Polly O'Keary and The Rhythm Method - As Live as It Gets

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2019
Time:72:30 
Size:166,7 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Blues/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Red Light (Live) -  4:31
 2. A Man Who Can Stand (Live) -  5:02
 3. I Wish You Could See Me Now (Live) -  5:11
 4. In My Father's House (Live) -  5:32
 5. Hard Act to Follow (Live) -  3:45
 6. Black Crow Callin' (Live) -  6:18
 7. It's My Soul (Live) -  4:09
 8. Stop Train (Live) -  4:57
 9. Gather 'Round Me Angels (Live) -  5:40
10. I Don't Understand (Live) -  5:06
11. Old Love (Live) - 10:40
12. Sugar Daddy (Live) -  5:55
13. Who Needs the Blues (Live) -  5:38

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, As Live As It Gets, from Polly O'Keary and the Rhythm Method and it's a solid performance. Opening with high stepper, Red Light with it's romping bass line by O'Keary under her powerful vocal lead, backed by David Miller on guitar and Tommy Cook on drums. Funky blues, In My Father's House has a really great bottom with cool lead guitar by Miller and ever tight drum snap by Cook. O'Keary's bass line is relentless and her vocals full and heavy. Slow blues, Black Crow Callin' is my favorite track on the release with O'keary digging deep on her best vocal effort on the release and Miller really takes it to the next level with excellent lead phrasing volume swells and trem bends. Very nice. Blues rocker, I Don't Understand is another track that will get your heals high and people on the dance floor. O'Keary's vocals are solid and commanding and Cook's use of snare is perfect. Another of my favorites is Old Love with it's laid back, almost effortless feel. Just riding vocally in the sling of the beat suits O'Keary nicely and Miller's guitar approach on this one is really fine. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Who Needs The Blues with a real swagger. O'Keary's thumping rock bass line and gives the track a rolling feel and the stinging soloing of Miller is a super capper to a solid release. 

As Live as It Gets
Y

Tomcat Courtney - 12 O'clock Midnight

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1996
Time:67:23 
Size:155,1 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front+Back 

Tracks Listing:
 1. 12 O'Clock Midnight - 5:46
 2. I've Got Your Hanger - 4:27
 3. Mocking Bird - 3:43
 4. Key to the Highway - 4:44
 5. Strawberry Girl - 5:10
 6. Mourning Tears - 6:56
 7. Big Fat Mama - 5:49
 8. Wish Is Magic - 4:40
 9. Let's Talk It Over - 5:52
10. Things Ain't the Same - 7:07
11. Pain of Love - 4:00
12. Four Wheel Drive - 4:31
13. The Moon is Rising - 4:31

Born in 1929, bluesman Tomcat Courtney shows no signs of slowing down. While growing up in Texas, his pianist father owned a nightclub frequented by blues legends like Sonny Boy Williamson. Courtney pursued tap dancing and began to perform in places like the Barnum And Bailey Circus and other type traveling shows and he also began to sing as well, After learning guitar, he fell easily into the rhythm of the traditional Delta blues groove of his most admired musicians, like BB King and Lightnin’ Hopkins.
Tomcat is a showman, but he doesn’t shred chords. He heals busted dreams by singing the blues.” Tomcat’s soulful voice resonates with the depth and strength of a man who has lived his lyrics; the old blues come alive in his guitarwork. The songs are rooted in a simpler time, purified by a musician who sanctifies the blues (December 15,1996).

12 O'clock Midnight

Y

Ali Handal - Slow Burn

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:40:05 
Size:92,3 MB 
Label:Dessert First Records 
Styles:Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Take Down - 2:39
 2. High Road (feat. Marc Maron) - 3:39
 3. Pour Me Another - 3:19
 4. Walk This Way - 4:29
 5. If I Had Your Life - 3:50
 6. Brave - 2:37
 7. Shut Your Mouth and Do Something - 3:22
 8. Come Together - 3:39
 9. Everything Happens - 4:09
10. Perennial - 3:22
11. Slow Burn - 4:55

Colorado Front Range blues-rock fans, it is my pleasure to introduce an exceptional artist you may not yet know. Even if her name is familiar, you may not realize she has a brand-new album arriving this Friday. If you already knew both, I tip my hat to you—you are truly a world-class blues-rock fan worthy of recognition. That artist is Ali Handal, whose fifth album, Slow Burn, arrives this Friday.
Handal is the kind of artist who refuses to stay in one lane. A Los Angeles–based guitarist, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, she has built her career on the tension between muscular rock guitar and a more intimate, melodic side—moving comfortably from gritty riffs and expressive solos to vulnerable, acoustic-driven songwriting. Her playing is technically assured without losing sight of the song, while her voice can shift from raw and forceful to warm and disarming in a single phrase. For listeners who know their blues-rock, Handal’s latest work offers a particularly compelling entry point. On Slow Burn, she purposefully turns up the heat on the bluesier elements of her sound: bold guitar tones, swaggering grooves, and a vocal delivery that carries both grit and emotional weight. It is a natural evolution for an artist whose influences range from classic rock to rootsier songwriting—and a reminder that softness and strength have never been opposites in Handal’s music. 

Slow Burn

Y

Robert J. Hunter - Here to Stay

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:49:02 
Size:113,3 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Americana/Rock/Contry/Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Better Man - 3:52
 2. Left Me Yet - 3:16
 3. Loser - 2:40
 4. That's Just Me - 4:10
 5. Head In The Sand - 3:32
 6. I Guess It Is My Time - 2:41
 7. How Could I Know - 3:19
 8. Rushing - 3:03
 9. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere - 3:42
10. Knew it All Along - 4:26
11. Own Way Out - 3:49
12. Out of Reach - 3:31
13. Devil In Me - 3:10
14. Written In Gold - 3:45

Alderney-born Robert J. Hunter is taking the blues and Americana scene by storm. Armed with a gruff, powerful voice and the wild thud of an overdriven, foot-stomping guitar, he delivers a raw and soulful sound that is unmistakably his own. His evocative songwriting takes listeners on emotional, deeply personal journeys, echoing the spirit of artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Free, Jackson Browne, Rory Gallagher, The Band, The Eagles and Tom Petty. Relentless touring across the UK and Europe has turned the band into a road-worn, well-oiled machine—super-tight, fiercely dynamic and impossible to ignore. Their genre-bending blend of blues, rock ’n’ roll and Americana continues to win new fans and captivate audiences with every show.Singles—Loser, Head In The Sand, Stir All Night, and Good People—secured national radio play on BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing and Planet Rock paving the way for his new album ‘Here to Stay’ in 2026.
With grit, heart and undeniable authenticity, Robert J. Hunter stands as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary blues and Americana.
“An incredibly exciting act on the blues scene, you’re going to really love them.” - Whispering Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
“These strident blues rockers sound like they’ve come off a year-long tour and gone into the studio to record this album without even going home to change their socks.” - Hugh Fielder, Classic Rock Magazine
“Incredible strength in the diversity of his songwriting coupled with sheer hard work...” - Blues in Britain Magazine

Here to Stay

Y

Luther Badman Keith - Thunder In My Blues

Bitrate:320K/s

Year:2003

Time:61:23 

Size:141,3 MB 

Label:BMB Records 

Styles:Blues/Mix 

Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:

 1. Thunder in My Blues - 5:58

 2. Six Figure Salary - 4:58

 3. Fevers and Chills - 5:24

 4. Blues Gonna Fall - 4:02

 5. The Last Bluesman - 4:40

 6. Rocks On Mars - 4:32

 7. Nose Wide Open - 4:11

 8. No Shame in My Game - 4:38

 9. Tattoo Baby - 4:17

10. Sleeping With the Devil - 5:31

11. Gonna Give Up Drinkin' - 6:08

12. What's the Use - 3:18

13. Home Alone - 3:41

"Thunder In My Blues" - This is high energy party blues that breaks the traditional mold with creative songwriting and arrangements, mixing blues, rock, soul and funk.

Journalist Luther Alton Keith was born on October 9, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan to Mittie Savella Ashworth and Luther Caesar Keith. Keith’s father was a postal employee who founded the United Committee on Negro History. Keith attended Sampson and St. Agnes elementary schools. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1968. He then studied at the University of Detroit, where he was mentored by Mary Helen Washington and graduated with a B.A. degree in journalism in 1972.

Keith, inspired by Luther Allison and mentored by James Soberg of the Luther Allison Band, started playing the blues guitar in 1981. He performs internationally as Luther “Badman” Keith. Keith has produced several CD’s including, Badman and Thunder in My Blues. In 2006, he founded and served as executive director of Arise Detroit, a broad-based volunteer coalition that addresses illiteracy, high school dropout rates, crime, youth violence, drug abuse, domestic abuse, neighborhood blight and unemployment.

Thunder In My Blues

Y

Cliff Stevens - No Time

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:20:42 
Size:47,7 MB 
Label:Red Flagg 
Styles:Blues/Electric Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. No Time - 3:43
 2. Roll With You - 4:05
 3. New Shade Of Blue - 3:47
 4. Try - 3:58
 5. You Hurt Me - 5:06

Blues rock guitarist Cliff Stevens is an award-winning artist from Montreal, Canada. He has toured for several decades all over the world. He is set to release his seventh album, New Shade Of Blue. 
BLUES MATTERS MAGAZINE (UK) – “Stevens is every inch a performer in the same mould as Eric Clapton…this man is totally awesome!”

No Time

Y

Cicero Blake - It's You I Need

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2008
Time:56:16 
Size:129,3 MB 
Label:Hep'me Records 
Styles:Blues/Soul/R&B
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. It's You I Need - 7:10
 2. Saturday Night Feelin - 4:43
 3. You'r So Good to Me - 5:53
 4. It's You I Need (short version) - 6:46
 5. How Can I Go On - 4:43
 6. A Day Makes a Difference - 4:49
 7. I Don't Want to Love No Body but You - 4:03
 8. South Side Saturday Night - 4:14
 9. Strange in My House - 4:40
10. Some Where Private - 4:23
11. Livin Double - 4:47

"Blake rises to most of the melodic challenges with aplomb. The gospel-flavored title tune is shot through with the requisite blend of carnal and spiritual longing..."
Cicero Blake was the original lead singer of the Golden Tones, who evolved into the Kool Gents, the group that sprung Dee Clark. After leaving the Golden Tones-- which consisted of Blake, James Harper, Teddy Long, Howard McClain, and John Carter -- Blake made many solo recordings for small Chicago labels (Brainstorm, Renee, Success, etc.). John McCall, Doug Brown, and Dee Clark replaced Harper, McClain, & Blake (Uncle Sam called). When he got the chance to record for a major label -- Brunswick Records in 1967--the two tracks he cut, "You Got Me Walking," and "A Woman Needs to Be Loved," were shelved for 20 years. They didn't emerged until Kent Records released The Soul of a Man. Blake's version of "Walking" also appears on Sweet Soulful Chicago released in 1987; Jackie Wilson, and the Chi-lites also recorded "Walking." Blake's singing career began in a church choir, then with the Golden Tones while still in high school, and he performed in military shows in the Air Force. After serving his country, he traveled all over the chitlin' circuit with the Sunny Thompson Revue. He recorded his first album, Don't Do This to Me for Success Records in 1962; though he never charted, many of his R&B singles, including "Sad Feelings" and "If I Had My Way," found acceptance with Northern Soul lovers. "Love Is Like a Boomerang" received more attention then previous efforts and got him some gigs as the opening act on revues for R&B luminaries' Chuck Jackson, Jerry Butler, James Brown, and Wilson Pickett. Blake continued working and recording throughout the '70s, '80s, and '90s while holding down a nine-to-five working for Cook County as one of the Maywood Park Districts' commissioners. Blake appears at many blues festivals including the Chicago Blues Festival, and in a tribute to Milwaukee's blues legend Robert Taylor in July 15, 1998. His "She's Cheatin' on You" appears on Super Soul Blues, Vol. 3 on Jewel Records, and he's has had two CD releases on Valley Vue Records: Too Hip to Be Happy!, and Just One of Those Things. ~ Andrew Hamilton

It's You I Need
Y

Chuck Carbo - The Barber's Blues

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1996
Time:43:58 
Size:101,3 MB 
Label:Rounder Records 
Styles:Blues/New Orleans Blues/R&B
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Hey, Marti Gras! - 4:13
 2. I`d Rather Beg - 4:36
 3. Hootie Blues - Every Day I Get The Blues - 5:43
 4. The Very Thought Of You - 3:32
 5. The Barber`s Blues - 2:54
 6. Black Widow - 4:29
 7. Too Many Goodbyes - 3:49
 8. A World I Never Made - 4:21
 9. Don't Boogie With Your Black Drawers Off - 5:04
10. Promises - 5:12

The mellifluous vocal tones of Chuck Carbo was a principal ingredient in the success of the Spiders, the premier R&B vocal group around New Orleans during the 1950s. He subsequently mounted a strong comeback bid as a smooth solo artist, cutting albums for Rounder in the '90s including 1993's Drawers Trouble and 1996's The Barber Blues. The gospel-steeped Carbo (whose actual first name is Hayward) and his brother Chick (real first name: Leonard) shared frontman duties for the Spiders, whose hits for Imperial included the two-sided smash "I Didn't Want to Do It"/"You're the One," a ribald "I'm Slippin' In" in 1954, and "Witchcraft" (later covered by Elvis Presley) the next year. Imperial's main man in the Crescent City, Dave Bartholomew, produced the quintet's 1954-1956 output, as well as writing many of their best numbers (notably a risqué "The Real Thing"). Carbo cut a few 45s under his own name for Imperial, Rex, and Ace after going solo; Chick waxed 45s of his own for Atlantic, Vee-Jay, and Instant. Chuck Carbo never stopped performing entirely, although he made his living as a lumber truck driver when gigs got scarce. In 1989, he scored a local hit with his cover of Jeannie & Jimmy Cheatham's "Meet Me with Your Black Drawers On." It was reprised on Drawers Trouble, a comeback set reuniting Carbo with pianists Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack and Edward Frank. The Barber's Blues ensured Carbo's return to the spotlight with two more Cheatham copyrights and a second-line "Hey, Mardi Gras! (Here I Am)." ~ Bill Dahl

The Barber's Blues
Y

The Pszenny Project - Resilence

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:51:29 
Size:119,5 MB 
Label:Markonguitar Productions 
Styles:Blues/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Knee Deep in Trouble - 3:44
 2. You Don't Love Me - 3:52
 3. Let it Rain - 4:20
 4. Wine, Whiskey & Cigars - 3:06
 5. Piece of My Soul - 4:28
 6. She's My Girl - 3:16
 7. Sweet Home Chicago - 4:11
 8. Your Love - 3:19
 9. Can't You See - 5:00
10. Questions - 4:31
11. Beautiful You - 3:09
12. Funked Up - 3:35
13. Tell Me Why - 4:52

About The Pszenny Project: The Pszenny Project is an independent roots-rock and blues endeavor dedicated to keeping the authentic spirit of the blues alive while injecting it with a modern, dynamic edge. Their latest album, Resilience, exploring themes of perseverance, grit, and soulful reflection. 

Resilence
Y

Rick Berthod - Get Back Home

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:49:09 
Size:113,1 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Blues/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Travelin South - 4:51
 2. So Fine - 5:06
 3. Texas Rain - 6:28
 4. Welcome Back - 3:57
 5. Get Back Home - 3:33
 6. Whips & Chains - 4:53
 7. Runnin From Love - 4:25
 8. Take Me Back - 6:46
 9. Southern Sky - 4:47
10. Evil Eyes - 4:19

Rick Berthod started playing blues guitar in his late teens. He was influenced by listening to guitarists like Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, and B.B. King. Although barely old enough to get into a bar, he began playing clubs in town. While living in Colorado, Rick put together an all-star blues rock band. Heavily influenced by his friend Albert Collins, “The Master of the Telecaster,” Rick became the opening act for touring bands traveling through Colorado. After moving to Los Angeles in 1988, Collins again helped Rick put together a band of West Coast players. Rick’s contemporary influences also include Warren Haynes and Larry Carlton. Rick’s 2022 Tribute to Peter Green: Fleetwood Mac Years charted at No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Blues Album Chart for the week of November 19, 2022. Get Back Home is Rick Berthod’s tenth album to date. The album, co-produced by Rick and Stoney Curtis, was recorded at Counts Desert Moon Productions in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rick Berthod, on guitar, slide guitar, acoustic guitar, and vocals, is accompanied by guitarists Stoney Curtis and Jason Walker, the latter also contributing background vocals; Keith Brennaman, saxophone; bassist Jeff Mullen; and drummer Greg Culotti. All songs were written by Rick except for the opening track, a cover of Albert Collins’ 1991 song “Travelin’ South,” as Rick sings, “Travelin’ South, trying to work my way back home, travelin’ South, trying to work my way back home. I’m so broke and I’m hungry, ain’t got no money for the telephone…Feet so tired, I think I’ll go lay down, I say feet so tired, y’all, I think I’ll go lay down. I got another hundred miles before I reach the next town.” On “So Fine,” Rick chimes, “looking for you every time…just hopin’ that you could be mine.” On “Texas Rain,” Rick is on slide guitar, with some great sax from Brennaman, as he chants, “that Texas rain is coming down…last night I felt the wind blow, well come on now we got to, got to go.”
“Welcome Back,” with some more great sax, features Rick as he moans, “It’s been years since I said goodbye…you went to him and I don’t know why…welcome back.” On the title track, “Get Back Home,” Rick cries out, “down the highway thinkin about life, trying to decide what’s wrong or right, looking for help, to get back home.”
“Whips & Chains” features Rick as he groans, “Woke up this morning the time was right…I looked to my left, I looked to my right, oh my god what a terrible sight, there were whips and chains, some for pleasure some were for pain, I love you girl, all your whips and chains.” On “Runnin From Love,” Rick belts, “when we first met I was just seventeen…runnin’ from love, she got me bad, running from love.”
“Take Me Back” features Rick as he pleads, “Take me back, to the way it used to be, walkin’ hand in hand, the way it used to be, every day sittin’ all alone, thinking about my baby, and how it used to be, walkin’ hand in hand, take me back to the way it used to be.”
On “Southern Sky,” Rick croons, “In the Southern sky when the wind blows…in the midnight hour at the crossroads, in the Southern sky, when the wind blows in the Southern sky.” The closer, “Evil Eyes,” features Rick as he bursts, “like the devil, she’ll take your soul and make it right, she’ll take your heart and make it right, she’s got the evil eyes.”
Rick has performed at festivals and concerts in Europe, Canada, and the U.S.A. After 40 years, Rick Berthod and his music are better than ever. Rick was inducted into the Las Vegas Blues Hall of Fame by B.B. King’s daughter Rita King. He has shared the stage with King, Gregg Allman, John Mayall, Robben Ford, Etta James, the Yardbirds, Janiva Magness, J.J. Cale, Debbie Davies, Delbert McClinton, Coco Montoya, William Clarke, Rod Piazza, Tinsley Ellis, and many others. It’s time to catch up with Rick Berthod ~ Richard Ludmerer.

Get Back Home
Y

Willie Buck & The Secret 4 - Walk On In

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:73:45 
Size:170,0 MB 
Label:Arrow 
Styles:Blues/Chicago Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Big Boss Man - 4:45
 2. Walk On In - 6:41
 3. Walk'n By Myself - 2:44
 4. Can't Be Satisfied - 4:31
 5. Lucky Lou - 3:10
 6. King Bee - 5:35
 7. Don't Let Worries Get You Down - 4:42
 8. Double Trouble - 6:22
 9. Willies Boogie - 5:15
10. That Same Thing - 4:18
11. Smoke Stack Lighting - 5:16
12. Chitlins Con Carne - 3:54
13. I Got You Baby - 5:29
14. Ever Change - 6:49
15. Wild Rock'n - 4:07

Before he became a covert force in modern blues, Willie Buck cut his teeth in the Midwest’s roughest roadhouses, places where the air was thick with smoke, the amps were loud enough to rattle the bar taps, and only the boldest voices survived the night. Willie wasn’t just bold, he was unmistakable. His storm weathered vocals, instinct for deep-in-the-pocket groove, and natural stage command earned him a reputation as the kind of performer who could turn any room into a mission accomplished. But every top operative eventually finds the right team. That team arrived in the form of The Secret 4, a squad of elite rhythm agents known for surgical precision, high voltage energy, and silent but deadly musical instincts. Their off the grid live history made them legends in the underground circuit until they aligned with Willie and blew their cover wide open. Recently joining the operation is Anthony Bruno, a saxophone specialist whose sharp-toned lines and midnight cool presence have made him the unit’s resident intelligence operative. His horn work cuts through the mix like encrypted radio chatter, vital, urgent, and impossible to ignore.
Together, Willie Buck, The Secret 4, and Anthony Bruno deliver a sound straight out of a high stakes spy thriller: blues with bite, soul with swagger, and grooves engineered for maximum impact.

Walk On In

Y

Brandon Isaak - Lookin' Out My Window

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:56:54 
Size:130,9 MB 
Label:Self-released 
Styles:Blues/Electric Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Work Got The Blues - 4:37
 2. Good News - 6:01
 3. Blues Proof - 5:16
 4. One Kiss - 4:13
 5. Lyin' In The Street - 3:10
 6. Brick By Brick - 5:05
 7. Welcome To The Blues - 4:10
 8. People Are Crazy - 4:13
 9. Lookin' Out My Window - 5:23
10. Friend Like Me - 7:31
11. Someday - 7:15

Brandon Isaak is a Canadian blues singer and guitarist based in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He is most noted for his 2023 album One Step Closer, which was a Juno Award nominee for Blues Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2024.
Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, he is the son of country musician Ed Isaak. He moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1999, where he was a member of the blues band The Twisters until their breakup.
Brandon Isaak, the Whitehorse-born bluesman known for his gravelly voice and deep respect for tradition, returns with  "Lookin' Out My Window" — his most electrified blues album.
The album marks Brandon’s second time producing and engineering on his own, a feat he describes as both a challenge and a dream realized.

Lookin' Out My Window

Y

Toni Spearman - So Called Friends

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2004
Time:47:51 
Size:114,1 MB 
Label:Brambus Records 
Styles:Blues/Blues Rock/R&B/Soul 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Let The Good Time Roll - 2:13
 2. So Called Friends - 3:58
 3. Good Love Gone Bad - 4:04
 4. It Ain't No Fun - 4:17
 5. Beware - 4:19
 6. I Need You Tonight - 3:51
 7. Stepping Out - 3:58
 8. With You - 5:31
 9. Bring It On Home To Me - 3:27
10. You Can Have My Husband - 3:07
11. It Ain Easy - 5:38
12. Honey Hush - 3:22

Toni Spearman's  album, "So Called Friends," is a soulful and introspective journey through the complexities of human relationships. With her powerful and emotive vocals, Spearman delves into the themes of betrayal, loyalty, and forgiveness, weaving together a collection of songs that will resonate with listeners on a deep level. The album features a blend of R&B, blues, and gospel influences, creating a unique and captivating sound. With heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, "So Called Friends" showcases Toni Spearman's talent as a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. This album is a must-listen for anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of friendship.

So Called Friends
Y

Gatos Bizcos - I Can`t Believe My Eyes

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2012
Time:43:30 
Size:102,9 MB 
Label:Gaztelupeko Hotsak 
Styles:Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Let`s Have Some Fun - 3:21     
 2. Little Walter Song - 3:14
 3. I Can`t Believe My Eyes - 3:59    
 4. Backwards Blues - 4:00
 5. Nobody Knows You When You`re Down & Out - 5:45     
 6. Blues for P - 3:41
 7. We Like the Boogie - 3:56
 8. Orange Coloured Sky - 2:48
 9. That`s When I Know - 4:45     
10. Topo Rojo - 2:34
11. Goin` Home - 5:26

Blues is not a genre that typically boasts a massive following—especially in Spain. Despite this, the style is home to some truly high-caliber, prestigious musicians—such as Tonky de la Peña, Javier Vargas, Ñaco Goñi, and the unclassifiable Malcom Scarpa—some of whom even enjoy international recognition. Beyond these well-known names, there are also many performers who, while perhaps less famous, have proven their mettle in playing this music. Such is the case with Quique Gómez, Pablo Sanpa, Héctor Rojo, and Miguel Ángel Benito. Now performing as "Gatos Bizcos," they are releasing their debut album after having cut their teeth on all sorts of stages and with various acts (Red House, Josele Santiago, Lou Marini, etc.); notably, they have served as the backing band for bluesman Eddie C. Campbell. Released by Gaztelupeko Hotsak—a Basque label dedicated to promoting African-American music—*I Can’t Believe My Eyes* was produced by Santi Martín. The production captures an immediacy and intimacy that makes it easy for the listener to picture themselves in a dimly lit club, watching the band play live. While this is undeniably a blues album—that is the driving style—the songs draw from a wide and varied range of influences. In fact, the album is the antithesis of a mere attempt to carbon-copy the genre's standard forms and rhythms; the group brings its own distinctive stamp to the music, approaching the genre with dynamism and agility.
The album opens with the sound of a harmonica that evokes a classic feel—specifically reminiscent of Carey Bell. The track "Let’s Have Some Fun" signals the band's melodic leanings—often drawing on jazz or swing—which continue in another tribute: "Little Walter Song," a track that explicitly honors one of the most renowned harmonica players. "I Can’t Believe My Eyes," built on a blues foundation, is an extraordinary stylistic blend echoing the best of Ray Charles, delivering an infectious, upbeat rhythm. "Backward Blues" continues this upbeat, eclectic mix; while perhaps surprising, it leads the band into territory once traversed by groups like the Lovin’ Spoonful. At the opposite end of the spectrum—with a vintage feel, yet still bursting with energy—is "Orange Colour Sky," reminiscent of the songs Bessie Smith performed at the intersection of blues and jazz. One of the album's most profound moments—alongside the brilliant "Goin’ Home," which blends country, gospel, and B.B. King influences—arrives with their take on the legendary "Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out." They approach it with a blues-soul vibe and a beautiful organ sound—reminiscent of Derek and the Dominos, yet more minimalist in execution. At the other extreme lies "We Like the Boogie," which lives up to its name as the guitars kick into high gear. A similar rhythm—albeit less wild—drives the original version of Eddie C. Campbell’s "That’s When I Know," though here the group noticeably slows the tempo. Gatos Bizcos have created an album where the blues—while serving as the primary ingredient and the foundation of the compositions—is presented in a way that is original, polished, and appealing to any type of audience: those who enjoy infectious melodies as well as, naturally, those who appreciate the sounds of Black music.

I Can`t Believe My Eyes

Y

Frankie Magic - Lucky

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:1997
Time:44:44 
Size:103,3 MB 
Label:Music & Words/Blue Kapibara 
Styles:Blues/Electric Blues 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Electric City - 2:59
 2. You Lost Your Good Thing - 4:09
 3. Good Stuff - 3:34
 4. I Want You so Bad - 4:49
 5. Shaggy - 2:21
 6. Luckiest Man - 4:08
 7. Strollin' - 3:24
 8. Reckless Child - 4:58
 9. You Got a Hold on Me - 2:47
10. Lay It on Me - 3:47
11. Crazy Mixed up World - 3:46
12. You Got Your Father Callin' - 3:58

Blues gangster Magic Frankie has been the Netherlands' premier blues act for the past few years and performs regularly in Germany, France, and Belgium. The album "Lucky" is known for its lively arrangements, powerful vocals, and compelling lyrics. Each track creates a unique atmosphere, drawing the listener into the artist's world.
"Electric City" is a track that instantly grabs you with its energetic and driving beat; it is a guaranteed dance-floor filler.
"I Want You So Bad" stands out for its sensual and seductive vibe. Magic Frankie’s vocals are particularly soulful here, and Thijs van Leer makes a guest appearance.
"Shaggy" is one of the album's more playful tracks. Radiating positive, carefree energy, it is perfect for a party or simply for lifting your spirits.
"Luckiest Man" is one of the album's highlights. It is an emotional ballad in which the protagonist expresses gratitude for the love he has found. The song builds slowly toward a powerful climax, with the instrumentation becoming increasingly intense.
The album is both danceable and moving, showcasing Magic Frankie's versatility and talent.

Lucky
Y