inspiration Lonnie Mack and played western swing with Ray Price before moving to Nashville in 1973 to establish himself as a songwriter. While he had a successful career as a songwriter, he only ever released one album under his name, 2002’s “Back Bay Blues”, which not only showcased his songwriting talents but also his funky bass playing and his baritone vocals that were perfect for his mix of blues, soul, and country-tinged R&B. While the album allowed the world to hear Bucky Lindsey the artist, it was also a homage to the American South blending the influences of both black and white traditions seamlessly. The producer was Dan Penn, who also added his impeccable vocals, and the backing musicians included the likes of keyboardist Carson Whitsett, who replaced Booker T in the MGs in the ‘70s, drummer Jim Brock, who has played with everyone from James McMurtry to John Mellencamp, and Billy Swan cohort Buzz Cason on vocals plus assorted horn players.Bucky Lindsey was a man of the South made from the dirt of that part of America, and his music perfectly encapsulated the sound and feel of where he felt most at home. His songwriting was at one with that of Dan Penn, Donnie Fritts, Spooner Oldham, and Carson Whitsett, and his vocals were as southern as those of Tony Joe White. He spent the latter part of his life in Pensacola in Florida’s panhandle, which is only five hours from Muscle Shoals, and you can’t help thinking that musicians and songwriters like Harvard Hoy “Bucky” Lindsey are probably the last generation to be fully moulded by the environment they grew up as in this age of the internet and social media it is impossible to stop some homogenisation of culture and the music of particular environments(August 1, 2025 Martin Johnson). 

Back Bay Blues
MF
Y

The Black Cats - The Black Cats

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2008
Time:57:10 
Size:132,1 MB 
Label:NoveYet 
Styles:Blues/Electric Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Hideaway - 3:23
 2. I Don't Know - 3:31
 3. What's the Reason - 3:53
 4. Creepy John - 5:37
 5. It's All Right - 4:18
 6. Baby's Leavin' Town - 5:07
 7. Going to That Place - 5:20
 8. Steppin' Out - 2:45
 9. Too Tired - 3:11
10. Lonely Avenue - 4:10
11. Gangster of Love - 3:40
12. Nine Below Zero - 5:16
13. How Long Baby - 6:53

I have no information about the band and the musicians.

The Black Cats
MF
Y

Mulens Portland Combo - Tired of the Blues

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1995
Time:37:12 
Size:86,4 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Headin`n Down - 4:04     
 2. Tired of the Blues - 3:14
 3. Busting Our Asses - 2:42
 4. Angel Blue - 3:48
 5. Why Get Up? - 3:46
 6. Try Again Later - 3:46
 7. Another Kind of Lonliness - 4:17
 8. Chasing Rainbows - 3:27
 9. Maybe Baby - 3:37
10. If You`re Doing It Right - 1:41     
11. Get out of My Life, Woman - 8:31

Mulens Portland Combo is a loosely composed blues and soul band with drummer and leads Rolf «Mulen» Karlsen from Slemmestad as the only regular member. The band was formed in 1981], as a local band in the environment around the cement factory at Karlsen's home in Slemmestad. Over the years, around 90 musicians, many of the country's elite musicians, have been in the crew [1]. The band has five recordings. Famous musicians who have played in the group are Freddy Dahl, Sigurd Køhn, Tom Mathisen, Ole Henrik Giørtz and Vidar Busk ~ Google translation.

Tired of the Blues
Y

Blind Dog Taylor & The Healers - Heavy Sugar

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1997
Time:47:06 
Size:109,4 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Aussie Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. I Want To Know - 2:57
 2. Too Hard - 3:21
 3. Can't Use Your Love - 4:30
 4. Tomorrow? - 3:10
 5. Heavy Sugar - 3:23
 6. Blues By The Exit Light - 4:44
 7. Love In The First Degree - 3:35
 8. Only Time (Felt So Good) - 3:02
 9. Spend My Money - 3:43
10. That's Your Stop Buster! - 4:02
11. Hard Headed Woman - 3:36
12. Qualified To Satisfy - 3:51
13. Uh-Huh! - 3:06

Seasoned bass player 'Jumpin' John Carlini had decided that with the extraordinary guitar talents of 'Sweet Baby' James Meston and the intoxicating rhythms of drummer Harry Milochis, the line-up of dynamic Adelaide based band could not possibly get any better. John isn't often wrong (just ask him!) but when Travis 'Blind Dog' Taylor did a guest spot with the band on vocals, harmonica and guitar the unmistakable chemistry lead to Travis becoming the fourth dimension of an act which is leaving audiences in awe of their 'cool funky aura', as described by one young lady. The unique fusion is embodied in this generous serving of Heavy Sugar. Turn up the volume, the dogs have landed ~  Marty Jones.

Heavy Sugar
MF
Y

Brickyard - Hey you !

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2018
Time:39:24 
Size:90,9 MB 
Label:Marista Music Company 
Styles:Rock/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. All alone - 5:19
 2. Brick in your face - 2:55
 3. Missing man formation - 4:02
 4. Now you `re gone - 3:57
 5. Ballad of the sea - 4:05
 6. Girls blues - 3:52
 7. Deadly war - 4:10
 8. Blue mood - 3:30
 9. Hey you - 3:32
10. Echo of my soul - 4:02

Brickyard is a band from the Netherlands.'Girl's Blues' is fortunately one of those blues tracks—fairly simple and straightforward—that, in my opinion, has a lot more substance than the rest of the songs. One option might be to bring in a second guitarist with a distinct style of their own, alternating between lead and rhythm to spice things up a bit. What I really miss on this album are a few carefully chosen covers of classics; that would elevate the album as a whole, because Brickyard can undoubtedly play well, though there is still plenty of room for improvement regarding songwriting and arrangement. The tracks were written by the band itself, but they aren't particularly strong 'rock' songs. The album doesn't strike me as the work of a blues band, but rather a rock band adding a bluesy touch here and there (mainly thanks to the harmonica player). Vocalist Monique Cillessen gives it her all on every track and occasionally sounds a bit like Sass Jordan, though I get the impression she has a bit less breath support than Jordan. It is striking that—despite Monique's efforts—I don't hear any backing vocals anywhere; it is quite difficult to sing a track to a real climax without them. Another factor that hinders the build-up of tension in the songs is that guitarist Ruud Maalderink plays almost all the rhythm parts the same way, introducing little to no variation during the verses (such as dropping the rhythm briefly to play a sexy guitar lick). A second part is only recorded during the guitar solos to keep the rhythm going, but unfortunately, the guitar tone used for the solo is virtually identical to the rhythm tone, making it feel like the solo gets in the way of the rhythm a bit. It does demonstrate (at least, I assume so) that Brickyard aims for a live sound; however, I know from experience that playing as the sole guitarist in a blues-rock band is technically demanding and places a heavy burden on the guitarist. One area where I find Maalderink particularly strong is his ability to balance right on the edge of feedback—a matter of having the right gear and knowing how to handle it. The drums don't really lend a bluesy feel to the songs. It’s not that I want to hear shuffles all the time, but the overall drumming reminds me a bit of the style of a rock band like Def Leppard—unfortunately, lacking in variety. I hear the keyboardist playing more of an accompaniment role than taking solos, and I also feel the Hammond organ is generally mixed a bit too far back. I mention this because I feel there is a lack of variety in the band members' playing.Fortunately, ‘Girl’s Blues’ is one of those blues tracks—fairly simple and straightforward, yet in my opinion, it has a lot more substance than the rest of the songs. One option might be to bring in a second guitarist with a distinct (different) style, allowing them to alternate between lead and rhythm parts to spice things up. What I really miss on this album is a few carefully chosen covers of classics; that would elevate the album as a whole, because Brickyard can undoubtedly play well, though there is still plenty of room for improvement in terms of songwriting and arranging ~ Patrick Engelen.

Hey you!
MF
Y

Bruce Conte - Bullet Proof

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2002
Time:55:25 
Size:127,5 MB 
Label:Severn Records 
Styles:Blues/Funk/Soul 
Art:Full 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Too Much Cool - 3:44
 2. Nowhere To Go - 5:19
 3. I Met A Girl - 4:08
 4. Chasin' The Blues - 7:23
 5. Mojo Mambo - 4:06
 6. Just Won't Act Right - 3:44
 7. Too Sad To Sing The Blues - 3:35
 8. It's Always Darkest Before The Dawn - 5:39
 9. Bullet Proof - 4:59
10. Feel So Bad - 5:08
11. There's Room At The Top - 3:57
12. Snatch It Back And Hold It - 3:36

Bullet Proof is the first solo release from former Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte. These 12 tracks combine smooth blues, jazz, and soul featuring other T.O.P. alumni Lenny Williams, Windy Barnes, and former member of Rufus Gavin Christopher. Former vocalist for T.O.P. Bobby Kimball provides vocals on "Chasin' the Blues." Fans of radio-friendly soul-blues will enjoy this 2002 release on the Severn label.

Bullet Proof
MF
Y

Smoky Greenwell - Blues For Democracy

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2023
Time:43:45 
Size:100,9 MB 
Label:Greenwell Records 
Styles:Blues/Electric Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Get out and Vote - 4:04
 2. Filibuster Blues - 3:33
 3. Liars, Cheaters, And Losers - 4:11
 4. Lets Work Together - 4:41
 5. Slow Moving Coup - 5:46
 6. Common Ground - 8:43
 7. 99% Blues - 4:08
 8. Between Iraq And A Hard Place - 3:46
 9. Homeless Christmas - 4:50

In its early days, the blues served as a medium for African Americans to express their hardships, the injustices they endured, their bad luck, their grief, their misfortunes, and their sorrow. Those songs reflected—sometimes subtly, other times in a raw and direct manner—the full extent of their life's miseries. Throughout his career, singer and harmonica player Smoky Greenwell has delved deeply into these facets of the blues. For over a decade, his music has focused on recapturing the spirit of the past. Now, however, he presents a much more contemporary album that addresses the problems plaguing the United States in the 21st century; in doing so, he calls out the flaws in American society while always offering a way forward and a path to hope. The album features nine songs—eight penned by Smoky himself, plus a cover of Wilbert Harrison’s "Let’s Work Together," a track famously popularized by Canned Heat in the early 1970s. As the title suggests, every song on the album focuses specifically on current political and social issues. Smoky Greenwell has surrounded himself with a talented roster of musicians who contribute their expertise throughout the record, infusing each track with the necessary feeling, intensity, and electric energy to make this CD a compelling and enjoyable listen.

Blues For Democracy
MF
Y

Brothers Of The Southland - Brothers Of The Southland

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2009
Time:59:48 
Size:138,0 MB 
Label:Zoho Music L.L.C. 
Styles:Southern Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Rock And Roll Survivor - 3:52
 2. Can't You See - 7:30
 3. Brothers Of The Southland - 6:56
 4. Travelin' Light These Days - 3:45
 5. Dreams - 5:37
 6. Blue Sunrise - 3:41
 7. Love Don't Care - 2:54
 8. Dixie Highway - 4:28
 9. Pray For Me - 3:34
10. Back In The Day - 3:53
11. Change A Comin' - 3:39
12. Long Goodbye - 5:56
13. Can't You See (Radio Edit) - 3:57

So many musicians are involved in Brothers of the Southland that it seems more like a project than a band. Going by the back cover, at any rate, there seem to be eight core members, including musicians who've done time with the Outlaws, Wet Willie, and the Black Crowes, as well as -- and it's not a misprint -- Bo Bice, the 2005 American Idol runner-up. Over half of the tracks were written or co-written by bandmembers and/or associates, though there's a smattering of outside contributions, as well as a nod to their influences with a cover of the Allman Brothers' "Dreams." Given their pedigrees, it's no surprise that Brothers of the Southland play classic-style Southern rock, enough so that at times they sound like a Southern rock tribute band that happens to play mostly original material. In addition to the fusion of blues-rock and hard rock so typical of the form, there are touches of soul (and occasional horns), gospel, and heavy metal braggadocio. If that brings to mind strutting boogies with overlong solos, yeah, there are a few such things here. Those are balanced out, however, by a good number of more reflective, at times sadness-tinged slower tunes; very occasionally, it even sounds a bit, though just a bit, like early-'70s Van Morrison ~ Richie Unterberger.

Brothers Of The Southland
MF
Y

Billy Barnett Band - Dysfunctional Family

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2003
Time:58:20 
Size:134,9 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:St. Louis Blues 

Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Watcha Know - 5:13
 2. What Kinda Man - 3:44
 3. 2nd Kind of Man - 4:22
 4. Yambo Mi Curio - 3:17
 5. Right By My Side - 3:14
 6. Dysfunctrional Family - 4:42
 7. Beck Meets Wes - 4:31
 8. Same Ol'moon - 3:40
 9. Steirnfield - 7:26
10. Fight For Freedom - 3:16
11. Poltergeist - 0:34
12. The Castle - 4:36
13. Selfesh - 2:49
14. To Say - 3:15
15. Drinki'n Song - 3:35

The name Billy Barnett is synonymous with great St. Louis guitar. Having had opened for and shared the stage with names like Roy Orbison, The Neville Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Jean Luc Ponty, the Billy Barnett Band is one of St. Louis most spirited Blues bands. Billy even spent a year playing with Country fiddler Shoji Tabuchi in Branson, Mo. Tours have taken them through Puerto Rico, Panama, Cuba, and as far north as Greenland. "Feel is what we specialize in", as Billy describes the band. With Mississippi Mud and now thier newest CD Brand New Boogie out, 

Dysfunctional Family

MF

Y

The Booze Brothers - The Booze Brothers Live...With the Wolf Island Horns!

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2004
Time:54:45 
Size:127,3 MB 
Label:Liphone Records 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. J: S Blues - 3:42
 2. It Ain`t Me - 4:10     
 3. Love That Woman - 4:14
 4. Rollin`Man - 3:51    
 5. Evil Harted Woman - 4:45
 6. I`m Tore Down - 4:57     
 7. Too Much Woman - 7:04
 8. Blues for Baby - 4:48
 9. Brand New Lover - 8:16
10. Talk to Your Daughter - 4:44
11. When It Comes to Love - 5:37
12. Down Town Tales - 3:44
13. Southbound - 4:15
14. Devil by the Tail - 3:31

The Booze Brothers formed sometime in 1985. Then, the line-up consisted of Jan-Erik Eriksson on lead vocals and guitar, Dr. Sumlin on bass guitar, Bosse Sandersson on drums and the now only remaining original member Kenneth Svensson on guitar. The musical compass, however, has, since Day One, more or less consistently pointed towards classic Electric Blues and good time Rock’N’ Roll. Heavily influenced by Blues Giants like Freddie King, B B King, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, Elmore James and Stevie Ray Vaughan, this band is still more than capable of producing a driving, sweaty rock beat in the vein of ZZ Top, Rolling Stones, Dr. Feelgood or Status Quo. Things started seriously coming together in 1995, when Jan-Erik Eriksson chose to quit and was replaced by Patric Karlsson.
The band’s first CD, ”Evil Morning Blues”, was released in October 1998. It contained thirteen tracks, out of which ten were original compositions. The follow-up, “On the Rocks”, with all original material, was released in September 2000. It was, in turn, followed in 2004 by their critically acclaimed live-album ”Live: With The Wolf Island Horns!”.

Live
MF
Y

Brickyard - Blues In Pajala

Bitrate:320K/s

Year:1996/2019

Time:54:28 

Size:124,7 MB 

Label:1405685 Records DK (2019) 

Styles:Blues/Electric Blues 

Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:

 1. Dance for Me Baby - 4:51

 2. Say Goodbye - 3:07

 3. Workin' So Hard - 3:12

 4. Mean Old Place - 3:49

 5. House Full of Blues - 5:29

 6. Boogie Woogie Boy - 3:14

 7. Payback Time - 4:26

 8. Pleading - 2:54

 9. Bound to Come Down - 5:05

10. Leave Your Blues Behind - 5:47

11. Waiting Business - 2:58

12. Twisted Sister - 2:57

13. Bad Bells - 3:19

14. Be Gone - 3:14

Hailing from Pajala, Sweden, a small town located 50 miles above the Arctic Circle and a full days drive north of the capitol Stockholm, Brickyard has played clubs and blues festivals throughout the northern end of Sweden, Finland and Norway for the last 11 years. 

Blues In Pajala

MF

Y

Forrest McDonald & 3D Blues Band - What's It Gonna Take?

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2000
Time:55:46 
Size:129,6 MB 
Label:World Talent Records
Styles:Blues/Modern Electric Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Work Work - 2:56
 2. Early in the Morning - 3:12
 3. Times Getting Tougher - 3:22
 4. Slippin' Out - 2:45
 5. Southern Exposure - 3:50
 6. Call My Baby - 2:15
 7. Bad Day - 4:35
 8. Two Bones and a Pick - 2:56
 9. Mean Old World - 4:46
10. California Baby - 2:06
11. Roll on Katy - 4:02
12. Red Sunglasses - 3:53
13. Skid Row Blues - 4:06
14. Alligator - 5:43
15. Rolling Down the River - 5:11

Forrest McDonald stands as a musical storyteller, bridging hearts with songs that echo the soul. Known for his roots in blues and blues-rock, Forrest’s evolution into a singer-songwriter showcases a personal, introspective artistry that invites listeners into his world. Transitioning from the "Forrest McDonald Band" to a solo focus, he crafts songs that explore love, hope, hard times, and faith. Rooted in blues and blues-rock, with hints of Americana and folk, Forrest’s music connects heart to heart, reflecting the pulse of everyday life. With Songs from My Soul, he delivers a timeless sound that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. The McDonald home was in close proximity to the location of the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals, where the musical talent on display consumed Forrest—he saw Ray Charles and Leadbelly perform and caught Bob Dylan’s controversial switch from acoustic guitar to electric. Backstage at Newport in 1969, Forrest played Jimmy Page’s Les Paul, trading licks with Page and Jeff Beck” it was incredible,” McDonald recalls.
Forrest McDonald’s remarkable six-decade journey in music began in Austin, Texas, where he was born in 1950. His career took root at age 15 in Rhode Island. He drew inspiration from blues icons like Josh White, Jimmy Witherspoon, and T-Bone Walker through his family’s record collection. Forrest played his first gig on New Year’s Eve 1964 with Seagram’s Seven. His early exposure to the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals shaped his musical direction. He saw performances by Ray Charles, Leadbelly, and Count Basie there. He also witnessed Bob Dylan’s shift to electric guitar. These experiences ignited a lifelong passion for music. Now based in Richmond, VA, Forrest has evolved into a masterful blues-folk-Americana singer-songwriter and storyteller. He is celebrated for his authentic narratives and soul-stirring performances. Forrest’s career gained momentum in New England with his first band, The Ox Bow Incidents. In 1969, he joined The Boston Rock Symphony. There, he met blues harmonica great James Montgomery, who also played in the ensemble. They blended rock and classical music for eager audiences. At 20, Forrest toured with Wadsworth Mansion. The band opened for acts like Alice Cooper and Edgar Winter, performing their hit “Sweet Mary, I’m Coming Home.” In 1973, he moved to Los Angeles and reformed the band as Slingshot. They played iconic venues like The Whisky and The Starwood. During this time, he performed with Bonnie Bramlett, Kathi McDonald, Doris Troy, Marie Franklin, Silver Platinum and Gold, and Jimmy Reed Jr. He served as band leader for the Kathi McDonald Band, touring the West Coast extensively. While in LA, he studied at the Guitar Institute of Technology. He also attended Dick Grove Music Workshops. These experiences sharpened his skills. Additionally, he joined a band called Bookends with keyboardist Raymond Victor and Drummer Rob Robertie. They toured all over Asia and had a ball.
A pivotal trip to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, changed his path. Forrest joined the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. He recorded the guitar solo for Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll.” It became Seger’s biggest hit. The song appeared on three platinum albums: Stranger in Town, Greatest Hits, and Ultimate Hits. These records sold over 15 million copies. He also backed Bobby Womack on “The Roads of Life.” He has traded licks with blues giants like Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. These collaborations solidified his reputation as a journeyman guitarist.
Later, he moved to Atlanta, GA. There, he founded World Talent Records, his own independent record label. His debut CD, I Need You (1995), featured Tony Carey (Rainbow) and Steve Perry (Journey). His discography now spans dozens of recordings. His 16th release, Songs from My Soul (2025, World Talent Records), marks a shift to a solo singer-songwriter focus. It explores personal, universal stories of love, hope, hard times, and faith.
Acclaim has followed Forrest globally. He has performed for over 200,000 fans as a headliner, he has entertained fans across 13 countries. Real Blues Magazine named his band “Best Southern Blues Band” from 1999 to 2001. They also dubbed him “Best Modern Southern Guitarist” in 2002. Just Plain Folks awarded him Best Blues Album for Spirit of the Blues in 2000. He won Best Blues Song for “Work, Work” in 2001. In 2006, “Going Back to Memphis” earned the same Best Blues Song honor. Forrest is an inductee of the Boston R&R Hall of Fame. His 15 CD’s have reached over 20 million listeners. It blends vintage Chicago and Texas blues with country soul, R&B, roots, and Americana. With Songs from My Soul, Forrest McDonald remains a timeless voice. He connects emotionally with fans through every heartfelt note.

What's It Gonna Take?
MF
Y

Mississippi Slim - You Can't Lose The Blues

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2008
Time:71:10 
Size:164,3 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Blues/Soul/R&B 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. You Can't Lose the Blues - 5:37
 2. Mississippi Boy - 3:15
 3. Take Your Finger Out of It - 4:29
 4. I've Got to Leave You Alone - 5:34
 5. They Call Me Mississippi Slim - 5:13
 6. Thank You Baby - 2:38
 7. I Was Checking Out - 5:00
 8. Groove Me Baby - 3:59
 9. Sitting Here - 5:06
10. Haven't I Been Good to You - 4:44
11. Cotton Candy - 5:00
12. Player Haters - 5:38
13. If It Don't Fit - 5:07
14. I Miss You - 5:20
15. Dirty Bird - 4:23

Mississippi Slim, 66, was born as Walter Horn Jr. in Shelby, Mississippi and grew up in the town of Greenville where he looked forward to pursuing a career as a tractor driver, a job he started in the early 1960s.  But a job like that can give a young man the blues. And when a young man gets the blues a young man sings the blues. And if you’re a skinny young man from Mississippi singing the blues, someone is bound to call you Mississippi Slim.
In 1968, Mississippi Slim moved to Chicago to pursue his singing career, where he became known for his multicolored hair and mismatched clothing. He toured with Junior Wells and other blues singers and in 1974 had a minor hit with the song “Crying In The Arms of Another Love”, released by Sunflower Records.He returned to live in Mississippi in 1994 to take care of his aging mother and got involved in the local music scene there, becoming a headliner in local clubs and at festivals, and becoming active in Mississippi’s “Blues In Schools” Project which brings the history of the American Blues to local school kids.
He recorded the album, Miracles, in 1999 featuring a rocking cut called “Mississippi Boy” and was finishing up another CD at the time of his death after suffering a massive heart attack.Right now you can get “You Can’t Lose The Blues” featuring “Cotton Candy” and “Take Your Finger Out Of It” – a great compilation of recent recordings on iTunes. Don’t mistake this slim with a HipHop artist by the same name. He might be good too, but that Slim is still breathing.  This Mississippi is Resting in Peace.

You Can't Lose The Blues

MF

Y

The Booze Brothers - Evil Morning Blues

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1998
Time:40:18 
Size:93,3 MB 
Label:Liphone Records 
Styles:Electric Blues/Blues Rock/Rockin`Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. J: S Blues - 3:16
 2. It Ain`t Me - 3:50     
 3. Southbound - 3:05
 4. Evil Morning Blues - 3:36
 5. Blues for Baby - 3:27
 6. If You Got to Love Somebody - 3:34
 7. You Think You Fooled Me - 3:26
 8. Love That Woman - 3:56
 9. Bad Luck Blues - 4:09
10. Mrs Jones - 3:04
11. It Hurts Me Too - 4:10
12. You`re Humbuggin - 3:14     
13. Too Much Woman - 4:30

Musicians:
Patric Carlzohn - vocals, guitar;
Kenneth Svensson - lead guitar;
Dr Sumlin - vintage bass;
Kenneth Johansson - keyboards, piano;
Bo Sandersson - drums, backing vocals.

The Booze Brothers were formed back in 1985 and are celebrating their 41st anniversary this year. Their debut CD, *Evil Morning Blues*, was released in 1998, and they have since released a total of three albums.
Much has happened over the years, but from the very beginning, their musical compass has pointed steadily toward a blend of classic electric blues and steaming rock 'n' roll. Influenced by blues giants such as Freddie King, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, Elmore James, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, they are also no strangers to a driving, sweaty rock beat worthy of ZZ Top, the Rolling Stones, Dr. Feelgood, or Status Quo.
In addition to performing in southern and central Sweden, The Booze Brothers have successfully toured Norway, Denmark, and Finland. They have also undertaken several tours in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. The band has appeared at numerous prominent festivals throughout the 2000s. Notable examples include the Aalborg Jazz & Blues Festival in Denmark (2001), the Romerike Blues & Roots Festival in Norway (2002), the Notodden Blues Festival (2003), and the Dalane Blues Festival in Norway (2004, 2008, and 2011). Other highlights include the Bliuzo Naktys festival in Lithuania, performing before an audience of 50,000; the Bluesfest Eutin in Germany (May 2011, 3,500 attendees); the Blues Express festival in Poland (same year, 5,000 visitors); and performances at Blues at the Beach/Blues at the Farm in Närpes, Finland, in 2010, 2012 (alongside Sky High), 2014, and 2015.

Evil Morning Blues
MF
Y

Gary Rex Tanner & Mississippi Slim - Classy Women (feat.The Kansas City Ripper)

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2012
Time:53:19 
Size:123,6 MB 
Label:Little Frog Records 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Along Comes a Woman - 3:46
 2. Up All Night - 3:45
 3. Classy Women - 4:16
 4. Long Night - 3:30
 5. El Dorado - 4:37
 6. When the Rooster Crows - 3:43
 7. Throwin' a Party - 4:02
 8. Louisiana Blues - 2:53
 9. If You're Lookin' for a Saint - 3:58
10. Small Talk - 3:27
11. Hey Marguerita - 4:39
12. Call It Love - 5:21
13. Sidewalk Reunion - 5:16

Gary Rex Tanner has been swimming upstream against the conventional trends of the music business for many years. Indifferent to and unconcerned with the commercial aspects of the "business," he reaches back, without restrictions, to the original innovators of America's musical heritage for his inspiration and influence. From Fats Waller to Louis Jordan, from Dinah Washington to Ray Charles and from Johnny Mercer to Bob Dylan, he incorporates powerful musical influences to reach and captivate his audience without subscribing to the inflexibilities and restrictive limitations of the commercial music business's dictates and demands. This uncompromising attitude has allowed a unique and unspoiled expression of one man's creativity, good humor and sensitivity that can only be experienced by hearing his songs. Gary Rex is an impressive singer who exudes swing and artistry throughout this release. The songs—all of which he composed himself—are excellent choices, and Mississippi Slim’s guitar arrangements could not be more fitting to round out an outstanding record.Enjoy

Classy Women (feat.The Kansas City Ripper)
MF
Y

J.T. Red - Smokn' Cat Blues

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1996
Time:43:38 
Size:100,9 MB 
Label:Gem Tam Music 
Styles:Pop/Soul Blues/Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Too Broke to Pay Attention - 3:35
 2. You've Lost My Love - 3:36
 3. Cry'in Shame - 3:58
 4. Party Down Tonite - 4:55
 5. Prelude to River's Flow - 0:44
 6. River's Flow - 5:47
 7. I'll Always Love You - 5:56
 8. Let It Roll - 6:28
 9. I Want Your Lovin - 5:38
10. Like It Used to Be - 2:58

Pop soul/blues/rock from what appears to be a teenage band with good instincts is better than I would have been ready to admit. They're definitely green, but their naivete works in their favor most of the time, especially the faux soul of "Cryan' Shame," the earnest acoustic Delta-style introduction to "River's Flow" and their decidedly blue-collar lyrics ("Too Broke to Pay Attention"). (Gem Tam)

Smokn' Cat Blues

Y

MF

Billy Sheets - Wake Up and Live!

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2000
Time:42:36 
Size:99,2 MB 
Label:Big Clock Records 
Styles:Blues/Jazzy Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Come Out Swingin' - 2:48
 2. Ships Passing in the Night - 2:50
 3. Only You for Me - 3:35
 4. Dancing on a Cliff - 4:28
 5. Wake Up and Live - 3:09
 6. Safecracker - 4:33
 7. Welcome to the Club - 3:44
 8. Kick Down, Baby - 3:47
 9. Move Out - 3:45
10. Why Does It All Break Down - 3:28
11. Morning Breeze - 3:15
12. Pleasing You - 3:10

If you enjoy the swing and jive styles of the 1940s—and if you’re a fan of Louis Prima or Louis Jordan—you’re sure to be thrilled by the album we’re reviewing here. Aside from Billy Sheets himself, who is outstanding with his baritone vocals, special mention must go to Steve Catalano; his alto and—especially—tenor sax solos are simply unbeatable. The entire combo (The Fabulous Blue Diamonds) delivers high-energy, top-notch swing that keeps you snapping your fingers from start to finish. Returning to the frontman, his "shouter" vocal style is at times reminiscent of the incomparable R&B singer Roy Brown. Finally, the album was produced by Lynwood Slim; for detailed information, contact Todd Glazer.

Wake Up and Live!
MF
Y

Rhiannon Giddens - Hope Is the Thing with Feathers

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:38:03 
Size:88,5 MB 
Label:Nonesuch Records Inc. 
Styles:Folk/Americana/Roots/Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Angel Fire Rise - 4:18
 2. Hope Is the Thing with Feathers - 2:55
 3. Step Away Blues - 4:00
 4. Wish in Vain - 4:04
 5. Carolina Rain - 4:16
 6. High on a Mountain - 3:38
 7. Freight Train - 4:04
 8. Walk with Me - 2:58
 9. Cluck Old Hen - 3:50
10. Going Home - 3:56

Pulitzer and Grammy-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens’ new album Hope is the Thing with Feathers was inspired by the beauty of people coming together and drawing strength from each other. It was intentionally recorded live with no frills and few overdubs, just pure and essential music that captures the feeling of community, clarity, as well as the joy and power of creating together. From exploring the lineages that make American music to the community-oriented spirit in which it was conceived and recorded, in many ways the album tells the story of the last 20 years of Giddens’ life.
Hope is the Thing with Feathers features Giddens’ key collaborators from throughout her career. Giddens (lead vocals, minstrel banjo, fiddle) is joined by longtime bassist Jason Sypher, Italian multi-instrumentalist Francesco Turrisi, Congolese artist Niwel Tsumbu (guitars), and Louisiana native Dirk Powell on multiple instruments, as well as her very first bandmate and fellow North Carolinian Justin Robinson, her nephew Justin Harrington, Dirk’s daughter Amelia Powell, Charly Lowry, and Giddens’ sister Lalenja Harrington. Says Giddens: “Louisiana, the Congo, Italy, the Carolinas - all of these influences and people coming together to make something: that is American music. It’s how American music came to be, and that was the original thought of creating a band with the musicians that I’ve been playing with for years, and featured on this album.”
Giddens’ seventh studio album was made in sessions nestled within North American tours in 2024 and 2025, at The Cypress House in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. It was co-produced by Giddens and longtime collaborator and bandmate Dirk Powell, who also engineered and mixed the album. Recording live was crucial, to bring the listener into the centre of the room. Giddens says that she cannot play without stomping, which can be felt on the opening track. Background noise and the sound of the musicians talking to each other before takes were also intentionally left in.
Hope is the Thing with Feathers features four original songs written by Giddens and Powell (including lead single ‘Carolina Rain’) alongside interpretations of pieces by North Carolinians Ola Belle Reed and Elizabeth Cotton, and Indigenous activist, singer-songwriter and storyteller Pura Fé, as well as traditional, including ‘Cluck Old Hen’ and ‘Walk with Me’ (a duet with Giddens’ sister). The title track was inspired by the poem by Emily Dickinson. Says Giddens: “This is most certainly a time where hope is needed more than ever; I was sitting in a hotel room pondering this poem when the tune was downloaded into my brain; I sang it for Niwel and he finished it with his beautiful harmonic movement. Art reaches across generations and continents to be completed, sometimes, by folks who will never meet.” The album cover is a six-by-six-foot patchwork quilt made by textile artist Uzoma Samuel Anyanwu, based on a photograph of Giddens by Ebru Yildiz.

Hope Is the Thing with Feathers

Y

MF

Katie Knipp - Take Her Down

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2005
Time:46:36 
Size:107,4 MB 
Label:Katie Knipp Productions 
Styles:Rock/Blues Rock/Americana/Roots Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Take Her Down - 4:03
 2. I Just Do - 4:02
 3. Snake - 5:09
 4. My Love - 4:08
 5. Unsaid - 4:24
 6. Stranger - 2:55
 7. Bad Habits - 4:13
 8. Bluebird St. - 6:07
 9. Mama - 4:40
10. Don't Have Much To Say - 3:43
11. Bound To End - 3:08

Katie Knipp is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and blues Americana artist. Knipp was born in Alameda, California. She completed her bachelor of arts degree in music from California State University, East Bay, Hayward, California.
Knipp released her first solo album, Violent in Here, in 2003, followed by Take Her Down in 2005, Midnight Mind in 2009, and Nice to Meet You in 2012.
She released the Take It With You album in 2018, which reached number 10 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart. On 12 March 2021, she released her sixth album, The Well, which was digitally distributed by Heart Songs Corporation. The track "Chamomile and Cocaine" from the album was released digitally in 2020, and other songs were released with the album in 2021. The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard Blues Album chart.Both albums ranked on the Roots Music Report for Top Contemporary Blues albums. On 10 June 2022, she released her seventh album, Katie Knipp Live at The Green Room Social Club, that rose to number 6 on the iTunes Blues Albums chart upon its debut as well as number 9 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart. Her eighth album, Me, was released on 7 June 2024 and debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Blues Album chart. On 24 October 2025, Knipp released her ninth album, Dance Me, an electronica album featuring producer and bassist Pancho Tomaselli.
Knipp is a two-time winner of Sacramento Music awards for best blues artist in 2019 and 2020.She was also nominated as Artist of the Year 2019 by the Sacramento News and Review. She was honored as the Artist of the Year 2020 by the Country Folk Americana Blues Music Realm.
Knipp has opened for several music artists, including Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan, Joan Osborne, The Hidalgos, The Doobie Brothers, The James Hunter Six, Jon Cleary, Ruthie Foster, and others.
She performs both as a solo artist and with her band. As a multi-instrumentalist, she plays piano, slide guitar, and harmonica, besides her vocals.

Take Her Down

MF

Y

Big John Hamilton - I Just Want To Thank You

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2022
Time:31:05 
Size:71,9 MB 
Label:Minaret 
Styles:Soul/R&B 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. I Just Want To Thank You - 2:29
 2. Big Bad John - 2:34
 3. Before The Next Teardrop Falls - 2:15
 4. Angel - 3:18
 5. I'll Just Keep On Loving You - 2:47
 6. Take This Hurt Off Me - 2:17
 7. I'm Getting It From Her - 2:36
 8. Temporary Love - 2:34
 9. How Much Can A Man Take - 2:45
10. I Have No One - 2:34
11. Big Fanny - 2:08
12. Go Ahead On - 2:48

Big John Hamilton was an American vocalist. He is known as a singer of Southern Soul music. Hamilton lived in Florida. He made eight solo records (45s) as well as duets with Doris Allen.
A brilliant Southern soul singer, Florida's Big John Hamilton had a voice to match his name and practically defines the concept of obscurity. Hamilton cut eight solo 45s as well as a couple of duets with Doris Allen (including an interesting version of Buddy Miles' "Them Changes") for Florida's Minaret Records label between 1967 and 1970, few of which had any impact outside of the region. Sundazed Records finally collected all of these on a single CD in 2006 as How Much Can a Man Take. The powerful title tune, from 1968, occasionally shows up on soul collections and is a true gem. ~ Steve Leggett

I Just Want To Thank You
MF
Y

The Curtis Sumter Project - Trials And Tribulations

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2001
Time:43:26 
Size:99,9 MB 
Label:No Cover Productions 
Styles:Blues/Soul/Funk 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Ain't Doing Too Bad - 3:10
 2. Hip Shakin' Mama - 4:15
 3. Your Just Another Reason - 5:00
 4. Day Going Down Wrong - 5:39
 5. You Don't Know What Love Is - 4:55
 6. Let's Straighten It Out - 4:39
 7. I'd Rather Go Blind - 5:55
 8. Afraid To Love - 3:27
 9. Broke - 2:51
10. I've Been Talkin' - 3:31

Played with The Curtis Sumter Project and John Watkins and the Assassins.  Recordings include contributions to (CD) The Curtis Sumter Project-Trials and Tribulation. Curtis Sumter was influenced by both the “Motown Sound” and rock and roll.. At the age of 14, he started his professional career performing in nightclubs on the chitlin circuit in Detroit performing with musicians 3 times his own age. At 16, he began doing studio work with the likes of Ray Parker Jr., and Jimmy Ruffin. He made his way on the road at age 17 with his own band, performing at the old juke joints through the south. He has performed with artist such as Joe Tex, Jimmy “Hammond” Smith, Grant Green, The Reflections, Dave Hole, Eddie Kendricks, and Bill Perry, to name a few.

Trials And Tribulations

Y

MF

Jimmy Reed - Bright Lights, Big City

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1988
Time:44:27 
Size:114,3 MB 
Label:Chameleon Records 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Full 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Bright Lights, Big City - 2:46
 2. Red Lights, The Stop Light - 2:39
 3. Shame, Shame, Shame - 2:54
 4. Baby What You Want Me To Do - 2:54
 5. I'll Change Everything - 3:02
 6. Take Out Some Insurance - 2:30
 7. You Got Me Dizzy - 2:57
 8. Honest I Do - 2:48
 9. You 'N' The Sack - 2:27
10. I Aint Got You - 2:25
11. Big Boss Man - 2:54
12. Aint That Lovin' You Baby - 2:23
13. Honey, Where You Goin' - 3:20
14. Do The Thing - 2:48
15. Don't Say Nothin' - 2:46
16. Sugar, Sugar - 2:46

One of the many "best of Jimmy Reed" albums released over the years, Bright Lights, Big City is a 16-song CD that the independent Chameleon put out in 1988 for its Vee-Jay Hall of Fame series. The liner notes are poor; exact recording dates and personnel are missing, and a brief summary only scratches the surface in describing Reed's accomplishments. But the sound quality isn't bad, and the material itself is nothing to complain about. Laidback hits like "Baby, What You Want Me to Do," "Big Boss Man," "Honest I Do" and "Shame, Shame, Shame" are included along with some enjoyable rarities, including the playful "Sugar, Sugar," the infectious "Don't Say Nothin'" and "Honey, Where You Goin'." These 16 songs certainly wouldn't be a bad introduction to Reed's legacy, but a bluesman of his magnitude deserves better than Chameleon's skimpy, inadequate liner notes.

Bright Lights, Big City

MF

Y