Rebecca Pidgeon, born in 1965, is a talented singer, songwriter, and actress with dual American-British citizenship. Her latest album, “Unillusion,” produced by Fernando Perdomo, offers a minimalistic blend of voice and acoustic guitar. The collection showcases her storytelling prowess and includes various reflective tracks that highlight her artistic evolution.
UK rock artist Slyder Smith releases his new single “Nobody’s Listening” on August 15, 2025, addressing the struggle for connection in a distracted world. Produced by Robin Wynn Evans, the track combines gritty rock with emotional depth. Slyder, known from Last Great Dreamers, is evolving as a solo artist with an upcoming album in 2026.
Larry “Mud” Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters, is an American blues singer who began his musical career later in life. His new album “Deep Mud” features original songs and revivals, showcasing his dedication to Chicago blues. Morganfield’s works include tributes to his mother and celebrate authentic blues themes.
Dave Anderson’s album “In Lieu of Flowers” is a tribute to jazz legends and educators who influenced him. Featuring original compositions, the quartet showcases Anderson’s skill on saxophones, particularly in pieces like “One for Wayne” and “Sanctuary.” The music balances tribute and emotion, making it an engaging listen throughout.
Blind Lemon Pledge, the musical persona of James Byfield, has gained acclaim with his 2021 album “A Satchel Full of Blues,” topping blues charts. A lifelong musician influenced by various genres, Byfield’s work spans Blues, Folk, and Jazz. His unique compositions have earned numerous awards and international recognition.
Dara Starr Tucker’s album “Time Wouldn’t Want,” features her original compositions and reinterpretations of well-known songs. With a blend of jazz, funk, country, soul, and pop, Tucker’s warm vocals and heartfelt lyrics explore themes of time and presence. Notable tracks include “Shining (It’s my Time)” and “What Was I Made For.”
Piper & The Hard Times’ album “Good Company” showcases their dynamic blend of blues, funk, and rock. With powerful vocals from Al “Piper” Green and a talented band, the album features lively tracks and introspective themes, despite Green’s recent cancer diagnosis. It’s a standout work set to elevate their prominence in the American roots music scene.
Chris Wabich’s album “1978 (STEEP)” showcases his talent as a drummer, composer, and bandleader, featuring sensitive piano from Josh Nelson and strong bass by Dan Lutz. The album leans towards easy listening with thoughtful compositions like “Jiang (Sage Ember)” and “Oolong.” Wabich, a seasoned performer, recently received the COLA grant.
The Shout Section Big Band, led by Brett T. Dean, celebrates its 20-year legacy of swing and jazz, featuring vocalist Tatum Langley. Their new album showcases her impressive vocal range and theatrical flair. Notable tracks include “Deedle’s Blues” and “Ridin’ High.” The band continues captivating audiences across the Midwest.
Stuart Blance is a Scottish singer-songwriter and photographer known for his acoustic music and uplifting lyrics. His new EP, “Fringe Benefits,” features songs like “Shine” and “As Scottish as Haggis,” celebrating themes of life, love, and self-belief. Blance’s work combines folk, Americana, pop, and rock influences, offering optimism and joy.
David Bailis’s album “Running Through My Mind” showcases his modern jazz style, featuring compositions that blend funk, jazz, and imaginative guitar work. With a talented quintet, including Caroline Davis on alto saxophone, Bailis explores his musical roots while reflecting his passion for running, emphasizing discipline and dedication in both music and life.
The album “Shadows of Tomorrow” by Socrates Garcia and his Latin Jazz Orchestra merges Dominican culture with Afro-Caribbean music and contemporary jazz. Each composition reflects Garcia’s experiences, featuring vibrant rhythms and standout performances. The work is rich in tradition, showcasing well-crafted arrangements and danceable tunes that emphasize cultural heritage and personal storytelling.
Irving Flores’ Afro-Cuban Jazz Sextet presents “Armando Mi Conga,” showcasing his musicianship and passion for Latin rhythms. Inspired by his childhood and influences from his father, the album features infectious compositions like “Gary en Nanchital” and beautiful ballads like “Tramonto A Massa Lubrense,” highlighting Flores’ exceptional talent.
Remi Goode, a trained classical guitarist from Nashville, draws inspiration from artists like Suzanne Vega. Her debut album, “Things I’ve Said Before,” showcases a blend of folk and pop, featuring introspective lyrics and diverse instrumentation. The record hints at a promising future for Goode in the music industry.
Matt Schofield, a renowned British blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, has built an esteemed career spanning over 30 years. With multiple awards and critical acclaim, his distinctive playing style and engaging performances have influenced many artists. Schofield also educates other musicians and is set to release a new project soon.
Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers collaborate on their album “Our Time To Ride,” blending blues, soul, and rock. Chambers, influenced by gospel and the blues, has a diverse background, while DesLauriers is an acclaimed guitarist. The album features original songs and covers, showcasing their musical chemistry and soulful storytelling.
Woody Guthrie, born July 14, 1912, in Oklahoma, revolutionized American folk music with over 3,000 songs, including “This Land Is Your Land.” His legacy, maintained by family members, remains influential in music and social justice. Recorded in 1950, his work highlights the enduring spirit of resilience and introspection among marginalized communities.
Andrea Dawson, an emerging Australian singer-songwriter from Adelaide, partners with artist Gwyn Ashton to create her debut album, “Tales From A Dirt Road.” Featuring notable musicians, the 16-track album blends blues and rock, highlighting her authenticity. Dawson aims to break into the music scene, showcasing her powerful voice and storytelling.
The Marc Seales project features collaboration with Ernie Watts, showcasing original tunes and jazz standards in a heartfelt manner. Highlights include the emotionally charged “Rue Cler,” and the soulful closing piece, “Home Light.” Seales, now retired from his university career, refocuses on his passion for composing and performing jazz.
The Texas Headhunters, comprising Johnny Moeller, Jesse Dayton, and Ian Moore, released a self-titled debut album filled with energetic songs reflecting their Texas blues roots. Recorded in five days, the album showcases their diverse talents, blending elements of blues, rock, and a lively spirit, providing both depth and entertainment throughout.
Antonio Adolfo’s album “Carnaval – The Songs Were So Beautiful” showcases classic Carnaval songs from Brazil’s “Golden Age” (1920s-1950s). Featuring a talented ensemble, it highlights lively rhythms and emotive melodies. Adolfo shares his deep passion for these compositions, inviting listeners to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Carnaval through captivating arrangements.
Eric Wilson Adams, a pivotal figure in South Dakota’s rock scene, began with the band COCOON in 1969. Their raw, energetic performances led to a Hall of Fame induction in 2018. Transitioning to solo work, Adams’ 2025 album “Losing Ground” showcases his storytelling and authenticity, blending rock, country, and blues.
Catina DeLuna and Otmaro Ruiz release “Lado B Brazilian Project 2,” a follow-up to their Grammy-nominated album. This collaboration blends World Music and Jazz, showcasing DeLuna’s vibrant soprano and Ruiz’s unique use of the accordina. The project explores classic Brazilian songs, delivering enchanting arrangements and rich musical narratives.
Pianist Andy Nevala’s album “El Rumbon” features ten Afro-Cuban influenced tracks with a blend of familiar tunes and original arrangements. Highlights include a Latin take on Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” and innovative rhythms in classics like “A Night in Tunisia” and John Coltrane’s “Countdown.” Nevala emphasizes tradition and musical education.
“Transverse” features an international quartet led by American trumpeter Chad McCullough and three Macedonian musicians. The album blends jazz with Macedonian folklore, showcasing compositions that explore diverse themes and varying moods. This collaborative effort exemplifies musical camaraderie, emphasizing music’s power to transcend cultural boundaries and foster unity.
Ben Thomas’s “Tango Project” blends traditional Argentine tango with modern elements, showcasing his multi-instrumental skills on bandoneon, vibraphone, and percussion. With original compositions, the album features dynamic arrangements and seamless transitions that engage listeners. Notably, tracks like “The Promise of Morning” and “Other Afternoons” highlight his expressive artistry.
Dara Starr Tucker’s latest album, “Time Wouldn’t Wait,” is her third solo release, blending original compositions with classic songs. Featuring exceptional musicians, Tucker explores themes of time, memories, and living in the present with her emotive vocals. The album showcases an impressive production quality, inviting repeated listens for its introspective nature.
Emma Hedrick’s debut album, “Newcomer,” showcases her unique jazz compositions and storytelling through ten original songs, including a blend of jazz and pop influences. With a contemporary edge and influences from artists like Duke Ellington, she demonstrates vocal prowess and originality, solidifying her presence in the jazz scene.
Mark Winkler HOLD ON Cafe Pacific Vocalist and lyricist Mark Winkler returns with his 22nd album, HOLD ON. This is the tenth album produced by his colleague, Barbara Brighton, and finds Winkler penning the lyrics for seven of these eleven tracks. Winkler has a storied history of attracting great musicians, especially pianists, reaching higher than […]
John DeNicola, an accomplished American songwriter and producer, boasts a notable career, including an Academy Award for “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from “Dirty Dancing.” His recent albums, “The Why Because” and “She Said,” feature original songs and tributes, like “King of His Own World” honoring his late friend Tim Lawless, emphasizing the importance of expressing love and seizing the moment.
The Blood Brothers, comprising Albert Castiglia and Mike Zito, released their album “Help Yourself” featuring nine original tracks and one cover. Both artists have distinct careers marked by Blues Music Awards. Their collaboration blends individual strengths and showcases their journey in blues music, highlighted by energetic performances.
Emma Wilson, an acclaimed vocalist and songwriter from England’s North East, fuses blues energy with the elegance of Aretha Franklin. Her debut album, Wish Her Well, won the UK Blues Awards’ “Emerging Blues Artist of the Year” in 2022. Known for her engaging performances, she collaborates with notable musicians in the blues genre.
Gerry Casey interviews Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes, who rose to fame as Cold Chisel’s frontman in the 1970s and has since achieved unprecedented success as a solo artist with 19 number one albums. A bestselling author and ARIA Hall of Fame inductee, he continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances.
Rico Jones’ album “Blood Lines” explores his multicultural heritage, blending Latino, Indigenous, and African American influences. Each original composition reflects significant personal connections. The extended suite opens with “Invocation,” showcasing improvisation as a form of spiritual communication. The music aims to connect listeners to a deeper narrative of ancestry and creativity.
Christopher Wyze & the Tellers, formed in 2022, emerged on the global blues scene with their debut album, Stuck in the Mud, which includes the RMR #1 single “Back to Clarksdale.” After a successful songwriting collaboration, they made their live debut in 2024, releasing a CD/DVD set capturing their performance and documenting their musical journey.
John Stein releases his twentieth album, “Among Friends,” featuring jazz singer Fay Whittaker and cellist Chris White. Recorded in 1997, the session showcases the trio’s natural camaraderie through classic standards and original compositions. With minimalist production, the album highlights their improvisational skills and deep connection, offering pure jazz enjoyment.
Joe Farnsworth’s album “The Big Room” features an intergenerational sextet, showcasing the talents of skilled musicians such as Emmet Cohen and Sarah Hanahan. The album blends high energy with soulful melodies, allowing for creativity and improvisation. It premieres at SMOKE Jazz Club in NYC, September 3 – 7, 2025.
Sarah Wilson, a Bay Area trumpeter and composer, released her album “Incandescence,” inspired by her 2023 art residency in Austria. Featuring her ensemble Brass Tonic, the album includes melodious compositions like “Architecture in Space.” Wilson aims to celebrate female musicians and interact with visual art, creating original music in real-time.
The concert “First Meeting” features renowned jazz musicians Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier, and Eric Harland at Dizzy’s Club. Their performances showcase emotional depth and improvisational mastery. The double disc set includes pieces like “500 Miles High” and “Con Alma,” reflecting their cohesive artistry and commitment to creating memorable music.
The album “As We Are Now” by Jimmy Greene features a blend of smooth jazz compositions with emotional saxophone performances. Collaborating with vocalists and a talented band, Greene’s artistry shines through original pieces like “Praises” and “Anhelando”, as well as a fresh take on “Speak Low”. The project showcases intricate melodies and rhythmic energy.
Larry Keel and Jon Stickley, acclaimed flatpicking guitarists, celebrate acoustic music through dynamic harmonies in their new 5-track EP. Featuring lyrical tunes and cosmic instrumentals, the project showcases their skills and roots in bluegrass traditions. With influences from iconic musicians, their collaborative sound is both innovative and accessible.
Rory Block, a prominent Delta Blues interpreter, began her musical journey at fourteen in Greenwich Village. Influenced by Delta legends, she has recorded 38 albums and received numerous accolades, including her sixth Blues Music Award in 2019. Her latest album celebrates women in blues, featuring well-known guitarists and a mix of covers and original songs.
Alan Arena, a seasoned musician, captures the essence of rock and blues in his long-awaited album, Fortune Wheel. After decades of songwriting rooted in genuine experiences, Arena’s 12 tracks blend grit and authenticity. His music resonates with a timeless quality, showcasing a deep commitment to storytelling without conforming to industry trends.
John Christopher Morgan, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, showcases his musical journey in his debut album “Right On Time.” With influences from R&B and collaborations with notable artists, the album features nine original songs and four covers, highlighting Morgan’s songwriting and drumming. He currently resides in Ventura, California, with his family.
WANTED, formed in 2021 in Leonard, Michigan, aims to revive 1980s heavy metal with their energetic sound. Their debut album, “Chain Reaction,” and sophomore release, “Late Attraction,” both received 9/10 ratings from Metal Forces Magazine and have gained significant streaming success. The band embodies the spirit of traditional metal, ready to make a global impact.
Neil Barnes, influenced by blues legends, has released “The Ponderosa Sessions,” an EP featuring talented musicians like Mighty Mike Schermer. The project includes engaging tracks such as the Bonanza Theme, “Blues Like A Spider,” “Tin Foil Hat,” and “Coffee And A Kiss,” showcasing Barnes’ creativity and collaborative spirit in music.
“Many Rivers” features Lauren Scales, Mike Flanagan, and Chris Grasso, showcasing a blend of jazz interpretations of R&B and pop classics. Scales’ angelic vocals shine alongside skilled musicianship, with memorable renditions of songs by D’Angelo, Neil Diamond, Thelonious Monk, and others. Their eclectic style touches hearts across genres.
Kim Field is a renowned harmonica player, singer, and songwriter known for his performances with The Perfect Gentlemen and at major music festivals. He has shared stages with blues legends and authored notable works on music history, reflecting his expertise in American roots music through various publications.
Wayne Alpern’s album “Modern Music” features solo piano compositions by Steven Beck, blending classical and contemporary styles. The twenty pieces exhibit an aesthetic synthesis of tradition and innovation. While influenced by Bach, the music prioritizes composition over improvisation. It appeals to adult-contemporary and Easy Listening audiences, highlighting Alpern’s creativity.
Buddy Guy, the “King of The Blues,” has released his twentieth studio album, “Ain’t Done With The Blues.” At 89, he reflects on his journey in the genre while collaborating with notable musicians. The album showcases eighteen new tracks that celebrate his legacy and dedication to keep the blues alive despite aging.