Eddie “Blues Man” Kirkland – It’s The Blues Man Born in Kingston, Jamaica & raised in Alabama, Eddie “Blues Man” Kirkland (1923-2011) has a nice, raw vocal & a remarkably good melodic blues feel, evident on the opener—“Down On My Knees.” Kirkland was an electric blues guitarist & harmonica player. He fashioned his own style […]
Matt Pless – Water Sign Language Some albums take time to get started, but Baltimore’s Matt Pless must be a happy guy because his opening tune is folky, upbeat, & delightful. That’s different. It hovers close to being silly, but it isn’t. The guitar work is picked clean; the harmonica is bright & Matt’s voice […]
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Jesper Lindell – Royal & 3614 Jackson Highway (2 Separate Albums) This is Swedish artist Jesper Lindell’s latest 9-track album Royal (Yep Roc/Brunnsvik Sounds AB/Gamlestans Gramophone Company/29:34), released stateside June 26th & for the benefit of our European promoters, I’m including Jesper’s previous release, also with 9 tracks, 3614 Jackson Highway – which dropped earlier […]
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Customers – Living Like Gods – EP You could say this is punk, maybe grunge, or just a back-to-basics garage rock. It does have substantial production sizzle, but what’s peculiar is that the band has good sound, vocal clarity, & some vibrant melodies…more vinegar than apple juice. So, I can’t dismiss this as noise or […]
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Kim McClay – Worth It – EP This 5-song EP isn’t going to display instrumental skill as much as alt-pop aggressive playing. It has the essence of prior female rock outfits like The Go-Go’s, Wilson-Phillips, Heart & let me take a chance & dig up the late ‘60s all-female rock band called Fanny. It’s that […]
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Kaatwalk – “A Week In June” – EP This short, delightful extended play showcase of 4 songs by Twin Cities singer-songwriter Kaat (vocals/acoustic guitar/synth/piano) may be inspired by Brandi Carlile & Joni Mitchell, but her sound & voice go further back to female folk artists like Sandy Denny, Maddy Prior, yes, Eva Cassidy, & The […]
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Jenny Reynolds – Willow & Stone On first listen, I found this work mature & interesting with a vocalist who has a fanciful signature sound that’s engaging. Ms. Reynolds has her influences, but on the opening number “Listening To the Rain,” she’s sanded into a smooth-toned solo artist with good tone, intonation & phrasing. A […]
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Sad Daddy – Ozark Shine Some city folk might find this corny, campy & too rural, but hey, listen to the words, listen to the picking, & the sincerity in their voices. This doesn’t need a tuxedo, this is the real thing, boots with no laces & tongues sticking out. It’s clever, humorous, & quite […]
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Paul Kahn – Willingness With a slight reggae touch, this middle-of-the-road vocalist may not be Frank Sinatra, but he has a cool, laid-back approach, warm backing vocals, & a creamy arrangement that makes him stand out. “Stain On My Sleeve” is a bit retro in tradition but sung with expressive confidence. The tune segues into […]
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George Thorogood & the Destroyers – Baddest Show On Earth – Greatest Hits Live This is an American band generating rock n’ roll power for 50-years. What? You thought only Bruce Springsteen could do this? You’d be wrong. This is a series of enthusiastic live shows that begin in February 2025. George Thorogood & the […]
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