CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Mama Spanx State of Groove Ideal Scene Music Mama Spanx is a seven piece soul, rock and funk band. They derive their inspiration from the old school soul and funk of Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, James Brown and Tower of Power. The band is led by New York Blues Hall of Fame vocalist and songwriter […]

Bobby Kyle It’s My Life Juicy Baby Records Bobby Kyle has been serving the blues for some forty years. He mentored with Lonnie Mack in the seventies; and played in Bill Dicey’s band from 1979 – 1981. Between 1983 and 1989 he toured with Eddie Kirkland. Kyle joined Blues Hall of Famer Johnny “Clyde” Copeland’s band […]

Here is the Top 15 “Indie Blues Bands” that are pushing the envelope and breaking new ground in the genre. Each of these artists have embraced the true tradition of the blues by creating new music and sounds with creativity, innovation and integrity.  In No Particular Order Reverend Freakchild – ‘Preachin’ Blues’ Eliza Neals – […]

Corey Dennison Band Night After Night Delmark This band screams SOUL.  Delmark is perhaps the most authentic Chicago blues label and has been for fifty years now but this band could just as easily be from Memphis as Chicago.  From the opening notes and Dennison’s vocal, you get a huge does of soul. My words […]

Likho Duo Blues and the World Beyond Likho Before we tell you a little about these two guys, we need to provide some explanation about the name, which is a story unto itself. Noé Socha, (guitar and harmonica) is legally blind but has limited vision in one eye.  Cliff Schmitt (bassist) has a vision issue in […]

Peter Ward Blues On My Shoulders Gandy Dancer Records Peter and Michael Ward grew up in Lewiston, Maine where they listened to blues records and went to see artists as frequently as possible. Peter was trying to figure out how guitarists such as Jimmy Rogers played. He and his brother were influenced by the music […]

The Love Light Orchestra featuring John Nemeth Live from Bar DKDC in Memphis, TN! Blue Barrel Records John Nemeth now lives in Memphis, Tn. In the days following the 2017 Blues Music Awards Nemeth performed with this ensemble. Those fortunate enough to have seen them live have since been waiting for this new release. The […]

Jimmie Vaughan Trio featuring Mike Flanigin Live At C-Boy’s Proper Records Jimmie Vaughan makes his home in Austin, Tx. When he is not on the road with his “Tilt A Whirl” band he likes nothing more than to moonlight at C-Boy’s Heart and Soul club. On Wednesday nights Vaughan teams up with B-3 player Mike […]

Shaun Murphy Mighty Gates Vision Wall Records Shaun Murphy was initially inspired by the Blues but found work in the theater. That led to a Motown recording contract as the duo known as Stoney and Meatloaf; Stoney being Murphy. She later became a backing singer touring with Bob Seger and Eric Clapton. Murphy met Bill […]

James Armstrong Blues Been Good To Me Catfood Records James Armstrong was born in Los Angeles, California in 1957. His mother was a blues singer and his dad a jazz guitarist. Armstrong was inspired by Albert King and Robert Cray and early in his career played guitar and backed up Albert Collins, Big Joe Turner […]

Downchild Something I’ve Done Linus Entertainment Downchild was originally formed in 1969 by brothers Donnie and Hock Walsh. The band name comes from a song by Sonny Boy Williamson II. Known also as The Downchild Blues Band they are currently celebrating their 48th anniversary. The band was also the prototype used by Dan Aykroyd and […]

Erin Harpe and The Delta Swingers Big Road Vizztone Label Group/Juicy Juju Records Erin Harpe hails from Boston. Her first band “Lovewhip” released five electro-pop albums. Harpe began her transition to the Blues and released “Blues Roots” in 2002. “Delta Blues Duets”, recorded with her father Neil Harpe, followed in 2008. Erin Harpe and The […]

Casey Hensley Live Featuring Laura Chavez VizzTone Hensley’s name is the prominent one on the jacket but also note “Featuring Laura Chavez.”  Chavez is a world- renowned guitarist who played with the late Candye Kane and has been hailed by folks like Ronnie Earl as one our best.  This is a showcase for her dazzling, […]

Indie Blues CD Review Al Corte Mojo Independent Al Corte is originally from Buffalo, New York. He began singing acapella with his high school buddies in a Doo-Wop group. Corte’s first professional gig was with a local band called “The Cavemen”. They recorded a song Corte wrote and wound up opening for the Young Rascals, […]

Indie Blues CD Review Dave Keyes The Healing Keyesland Music Dave Keyes won the band competition at the 2000 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis. Keyes has established himself as a first call session musician on both piano and accordion. He performs regularly with Popa Chubby, Ronnie Spector, Slam Allen and Alexis P. Suter. He […]

Indie Blues CD Review Joel DaSilva Everywhere From Here Trunoyz Records Joel DaSilva was born in Chicago to Brazilian parents. His mother was a singer and his father a guitarist. His father died when DaSilva was still a child but he must have inherited his musical gene. As soon as he was able to work […]

Indie Blues CD Review Chris Daniels and The Kings with Freddi Gowdy Blues With Horns Vol 1 Moon Voyage Records Chris Daniels formed the Chicago styled horn band Chris Daniels and The Kings in 1984. The Kings have backed many artists including Bo Diddley, Percy Sledge, Al Kooper, and Francine Reed. Daniels and Freddi Gowdy […]