Chris O’Leary’s seventh album, “Blue Collar,” showcases a blend of Chicago blues and New Orleans roots, featuring engaging songwriting and skilled musicianship. The album, produced by Kid Andersen, includes notable collaborations and energetic tracks like “Bad Decisions” and “Justice Must Be Blind.” O’Leary’s authenticity and talent make it a must-listen for blues fans.
Joe Bonamassa’s album, “The Spirit of Rory – Live from Cork,” pays tribute to the late Rory Gallagher, a revered Irish blues-rock guitarist. Featuring 14 live tracks, Bonamassa showcases his guitar prowess alongside a talented band, blending Gallagher’s original energy with his own style. The high-quality production enhances this heartfelt homage.
Samantha Fish’s “Paper Doll Live” showcases her electrifying stage presence and raw talent, capturing the essence of rock ‘n roll. The album features eight tracks from her upcoming studio album, blending fervent vocals with impressive instrumentation. Notable collaborations and reimagined classics enhance the performance, reflecting Fish’s growth and artistry over 17 years.
JP Soars & Anne Harris’s album “Gypsy Blue Revue” showcases a rich blend of blues, samba, and Celtic influences, featuring intricate instrumentals and diverse styles. Notable tracks include the evocative homage to Jesse Mae Hemphill, and the lively “Cigar Box Jam.” The album highlights Soars’ musicianship and celebrates meaningful, joyful music.
The 100 Watt Vipers, a blues-rock duo from Jacksonville, Florida, feature J Burton and DJ Riddick. They blend classic Southern blues with rock, delivering energetic performances and soulful lyrics. Their music captures raw emotion, and they are committed to preserving authentic blues, captivating fans with their talent and passion.
The Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen showcases their musical evolution in their latest album, Come to Me. With a blend of soul and blues, the album highlights Dineen’s impressive vocal delivery and Ratti’s guitar prowess. Their tight collaboration and high-quality songwriting deliver a memorable listening experience for fans of the genre.
Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Guy Davis deliver a refreshing blues experience in “Fight On! True Blues Vol. 2,” showcasing their respect for traditional acoustic delta blues. With a mix of classic and new songs, they vividly evoke the essence of past Black musicians, emphasizing the importance of preserving this art form through their engaging performances.
Elemental Records has released “Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Pulsations Concert,” showcasing Freddie King’s electric performance in France. Featuring sixteen blues tracks, the album captures King’s vibrant energy and the dynamic chemistry with his band. It celebrates his legacy through live recordings and includes a pictorial biography and insights from notable figures.
Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “Future Soul,” their sixth studio album, blends rhythm and blues, soul, and rock, featuring vibrant tracks that highlight the duo’s musicianship. Produced by Mike Elizondo, the album fuses modern techniques with classic influences. With catchy melodies and an engaging sound, it showcases their commitment to authentic music amidst an AI invasion.
Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials’ tenth album, “Slideways,” showcases their signature Chicago blues style, blending catchy storytelling with soulful ballads. Co-produced by Bruce Iglauer, the album features collaborative compositions and strong musicianship after nearly four decades together. It exemplifies Alligator Records’ commitment to genuine houserockin’ music.
Joe Bonamassa’s “B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100” commemorates King’s 100th birthday with contributions from 42 artists across genres. The album features 32 songs, showcasing top-notch performances from a diverse lineup, including duets and intense guitar work. Bonamassa’s tribute reflects both homage and innovation, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Tinsley Ellis’s “Labor of Love” showcases his distinct southern blues style, blending blistering guitar work and heartfelt vocals. Following his critically acclaimed “Naked Truth,” this album emphasizes blues, drawing inspiration from his time with blues legend Jimmy Holmes. With unique compositions and a variety of influences, Ellis continues to evolve while captivating audiences.
Warren Haynes’ debut solo album, “Tales of Ordinary Madness,” released in 1993, showcases his sharp songwriting and powerful melodies, blending blues and rock. Produced by Chuck Leavell, the remastered edition features notable collaborations and profound themes, from societal issues to personal reflection, marking a timeless contribution to music over the past 33 years.
John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton reunited during the COVID-19 pandemic to write songs via Zoom, leading to their album Together Again. Featuring fourteen tracks, it showcases their storytelling prowess and reflects themes of memory and loss. The collaboration highlights their influential careers in folk music, celebrating a rich legacy of songwriting.
Mike Mattison, Harvard-educated and primary songwriter for the Tedeschi Trucks Band, explores the fictional world of a 1930s country blues duo in his solo album “Turn a Midnight Corner.” Working with his band Trash Magic, he crafts a diverse range of songs that blend blues, rockabilly, and country, reflecting deep personal themes and musical creativity.
The Crimestoppers, part of the Vines gospel family, have become a vital backing vocal group at Music Maker Studio. Their album “On The Case” showcases a blend of soul influences, featuring nine original tracks by Jimbo Mathus. The trio’s vocal strength shines, moving from gospel roots to vibrant soul, while the Music Maker Foundation supports their impactful journey.
Johnny “V” Vernazza, a San Francisco native, immersed himself in the vibrant 1960s music scene, playing guitar and bass in various bands. He gained prominence with the gospel group Gideon and Power and later collaborated with blues legends and Elvin Bishop, contributing to the defining Southern rock sound with hits like “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.”
Paul Filipowicz, a blues musician with over 40 years of experience, has shifted to retirement from construction to build a cabin and restore classic cars. A self-taught guitarist, he has garnered multiple music awards and collaborated with iconic figures, deeply valuing mentorship from drummer Clyde Stubblefield, who significantly influenced his music career.
Sean McDonald’s debut album, “Have Mercy!”, showcases his unique energy in blues and rock. At 23, the Augusta, Georgia native combines passion and skill, leading a talented band through diverse tracks. From soulful covers to original pieces, he revives traditional sounds with a fresh flair, proving himself a distinctive and promising artist.
Miss Emily’s album “The Medicine” showcases her powerful blues and soul vocals, blending themes of hope, community, and resilience. Produced by Colin Linden, it features nine tracks, primarily co-written by her. The songs express personal struggles, love, and survival, with an emphasis on unity and overcoming adversity, ultimately delivering an empowering message.
Making a Scene presents “LIVE from the Midnight Circus,” featuring Billy Branch and showcasing Indie Blues artists. This podcast emphasizes the blues as a dynamic art form, celebrating its diverse heritage while fostering innovation. It connects listeners emotionally through original music reflecting the artists’ realities and honoring their influences.
In episode #322 of “Turn it Up with Gerry Casey,” Coastland Fair joins an array of artists including Orianthi, The Black Crowes, and Fleetwood Mac. The show features a diverse mix of tracks reflecting various rock genres, highlighting both new talents and legendary musicians.
Billy Branch, a leading harmonica player and Chicago Blues ambassador, has greatly influenced the genre through performance, education, and advocacy. Discovered by Willie Dixon, he boasts extensive international touring and collaborations. Beyond music, Branch contributes to cultural initiatives and education, earning accolades like Grammy nominations and the Keeping the Blues Alive Award.
The Lucky Losers, a band led by vocalists Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz, celebrate their sixth studio album “Arrival.” Featuring a blend of blues, soul, and funk, the album includes personal tracks like “I Believe Her (Because I Am Her).” It showcases vibrant harmonies and various musical influences, marking their artistic evolution.
Dave Keyes’ latest album, “Two Trains,” showcases his signature blend of blues, soul, and rock, celebrating resilience amidst personal loss, particularly the death of his wife. Featuring collaborations with notable artists, the album presents original material that emphasizes positivity and life’s choices, urging listeners to embrace joy over sorrow.
The “Turn it Up with Gerry Casey” show #320 features an array of guests and musical tracks. Highlights include Gwyn Ashton, The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, and Billy Boy Miskimmin, among others, showcasing a diverse lineup of rock and blues songs, reflecting a vibrant music scene and rich variety of genres.
Making a Scene’s podcast, Live from the Midnight Circus, highlights indie blues artists who honor the genre’s diverse roots while pushing creative boundaries. Emphasizing innovation and authenticity, these musicians craft original music that resonates emotionally with listeners. Join the Indie Blues Movement to celebrate this dynamic and evolving art form.
Mike Bourne has been captivating global audiences with his jump blues and roots music since 1998. His latest album, “Kansas City O’Clock,” features high-energy tracks that celebrate the spirit of Kansas City. Collaborating with top musicians, Bourne’s music blends humor, reflections, and vibrant rhythms, resonating with his signature style.
Luther Dickinson’s “Dead Blues Vol 1.” reinterprets classic blues songs with a unique blend of Memphis funk and jazz, diverging from traditional blues styles. Featuring Datrian Johnson’s jazz-influenced vocals, the album showcases innovative arrangements of tracks by renowned artists, reflecting a creative evolution inspired by influences from the Grateful Dead.
J.T. Lauritsen, a Norwegian musician and accordionist, formed The Buckshot Hunters in 1991. Their latest album, Still Be Friends, celebrates his 30-year career. The collection blends blues, soul, and rock, featuring tracks like “How Come My Bulldog Don’t Bark” and “Still Be Friends,” showcasing collaborations and heartfelt performances by Lauritsen and guest artists.
Erin Harpe’s album “Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me” pays tribute to Mississippi John Hurt, blending her blues roots with original and traditional songs. Harpe’s journey from electro-pop to blues showcases her talents. The album, recorded during the pandemic, features ten tracks celebrating Hurt’s legacy and emotive storytelling intertwined with themes of mortality.
Miss Emily, a talented singer from Ontario, emerged in the 1990s with bold performances that showcased her fearless approach to music. Her latest album, The Medicine, explores themes of unity, resilience, and vulnerability, reflecting her artistic evolution. Recognized with multiple awards, she invites audiences to connect through her emotive performances and storytelling.
Making a Scene’s podcast, Live from the Midnight Circus, highlights indie blues artists who honor the genre’s diverse roots while pushing creative boundaries. Emphasizing innovation and authenticity, these musicians craft original music that resonates emotionally with listeners. Join the Indie Blues Movement to celebrate this dynamic and evolving art form.
The “Turn it Up with Gerry Casey” show #320 features an array of guests and musical tracks. Highlights include Gwyn Ashton, The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, and Billy Boy Miskimmin, among others, showcasing a diverse lineup of rock and blues songs, reflecting a vibrant music scene and rich variety of genres.
BillyBoy Miskimmin is a prominent figure in the Northern Ireland music scene since the 1980s, renowned for his harmonica skills and soulful performances. He gained international recognition with the band Nine Below Zero and later with The Yardbirds, collaborating with legendary artists and showcasing his versatility across various genres. His career reflects a deep commitment to the blues.
Mark Cameron, a Minnesota-based musician, blends blues with folk-rock influences honed over thirty years. His ninth album, Blues Factory, presents original songs with diverse themes, showcasing a talented ensemble. Tracks range from reflective to humorous, all underscored by Cameron’s strong vocals and engaging melodies, proving the blues can embody modern experiences.
Making a Scene’s podcast, Live from the Midnight Circus, highlights indie blues artists who honor the genre’s diverse roots while pushing creative boundaries. Emphasizing innovation and authenticity, these musicians craft original music that resonates emotionally with listeners. Join the Indie Blues Movement to celebrate this dynamic and evolving art form.
The Name Droppers, a blues-rock band from Connecticut, comprises seasoned musicians with impressive careers. Featuring Bobby “T” Torello on drums, Rafe Klein on guitar, Scott Spray on bass, and Ron Rifkin on keys, they blend authenticity and soul, creating a modern sound while honoring rock and blues legends. Their chemistry is electric.
Ana Popovic, a Serbian blues guitarist, began her music journey in 1991, forming bands and releasing successful albums like “Hush” and “Comfort to the Soul.” Her latest release, “Dance to the Rhythm,” showcases her songwriting and personal insights while exploring artistic growth. Ana continues to inspire through her resilient spirit.
Robert Finley’s fifth album, Hallelujah! Don’t Let the Devil Fool Ya, produced by Dan Auerbach, is a distinctive gospel recording blending 1960s soul and R&B. Recorded in one day, the album features heartfelt improvisation, positive messages, and a strong musical partnership, showcasing Finley’s unique artistry and experiences as a performer and veteran.
Making a Scene’s podcast, Live from the Midnight Circus, highlights indie blues artists who honor the genre’s diverse roots while pushing creative boundaries. Emphasizing innovation and authenticity, these musicians craft original music that resonates emotionally with listeners. Join the Indie Blues Movement to celebrate this dynamic and evolving art form.
Roomful Of Blues, a celebrated blues band formed in 1967, has evolved over the years, shifting to their current lineup with veteran vocalist DD Bastos. Their latest album features classic tracks, showcasing Bastos’ dynamic vocals. The band continues to thrive under guitarist Chris Vachon, contributing to their enduring legacy in blues music.
Gerry Casey’s “Turn it Up” show #318 features a diverse lineup of rock artists, including Star Collector and Gypsy Pistoleros. The episode highlights a variety of tracks, ranging from classic rock anthems to contemporary hits, creating an engaging listening experience for fans of the genre.
Andy B., lead singer of The VooDUDES, launched a solo project with producer John Pittas, resulting in the album “My Roots Are Showing.” It features diverse American roots sounds, showcasing Andy’s storytelling and unique voice. His music garners international airplay and has contributed significantly to the New Jersey music scene.
Kara Grainger, an Australian singer-songwriter, blends blues and Americana in her latest album, “That’s How I Got to Memphis.” Featuring six originals and three covers, the album showcases her vocal talent and guitar skills, supported by an accomplished ensemble. Grainger’s music reflects her influences and personal journey, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Mike Miz, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, moved from Northeast Pennsylvania to Nashville, collaborating with notable musicians on his album “Sometimes by Surprise.” This effort features a live band recording and showcases Miz’s songwriting skills across various themes like youth, love, and environmental concerns. The album includes seven standout tracks and a cover of Jim Croce’s “I Got a Name.”
Larkin Poe has released “Bloom: An Acoustic Companion Vol. II,” an EP featuring five reimagined songs from their earlier album, “Bloom.” The sisters’ acoustic roots shine through lush arrangements, enhancing lyrical depth. The collection combines elements of folk and bluegrass, celebrating themes of self-discovery, contentment, and optimism, inviting both new and existing fans.
Mississippi MacDonald, an emerging figure in British blues, blends traditional influences with modern artistry in his new album, Slim Pickin’. With original songs and reworked classics, he showcases emotional depth and guitar prowess. The album has quickly topped Roots Music Report’s Acoustic Blues chart, affirming his place in the blues genre’s future.
Randy Lee Riviere’s latest album, Farmhand Blues, intertwines his roles as a musician and wildlife biologist. The record reflects on human impact on nature while showcasing a blend of country and classic rock influences. Featuring themes of labor, resilience, and humor, Riviere’s storytelling shines through powerful instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics.
Making a Scene presents a podcast featuring the Resurrection Blues Band, highlighting indie blues artists who embrace the genre’s diversity and innovation. Celebrating musicians who honor blues traditions while creating new, original music, the podcast showcases their emotional resonance and connection to listeners, empowering the future of this living art form.