Catfish - Time To Fly

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2025
Time:54:12 
Size:124,7 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Blues/Rock/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Time To Fly -  5:47
 2. Change My Ways -  4:43
 3. Don't Turn Around -  7:45
 4. Sick Of It All -  6:29
 5. Forevermore And Again -  3:24
 6. Lost In Autumn -  4:23
 7. Breaking Up Somebody's Home -  6:23
 8. Broken Halo -  4:51
 9. Say The Word - 10:24

R.I.P. Matt Long
The blues community has lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of Catfish's charismatic frontman, Matt Long. Known for his electrifying guitar work, soulful vocals, and a stage presence that could fill any room, Matt passed away on 06/10/24 at the age of 29, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Matt Long’s journey through the blues was one of authenticity and passion. Growing up in Dorking, Surrey, Matt found his calling in the classic records of the blues greats, but it was his unique, modern interpretation that made him a standout voice in today’s scene. As the frontman of Catfish, Matt delivered performances that were powerful, heartfelt, and always true to the blues tradition, yet with a fresh energy that appealed to audiences of all generations.
Whether tearing through a searing guitar solo or delivering a poignant, stripped-back ballad, Matt had an uncanny ability to make each note resonate. His music was more than just sound; it was storytelling at its finest, capturing the highs, lows, and everything in between. His performances were marked by an honesty that drew listeners in, making them feel each chord as deeply as he did.
Those who knew Matt will remember him not just as a musician but as a friend, a mentor, and a genuinely good soul. He was known for his generosity on and off the stage, always willing to lend an ear, offer advice, or just share a laugh. He inspired countless young musicians to pick up their guitars and share their voices, always encouraging them to keep the spirit of the blues alive.
The blues world feels a little emptier without him, but his music, his energy, and the indelible mark he left on the scene will continue to inspire and uplift. As we remember Matt Long, we are reminded of the power of music to bring people together, to heal, and to tell the stories that define us.
In his own words, Matt once said, “The blues is about living life – the good and the bad – and making something beautiful out of it.” He did just that, every time he stepped on stage. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, the performances that moved us, and the music that he left behind.  Rest easy, Matt. Your blues will play on forever ~ Blues Matters Magazine

"It is with some hesitancy that I begin a review with sad news, but it is nearly impossible to begin without relaying the sorrowful message of the passing of one of the key members of Catfish. Matt Long, lead singer and guitarist, passed away at age 29 in November of 2024 after a battle with cancer; while working on the band’s new album, Time To Fly. Remaining members, Paul Long (Matt Long’s father, and keyboardist/vocalist in the band), Adam Pyke (bass), and Phil Wilson (drums), made the decision to carry on in the completion of the new project. This is the 4th studio album (and they also have one live recording) released by the multi-award winning band, formed in 2014 and based in the South of England. Influenced by the likes of B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Matt Long once said this about blues music. “The blues is about living life, the good and the bad, and making something beautiful out of it”. I believe that the remaining members of Catfish were determined to make something beautiful out of this new recording. The band says that Time To Fly is comprised one half of the music that they were working on in the studio when Matt Long passed away and the other half is from recordings discovered after Matt’s death. It contains two demo songs discovered after his passing and two songs that were recorded live, where Matt Long’s vocals were removed and used on the studio cuts.
Time To Fly, a nine track recording, opens with the title cut “Time To Fly”. “You are so much more than you thought you were. Open your eyes. It’s your time to fly.” It’s a great piece to kick off this farewell, of sorts. There’s some really nice guitar work in this song that really implores you to dig further to see what Catfish will be offering up next. You don’t have to wait very long to find out, because the very next track, “Change My Ways” keeps that momentum flowing. This is a real “rocker” that features more of Matt Long’s superb guitar soloing, accompanied by the great work of the other Catfish band members. “Angel and devil on my shoulders; trying to take control. One trying to lead me right; one trying to lead me wrong. I’ve got to change my ways.” The recording takes a slight turn with the next tune, “Don’t Turn Around”; a well done Paul Long tune that leans slightly toward being a ballad. Soft and soothing at the beginning, with some really well done background vocal work, and tasteful guitar; the song picks up some intensity before easing back into the groove that makes this such an engaging piece. Track eight of Time To Fly is an admirable cover of the Al Jackson and Timothy Matthews traditional blues number, “Breaking Up Somebody’s Home”; made famous by Albert King. Anyone familiar with this renowned blues standard, will appreciate Catfish’s excellent take on it.
All in all, Time To Fly is a fitting tribute and farewell to Matt Long, as well as a respectful way for Catfish, as a band, to draw to a close a great run of successes and accomplishments. If this is the last that we hear from the band, it is a proper goodbye. Only time will reveal to us the future of the remaining members, but here, we can wish them well and properly extend our thanks for the significant music contribution that they’ve given to us"(https://bluesrockreview.com/2025/03/catfish-time-to-fly-review.html).

Time To Fly

The City Boys Allstars - When You Needed Me

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2012
Time:61:02 
Size:140,4 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Funk/Jazz/Blues/R&B 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Funky Peaches - 4:53
 2. When You Needed Me - 5:55
 3. Casanova - 4:10
 4. The Snows of July - 5:03
 5. The Vow - 4:57
 6. Last Night the Bottle Let Me Down - 4:47
 7. More Where That Came From - 3:54
 8. The Stumble-Hide Away - 6:08
 9. God Bless the Child - 5:19
10. Drift Away - 4:46
11. Testimony - 5:11
12. The Whole Story - 5:55

One of the cool things about my job is that I get to listen to a lot of great music to which I wouldn’t otherwise be exposed. One more recent example of this is The City Boys Allstars’ When You Needed Me, a double album of music that to my ears is a sort of fusion between jazz-funk blues and R’n’B. However you want to categorise it, When You Needed Me was clearly recorded by a group of talented musicians who were obviously have a great time doing their thing! The opening track on Side 1, Funky Peaches, is a fun, upbeat number that serves as an introduction to the band (it is also one of my favourite tracks on the album) before the sombre title track starts. A thoughtful piece, When You Needed Me is a song about the regret one feels after letting down a loved one when it’s too late to make amends. The other ten tracks (mostly originals, but including some covers) on the album have the same sort of feel to them. Another track I particularly liked was the cover of Mentor Williams’ Drift Away.

When You Needed Me

Bett Butler - Short Stories

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2000
Time:45:14 
Size:104,2 MB 
Label:Dragon Lady Records 
Styles:Blues/R&B/Jazz 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Bubba's Inconvenience Store - 5:04
 2. Let's Talk It Over - 5:01
 3. Tell Me What It Is - 3:41
 4. A Hundred Tears From Now - 2:58
 5. I Saw You On the Street Today - 4:59
 6. Swear It On the Bible - 3:08
 7. Angels - 5:00
 8. How Special Are the Few - 4:18
 9. Down So Long - 3:27
10. Do It Right - 3:23
11. Butterfly - 4:10

Bett Butler, from San Antonio, Texas, is meant to play those dark smoke-filled jazz clubs in Manhattan or New Orleans, or in R&B clubs somewhere in Memphis. This singing and piano-playing young lady is full of jazz and R&B influences. The fact Butler is from the Lone Star State is only apparent on tracks like "Bubba's Inconvenience Store," in which she relates a tale of what happens at a small corner store while waiting for her car to be towed after a hitting an armadillo on a back road, and "Do it Right," which has a nice small-town Texas feel to it without being "country." Both feature very non-Texas-sounding horn sections. Eleven tracks, nine of which feature a brass section or horn-playing jazz soloist, are all originals that display both Butler's songwriting talent and her ample vocal skills. This album is one of the few jazz recordings that demands the listener pay attention to the lyrics in order to fully enjoy the music. There are two hornless entries, "Angels" and "Butterfly." Both are "sensitive" singer-songwriter fare with a wholly feminine point of view, but they are not out of place because the musical arrangements accompanying them do not get bogged down with syrupy strings or sappy instrumentation, and because Butler has a chance to show off her vocal prowess and versatility. These tracks require a much higher vocal register and feminine voice than the tougher sounding alto she uses on the jazz cuts. Most of the songs walk a fine line between Blues, R&B and jazz. Nice instrumental flourishes, such as a muted trumpet spiraling around and under Butler's vocal but above the horn section, place "Let's Talk It Over" firmly into the jazz realm. At the same time the track sports a huge sounding bass line that is pushed heavily into the forefront in the manner of classic R&B recordings. You decide which genre the song falls into. It really doesn't matter because quality is quality regardless of its name. Other highlights include "I Saw You on the Street Today," in which a very blue sounding flugelhorn joins Butler's melancholy voice and lyrics about ending a relationship with a philandering mate, and "A Hundred Tears From Now," a much more upbeat number with a completely different point of view on the same subject. 
Short Stories will appeal mostly to jazz and blues fans but it can still please those with more mainstream tastes. It is a diverse work from a woman who can sing, compose and write lyrics well. With a good publicity machine Butler could achieve wide commercial acceptance.

Short Stories

Brian Blain - Overqualified For The Blues

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2005
Time:43:43 
Size:100,6 MB 
Label:NorthernBlues Music 
Styles:Blues/Canadien Blues 
Art:Full 

Tracks Listing
 1. Saab Story - 2:56
 2. Blues is Hurting - 3:28
 3. No More Meetings - 3:07
 4. Overqualified For The Blues - 2:54
 5. Enfant Choisi - 3:31
 6. Terrace Inn - 3:01
 7. Ei-Tech Blues - 4:05
 8. I'm A Little Mixed Up - 2:35
 9. Sailing - 4:13
10. One Way Ticket - 2:57
11. Peace - 3:52
12. One More Weasel - 3:15
13. The Big Fire - 3:45

Brian Blain has been called an"elder blues statesman", recipient of the lifetime achievement "Blues Booster" Maple Blues Award from the Toronto Blues Society. He's been a sideman, frontman, producer, publisher, blogger and has played with top blues players in Canada at his popular "Campfire Jam", and backed blues legends like Kathi MacDonald, Long John Baldry and Hubert Sumlin.
And here is a CD whose cover tells you on the back: Original Blues and ballads and which indeed begins with a beautiful ballad, Saab Story, where Jim Galloway lines up a superb solo on the soprano sax. The guitar-harmonica-organ trio that follows plunges you into an optimistic Blues is Hurting for our 12 bars: We know it’s here to stay (We know that it will last). Overqualified for the Blues is a title that disturbs when Brian begins a set with this piece, but since Brian is sincere and the piece is good, then we understand his self-mockery better. The piece that follows, Enfant Choisi, is superb with this alternation of spoken and sung and these lyrics (in French) on his vision of adoption; a piece that will stir your guts. Terrace Inn and I’m a little mixed up are swinging as you wish while Hi-Tech Blues is a true Blues that could have been signed JLH. Another highlight is a very good One More Weasel, a three-string blues with a few discreet organ notes nestled here and there. Big Fire closes this album as it began, with a very moonlit bluesy ballad. A perfectly recorded album that you'll enjoy listening to at night, with your nose in the stars. ~ Frankie Bluesy Pfeiffer
BLUES MAGAZINE©

Overqualified For The Blues

Miss Bix - Bring It

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2022
Time:60:33 
Size:140,4 MB 
Label:Blue Heart Records 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Ain't No Such Thing - 5:06
 2. You've Got the Nerve - 4:32
 3. Cocktail Hour - 5:38
 4. Trail of Tears - 4:04
 5. The Girl You Adore - 4:17
 6. Red Walls (feat. Keeshea Pratt) - 5:59
 7. Cheer up Sallie Mae - 4:07
 8. The Poison - 4:56
 9. You Don't Deserve to Be My Man - 4:17
10. Daddy Why (feat. Tiffany Pollack) - 4:44
11. You Better Believe It - 3:56
12. Shake Me Discover Me - 5:46
13. Movin 'On - 3:06

Singer/songwriter Miss Bix, or Leslie Letven Bixler, has crafted 13 wonderfully bluesy, jazzy, intimately engaging songs that grace this album. She gets some help from a talented group of musicians and fellow singers to make this a thoroughly enjoyable outing — her second devoted to the blues, in its infinitely varied human forms. Her first effort was the 2017 Delta-influenced, “We Don’t Own The Blues.”
Just so you know, Bixler is not a novice. She has been writing, performing and recording for decades; her earliest efforts focused on smooth jazz, under the name Leslie Letven — the influences of which you can hear throughout this effort.
This set kicks of nicely with a gently chugging shuffle, “Ain’t No Such Thing,” and then shifts into a bluesy “You’ve Got the Nerve,” both enhanced by sinuous guitar.
They are followed by my very favorite track, the splendidly lyrical “Cocktail Hour,” a soft, jazzy exercise in the unbearable lightness of being musically enchanting. If I may be permitted a musical digression, the song and its luminous vocal touch evoked fond memories of Blossom Dearie (c’mon, someone of you must remember her!) with a touch of Ricky Lee Jones and a hint of that great little Michel Franks song, “Popsicle Toes.” I can’t easily explain all that, but it’s my blog and my digression, so. . . .
That is all very nicely followed with the countrified “Trail of Tears,” with some tasty slide work to accentuate the vocals.
Next is the winsome, lovelorn “The Girl You Adore,” which I would pair with “Cocktail Hour” as another late-night tonic for the blues, especially when fueled by the appropriate late-night beverage (I suggest bourbon, but if a cup of tea is your cup of tea. . . .)
A few other favorite highlights include the honky-tonk flavored “Daddy Why,” with co-author Tiffany Pollack sharing the vocals; “Cheer Up Sallie Mae,” with a lyrical acoustic guitar intro moving into a full band backing with a sharp electric solo midway; “You Better Believe It,” with a deep blues feeling; and the haunting closer, “Movin’ On,” a solo acoustic anthem. There’s a lot more to hear, and it’s all excellently done.
This is a very fine album from Miss Bix, filled with honest songwriting, gorgeous vocals and crisp musical backup, all of which deserves your undivided attention.

Bring It

Big Shanty - Ride With the Wind

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2007
Time:40:43 
Size:93,8 MB 
Label:King Mojo Records 
Styles:Enigmatic Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Born Up in Trouble - 3:09
 2. Killing Fields - 5:02
 3. New Messiah - 3:51
 4. She Got a Hold On Me - 4:16
 5. Gone Downtown - 4:10
 6. Ride With the Wind - 3:27
 7. Whisky Woman - 3:50
 8. Know What I'm Sayin' - 4:27
 9. King Bee - 3:35
10. Living On the Edge of Time - 4:52

Enigmatic blues-rock singer/guitarist Big Shanty garnered national attention in 2007 when his album RIDE WITH THE WIND became an online sensation, thanks largely to his scathing anti-war song, “Killing Fields.” Mixing fierce guitar lines with techno beats, Shanty (purportedly the alias of A&R legend Dick Wooley) evokes the propulsive sound of 1980s ZZ Top, while making occasional forays into Southern rock. Shanty also keeps good company–guests on Shanty’s albums include blues-guitar virtuoso Liz Melendez and jam-band icon Col. Bruce Hampton.
His “Killing Fields” is a powerful condemnation of old lies and self-serving propaganda, delivered with raw emotion and a driving beat.
Big Shanty has a large cult following in The South and thanks to Internet Radio (which The Government is trying to muzzle…) “Killing Fields” is getting played relentlessly. (Now that commercial Radio is following the American Government’s Don’t-Play-Ban on all the 1960s/1970s Anti-War and Peace/Love tunes, “Killing Fields” would undoubtedly be added to that list along with “Give Peace A Chance” and “Sky Pilot”). “Ride With The Wind” is Not typical Blues but it is Blues Rock at its’ very best and drenched with Truths, Honesty and great playing. There’s no doubt that “Ride With The Wind” would be a Hit Commercial album if it were allowed to be and we can always hope that the collective Power of The People forces this fine CD into the mainstream. D. Wooley a.k.a. Big Shanty plays wicked guitar and on 5 of the 10 tunes whips-out his slide. There are some killer-diller ‘commercial potential’ songs on here and Shanty’s original “King Bee” is a Hit or my name ain’t Fred. While the use of synths may put-off the old fogey blues lovers, anyone who Loves great Rock Blues will not give it much thought as the music is too damn fine.
There’s a big bunch of Georgia-area talent on here: Scott Robertson – drums/percussion, Ed Sanchez – guitar, Liz Melendez – guitar/vocals, Eddie Jett – guitar, Dustin Sargeant (bass), Bill Stewart (drums), Jack Hall (bass), Col. Bruce Hampton (pedal steel), Matt Smart (harp), Ron Heath (keyboards & bass), Diane Durrett (vocals) and Chris Blackwell (drums & synth) and the sum total is some of the finest hard-rockin’ Blues/Rock you’ll hear on the scene today. “Born Up In Trouble” sounds like Rob Zombie in Mississippi Hill Country and I say that in a totally complimentary sense. What a tune to open with! It grabs you by the ears and it don’t let go. “Killing Fields” is permeated with anger, disgust and contempt for the White House maggots. A more powerful anti-War tune does not exist! And, the music is as powerful as the uncompromising lyrics. “New Messiah” continues in this vein with a scathing put-down of the TV Christians who really are no different than Politicians as Bullshit Peddlers. “…the Law doesn’t touch him as he’s crossed their palm…” I can visualize this powerful imagery and these incredible songs need video representation. Saying that, it occurs to me that Big Shanty paints visual pictures with his songs and he’s almost without competition in that sense. “Gone Downtown” is a powerful tune about someone who went for the downward spiral of Heroin. Beau Hill’s guitar solo is incredible. “Ride With The Wind” is an ode to Motorcycle peace-of-mind while “Whiskey Woman” is an excellent Pure Blues rocker, showing that Big Shanty can get down and basic if he wants to. “Know What I’m Saying” is Southern-Fried Boogie that should slay the whole Allmans/Gov’t Mule/Lynyrd Skynyrd audience. “King Bee”, as mentioned earlier, is a Mega-hit waiting to happen and let’s hope it does happen as it’ll score major points for Real Rock/Blues and have all those poseurs running for cover. “Living On The Edge” is a Masterpiece tune closing out a Masterpiece album. It deals with the Moral Cesspool we’ve sunk into and the manipulation of Truth and Reality.
6 Bottles of Truth Serum for the biggest dose of Truth Rock you’ll ever hear. Let’s see if the Bad Guys can keep this album suppressed…not bloody likely! Big Shanty has arrived. (A. Grigg)

Ride With the Wind

Kerry Kearney Band - Smokehouse Serenade

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2019
Time:47:13 
Size:109,0 MB 
Label:DwazMusic/BMI 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Shakin' Like Jelly (feat. Frank Kingbee Latorre, Dawn and Dave Banks, Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino & David Bennett Cohen) - 2:51
 2. Long Tall Mama (feat. Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino & David Bennett Cohen) - 2:24
 3. Statesboro Blues (feat. Victor Poretz, Mark Mancini, Jeff Naimoli, Mario Staiano & Gerry Sorrentino) - 3:29
 4. Fireplug (feat. Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino, David Bennett Cohen & Charlie Wolfe) - 3:45
 5. No Way Back Blues (feat. Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino, David Bennett Cohen & Charlie Wolfe) - 3:42
 6. Wake Me, Shake Me, Bake Me (feat. Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino, David Bennett Cohen, Charlie Wolfe & Jeff Naimoli) - 4:05
 7. Sittin' on Top of the World (feat. Mark Mancini, Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino, Charlie Wolfe & Jeff Naimoli) - 2:43
 8. Camptown Races - Smokehouse Serenade (feat. Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino, David Bennett Cohen & Charlie Wolfe) - 6:17
 9. Girl from Memphis (feat. Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino, David Bennett Cohen & Charlie Wolfe) - 2:59
10. Creole Woman (feat. Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino, David Bennett Cohen & Charlie Wolfe) - 5:29
11. Goin' to the Mardi Gras (feat. Victor Poretz, Mark Mancini, Bob Paolucci & Jeff Naimoli) - 4:03
12. Pretty Baby (feat. Mario Staiano, Gerry Sorrentino, David Bennett Cohen & Charlie Wolfe) - 5:22

"I initially was interested in hearing this, solely because this group hails from Long Island, NY, my music training grounds, which is far from being the blues capital of the world. By the time they had finished “Shakin’ Like Jelly,” their electric blues opener and were rolling down to the Delta with “Long Tall Mama,” the way J.J. Cale would, I was sold. Kerry Kearney and his band are the real deal. I could be wrong, but I don’t think that blues bands often cover the different styles of blues, like this group does. Most tend to stay in their own backyards and become specialists. Kearney leads his group of merry men across state lines and balances things out nicely with healthy doses of acoustic and electric styles, both of which he certainly can write both music and lyrics for. As a blues guitarist, he knows where the foundation is and when to flick his Bic. Drummer Mario Staiano provides perfect parts and tempos for the bass, keys and harp to hang onto. Then they mix in a few staples like “Statesboro Blues” and “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” and there’s your record. If legendary DJ, Hoss Allen was still covering the entire south with 50,000 watts of R&B, he would say “You want blues you can use? Kerry Kearney has them.”
After several listens, I started looking into this group’s background, ‘cause I knew they couldn’t be new at this and sound like they do. As Gomer Pyle would say “Surprise, Surprise,” they all have credits as long as the Island.
I’ll leave the last word to Leslie West, (who I knew in the ’60s, when he was just a Long Island Vagrant). Backstage somewhere in Suffolk County, LI, while Kerry Kearney’s band was out front kicking’ it, Les turned to Warren Haynes and asked, “Who The Fuck Is That?” " —Ken Spooner/

Smokehouse Serenade

Happy Goat Band - Hammerbilly

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2011
Time:52:52 
Size:132,3 MB 
Label:Junction Records 
Styles:Southern Rock/Alternative Country Rock/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Reacks Listing:
 1. These Chains (Jacob's Lament) - 3:57
 2. Blood On the Moon - 4:04
 3. I'm the Man - 2:30
 4. Without You - 3:14
 5. Daddy's Home - 2:59
 6. Laid Back - 3:27
 7. Papa Told Me - 5:14
 8. Repo Man - 3:13
 9. Smokin' Gun - 4:08
10. One Hit's All I Need - 2:57
11. Southern Bred - 4:21
12. Gotta Ride - 4:12
13. Mississippi National Guard - 4:13
14. Minstrel Boy - 4:20

Third generation Hillbilly Royalty and founder of Nashville alternative rock band Uncle Slim, Johnny Hammer has teamed up with Happy and Goat formerly members of Mississippi southern rock band Southern Bred. “I’m the Man And You Aint” was the first song recorded in Nashville, TN at the Junction Recording Studio. Inspired by writing sessions, the three have formed the Happy Goat Band and their first project entitled "HAMMERBILLY". It's raw rootsy southern rock blend of rhythm and melodies, steeped in the traditions of country, folk and blues lyrics. The result is 100 proof goat buttin', mule kickin', happy gettin' renditions that will crank your mind. The boys are chompin' at the bit to get out and bring their own brand of Southern Rock Music to your town.

Hammerbilly

Katie & The Bad Sign - Revolution

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2025
Time:39:12 
Size:90,0 MB 
Label:Bleakheart LTD 
Styles:Rock/British Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Wolf at the Door - 3:43
 2. Revolution - 3:38
 3. Heartless Woman - 3:38
 4. Shake Me Down - 3:32
 5. Voodoo - 4:01
 6. The River - 3:55
 7. Taste the Dirt - 4:19
 8. Cruel to Me - 4:01
 9. Bleed You Dry - 4:03
10. Gaslighter - 4:18

Katie & The Bad Sign’s debut album ‘Revolution’ is a blues-drenched, rock ‘n’ roll experience that grabs you from the first riff and doesn’t let go. Gritty, raw, and bursting with emotion, this Manchester-based band brings a mix of Americana, blues, and classic rock to the forefront.
The album kicks off with “Wolf at the Door”, an absolute powerhouse of a track. Those opening guitar riffs hit hard, setting the perfect stage for Katie’s vocals; gravelly, commanding and filled with raw energy. And when that “Ouh ouh ouh” cracks through the mix? Pure magic.
The title track, “Revolution”, keeps the momentum going with pounding guitars and anthemic energy. It’s a track built for blasting at full volume, meant for the listener to scream along. While the lyrics get a little repetitive, the cool bassline that kicks in later gives it that extra edge.
“Heartless Woman” slows things down just enough to let Katie’s voice shine in a more velvety way as she shows a masterclass in control. Then, “Shake Me Down” brings in that stereo effect I absolutely love, pulling you right into the groove from both sides.
After, there’s “Voodoo”, a track that had me intrigued from the title alone. The song delivers, balancing between high notes and deep vocals. The background harmonies blend with the instruments beautifully, letting the musicians take center stage.
Katie & The Bad Sign
Later, “The River” shifts gears completely, opening with an acoustic guitar. It’s a moment of reflection before the band’s signature power roars back in at 2:30, proving they know exactly how to build tension and let it explode.
Next, “Taste the Dirt” brings a surprising Americana twist, keeping the album unpredictable, while “Cruel to Me” might just be one of the best tracks here. Katie’s vocals shift between defiant and vulnerable, mirroring the emotional push-and-pull of the lyrics. As the track builds, the repetition of “Why d’ya do the things you do” leads to a powerful climax right before the end.
“Bleed You Dry” brings a dark, theatrical touch with its vampire-in-love-of-a-human theme (hello Twilight-era nostalgia), before “Gaslighter” and “Wild West” close the album on an Americana-fueled high. “Wild West”, in particular, is not as powerful as the tracks before but that’s exactly what makes it work so well. While ending the album on a calmer note, it leaves you with a sense of closure.
Overall, ‘Revolution’ is the sound of a band that knows exactly who they are: gritty, passionate and ready to set every stage they step on ablaze.

Revolution

Mac Arnold & Plate Full o' Blues - Country Man

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2009
Time:51:08 
Size:117,9 MB 
Label:Plantation #1 Productions 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Full 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Ain't Sugarcoatin' - 4:11
 2. Farmer - 4:30
 3. Tractor Song - 3:11
 4. Country Man - 4:33
 5. True to You - 3:38
 6. Too Much - 3:52
 7. If Walls Could Talk - 3:30
 8. Holdin' On to Lettin' Go - 5:05
 9. Scarecrow - 4:13
10. Kakalaky Twang - 3:39
11. Screamin' and Cryin' - 3:10
12. Chevy - 3:42
13. Swing Me Back Home - 3:47

After years of playing bass with Chicago legends like Muddy Waters and Otis Spann, not to mention a stint in the Soul Train house band (he was also one of the show's producers) and a contribution to the theme of Sanford and Son, Mac Arnold moved back to his South Carolina home. But you can't keep a good bluesman down, and after his friends and neighbors kept asking him to perform, he put together his first band, Mac Arnold & Plate Full o' Blues.The musicians may be neighbors, but they're all first-rate players, and on their third album, produced by another Muddy Waters' alum, Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, they range from folky love songs and country-blues to Chicago urban sizzlers and blues-rock shuffles. Arnold fronts the band with a warm, bluesy voice somewhere between Waters' shout and the low-down growl of Howlin' Wolf. He leaves most of the music to his bandmates, but they're up to the task. "I Ain't Sugar Coatin'" opens this up with a straightforward sardonic look at modern life, laying down the law to fathers who leave their families amidst rising prices and young men who wear their jeans so low you can see their underpants. Austin Brashier's guitar switches between rhythmic, fuzz-drenched chords and brittle lead lines. Margolin's lead guitar adds some fire to "Too Much," a blues-rock tune that sings the praises of a woman who's just too damn hot. Arnold's shouted vocal is full of gritty sexuality. Arnold's famous for his homemade gas can guitars, instruments that have a surprisingly rich sound despite their humble origin. He plays a killer hook on "Cackalacky Twang," a bouncy dance number then turns in a short, sharp solo that showcases the instrument's high but surprisingly rich, treble-drenched sound. Arnold then does Waters' "Screamin' and Cryin'' country style, with his weathered vocal and Margolin's acoustic guitar taking things back to their roots. The album closes with the instrumental "Swing Me Back Home," and Country Man has just done that. letting the boys in the band show off their chops with Brashier's aggressive, stinging guitar and Arnold's jazzy, inventive bass playing stealing the show. ~ AllMusic Review by j. poet

Country Man

Lightnin' G-Bird - I Was Fool About You

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2025
Time:27:52 
Size:64,2 MB 
Label:59 Thunderbird Production 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. I Was Fool About You - 5:01
 2. Straight To Hell - 2:39
 3. I Got You - 2:42
 4. No Money Down - 3:22
 5. She Got Time If I Spend My Money - 3:02
 6. 5, 10, 20 Minutes Of Love - 3:05
 7. Rock Me Babe - 1:54
 8. She Took Me All - 3:04
 9. Let It Burn - 2:59

Lightnin' G-Bird is an authentic Blues musician. He performs in One Man Show, duo and trio. He is brilliantly supported by talented musicians (drums/double bass/bass guitar…). A powerful and emotionally charged singing style, solid guitar playing and boundless energy.A showman in the pure tradition of the pioneers of this style. Live: South Africa/Switzerland/Spain/France.

I Was Fool About You

Mike McKenna & Slidewinder - Mike McKenna & Slidewinder

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1996
Time:52:58 
Size:121,7 MB 
Label:Pacemaker/Capitol 
Styles:Blues/Blues Rock 
Art:Full 

Tracks Listing:
 1. She's Alright - 3:36
 2. Pack Of Lies - 3:33
 3. Dreams - 5:53
 4. Let Me Luv You - 5:12
 5. Cherry Beach Shuffle - 6:20
 6. Ain't Nobody's Business - 5:23
 7. Bright Lights, Big City - 3:16
 8. 100 Shades Of Blue - 6:38
 9. Hanging On A Wire - 4:51
10. Wild Wild Women - 8:12

"Sladewinder" is a band I started back in the mid 90's when I started playing again after a fairly long break due to family reasons. We traveled around Southern Ontario playing small clubs and bars to enthusiastic crowds, mostly due to my previous work with McKenna-Mendelsohn Mainline. In 1996 I recorded an album with a completely different lineup.
This was a group of older and very experienced musicians that I had worked with over the years, and they helped me write this CD.
" Nineteen ninety-seven promises to be another notable year on the Toronto scene, especially if the local veterans continue to resurface with interesting new recordings. Among the first out of the box is Mike McKenna and Slidewinder, a band that includes three top-notch members of the Toronto rockin’ blues elite of decades past: guitarist Mike McKenna, saxman Ron Jacobs and bass legend Denny Gerrard. TBS contributor Bill Munson has followed McKenna’s career and offfers this insightful piece. While Mike McKenna is best known as one of the principals of the legendary McKenna Mendelson Mainline, he’s been playing steadily – and with some exceptionally talented musicians – since the early ’60s. One of his first groups was Whitey and the Roulettes, the house band at the seminal Bluenote after-hours club on Yonge Street, with Dianne Brooks (see last October’s TBS Newsletter) on vocals. Minus McKenna and Brooks, but plus guitarist Domenic Troiano, the Roulettes evolved into the Mandala, Toronto’s biggest soul act of the time. McKenna, for his part, took a little coffeehouse gig in Yorkville, playing Jimmy Reed tunes and stuff like “Walkin’ The Dog”. Other musicians signed on one by one to form Luke and the Apostles, who played hard electric blues in the style of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, their contemporaries and Electra label-mates. A couple of years (and bands) later, a newspaper ad put Mike in touch with Joe Mendelson, leading to the formation of the brilliant Mainline, whose arrestingly earthy Stink album remains a Toronto classic. Mainline also released McKenna Mendelson Blues (soon to be reissued by Pacemaker), Canada Our Home & Native Land, The Mainline Bump `n’ Grind Revue and No Substitute (a reunion album).McKenna has been with a number of notable groups through the years since then: Downchild, Diamondback (with Scott “Professor Piano” Cushnie – see last December’s TBS Newsletter) and the Guess Who among them. But none managed to touch Toronto’s musical heart as Mainline had in its few years together.At this point it is too early to say how the new group will fare, but McKenna certainly has a strong supporting cast in Slidewinder; both Denny Gerrard and Ron Jacobs are former members of Mainline – and much else besides.The brilliant Gerrard’s ambitious solo with the Paupers at the Monterey Pop Festival was (and still is) considered a highlight of that classic event. As a frequent McKenna associate in the early days, Gerrard also contributed his punchy style to the stunning McKenna Mendelson Blues. Also worthy of note are albums with Jericho (produced by Todd Rundgren) and the Great White Cane (with future punk-funkster Rick James).That Gerrard has resurfaced after a long absence from the public eye is mainly due to the efforts of Slidewinder’s third old-timer – saxman Ron Jacobs. It seems that when Jacobs ran into Gerrard a couple of years ago the man hadn’t played bass in eight years and didn’t even own an instrument! Ron quickly changed that situation, to his everlasting credit, and talked McKenna into giving Gerrard a shot at playing in the band. As Ron pointed out, Denny could forget more than most bassists know and still know more than most bassists. But considering how sure handed he sounds here, it seems that Gerrard hasn’t forgotten much at all.Ron Jacobs shouldn’t be overlooked as a player either. In addition to his aggressive tenor work, Jacobs shares in the vocal burden with Slidewinder, turning out a strong performance on “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” on the CD. Ron’s resume includes a couple of extended stays in Chicago, backing people like Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Rush and Carey Bell. On the local scene, he played greasy Yonge Street bars in the early ’60s in a group with both David Clayton Thomas and Kelly Jay (imagine!), was a founding member of the Downchild Blues Band, and is another Mainline alumnus – from the Bump `n’ Grind days.Considering the Mainline connections, it is fitting that the new Mike McKenna and Slidewinder CD opens with a hot version of the Mainline favourite, “She’s Alright”. While that one’s a Mendelson composition, seven of remaining ten songs on the CD, on the Pacemaker label, are McKenna originals.There are also three old standards: “Ain’t Nobody’s Business”, “Bright Lights, Big City” and “Wild Wild Women”. Those and Mike’s “Hanging On A Wire” and “Let Me Luv You” are the crowd pleasers at live gigs, but what comes across best on disc are the instrumentals: “Dreams”, “Cherry Beach Shuffle” and an untitled bonus track.“Dreams” is in the style of the emotional outpourings that graced Roy Buchanan‘s early solo albums. (Generally speaking, Mike now favours a richer sound than in his earlier days.) “Cherry Beach Shuffle” allows McKenna, Jacobs and keyboardist Rob MacPherson (who has since left the band) to strut their stuff over the solid foundation laid by Gerrard and drummer Bruce Brooker – who’s played with Buddy Guy, Dutch Mason and Kenny Neal. The third instrumental is a beautiful solo by McKenna on acoustic bottleneck. Oddly enough, the song is not listed on the program and is separated from the previous song by two full minutes of silence. While it may be some time before listeners even realize that the song exists, they’re sure to come back to it once they do. Just like they do for so much of the earlier work of Mike McKenna, truly one of Toronto’s guitar greats".– Bill Munson (1997)

Mike McKenna & Slidewinder

Mike Whellans - Almost 42nd Street...

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2007
Time:53:41 
Size:123,9 MB 
Label:Temple Records 
Styles:Blues/Harmonica Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Jammin The Blues - 2:21
 2. Strange Love - 4:05
 3. Ragtime Joe - 4:43
 4. No Baby No - 2:38
 5. Am I Wrong - 4:46
 6. When The Curfew Blows - 4:05
 7. Meet Me At The Bottom - 3:59
 8. Jumping In The Neighbourhood - 4:01
 9. Hip Shakin' - 3:32
10. Warm It Up To Me - 3:31
11. Ready Steady Freddie - 3:37
12. Baby What Do You Want Me To Do_ - 3:30
13. I'm In The Mood (Live) - 4:50
14. Smile On Your Face - 3:56

Mike's second release on Temple Records, this album succesfully captures some of the live energy of the one man blues band from the Scottish Borders. Recorded with minimal overdubs and studio trickery, Mike effectively performs live in the studio and is joined on 4 of the numbers by the barrelhouse piano of Graham Scott. Features tracks from the likes of John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Willie Dixon, Slim Harpo, Hudson Whittaker (Tampa Red), Keb Mo, Woody Gutherie, J.B. Hutto, Willie McTell plus five Whellans originals.

Almost 42nd Street...

Roberto Testini - Night Life

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2016
Time:59:50 
Size:137,6 MB 
Label:7230114 Records 
Styles:Rock/Blues Rock/Modern Electric Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. AUH! - 5:30
 2. Everybody's Talking - 4:32
 3. Night Life - 4:04
 4. Lord Please Forgive Me - 6:44
 5. 15 Minutes - 5:08
 6. Pictures And Sound - 4:32
 7. Puppet on a String - 4:35
 8. I know Just What To Do - 3:52
 9. Ringing of my Clock - 5:16
10. Thousand Fears - 4:46
11. Stratus - 5:32
12. I've got to Live - 5:18

Roberto Testini was born in Milan in 1962 and has been involved in music for about 30 years.
A guitarist and then a singer, he has always been involved in what is Blues and its surroundings, forming groups that could satisfy the musical stimulus of the moment.
He spent the first 7 or 8 years with his first real group, the Level Blues Band, with which he proposed, together with the guitarist/singer Giancarlo Schinina, the Chicago sound.
Then it was time for Hot Wheels with which he began to insert the first ideas of a swinging blues and at the same time he collaborated steadily with the Soul group of Arthur Miles and participated in some important specialized Festivals both as a soloist and as a session-man playing with: Luther Allison, Oliver Sain, Walter Liniger, Teddy Riley, Willie Littlefield, Jimmy Witherspoon and others.
He collaborated with the singer Barbara Carr in 1990/91/92/93.
In January 1986 he collaborated with maestro Vince Tempera on the production of the musical "Dance Train" which featured music by Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington as the soundtrack.

Night Life

Hell's Kitchen - City Streets

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2003
Time:53:59 
Size:124,9 MB 
Label:Shoestring Records 
Styles:Blues/Electric Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Give Me Something to Eat - 3:03
 2. I Need Luck - 4:03
 3. Long, Long Legs - 3:20
 4. Feet to the Fire - 3:30
 5. Going to New York - 3:37
 6. Alligator Eating Dog - 4:22
 7. Goin' Down to New Orleans - 3:13
 8. Bad Reputation - 4:25
 9. My Baby Loves Me - 2:58
10. City Streets - 4:46
11. Blue, Blue Feeling - 3:38
12. Never Too Late - 3:21
13. I Don't Care - 6:30
14. Fishing Blues - 3:06

Electric blues and acoustic blues with a little bit of funk thrown in for good measure. Featuring the songs, guitar and vocals of Roger Bartlett, harp legend Don Brooks and the Uptown Horns.

City Streets