Recommended New Releases

B.B. King On Kind Favor (Geffen)
On "One Kind Favor" you'll hear a sound not heard on a BB King release in quite a few years - the soulful blues many of Kings graying fans fell in love with in the 60's and early 70's.  The title comes from a line in the opening track of the Blind Lemon Jefferson song "See That My Grave is Kept Clean", and the rest of the CD is dotted with songs from legends he reveres, including Lonnie Johnson and the Mississippi Sheiks. - Jon Norton

The R&B Bombers (independent)
It was another SoCal band that wrote "Fun Fun Fun" and that perfectly describes this joyful romp through uptemo R&B and Jump Blues.  Recently re-issued to CD, "R&B Bombers" was recorded and originally released on LP in 1982.  Though fairly unknown outside their native Southern California, all members of this 9 piece band play or have played with some of the heavy hitters in the music biz.  My pick for best reissue of 2008. - Jon Norton

Julian Fauth Ramblin' Son (Electro-Fi)

Toronto native Julian Fauth is turning heads north of the border with his haunting barrelhouse piano and colorful, often dark storytelling.  From the opening track, his piano blues will sound familiar, yet different.  And once you dig into his characters and stories, you'll know that Fauth isn't rehashing the sound of the legends he reveres.  Truly an original. - Jon Norton

Magic Slim & the Teardrops Midnight Blues (Blind Pig)  When Morris Holt moved from Mississippi to Chicago at age 18, he wasn't good enough to crack the elite Chicago blues scene.  Retreating back south to hone his chops, he returned to the Windy City a decade later with a vengence, and a new moniker: Magic Slim.  Now 71, Holt is one of the elder statemen of the Chicago blues sound.  On Midnight Blues, Slim tears into a number of covers, including songs by Little Milton and Muddy Waters.  He also wrote 5 new songs in his familiar uncompromising style.  Another solid release from the man who epitomizes the classic Chicago blues sound. - Jon Norton

Guy King Livin' It (IBF Records)

Jazzy blues, Soulful blues.  You get both on Guy Kings debut.  A longtime member of the late Willie Kents band "The Gents", King played lead guitar and co-produced Kent's classic 2001 CD "Comin Alive".  You'll hear covers of songs by Kent and Percy Mayfield as well as a handful of originals.  - Jon Norton  

Buddy Guy Skin Deep (Silvertone/Zomba)

The story goes that just after Buddy Guy moved to Chicago from Louisiana, Muddy Waters told a very skinny and scared Guy to eat the sandwich he had just made for him or he wouldn’t have the energy to cut it up with Otis Rush and Magic Sam. Apparently he ate the sandwich and proceeded to cut up both Magic Sam and Rush.

Now that he is the dean of Chicago blues, it’s nice to hear Guy writing new songs and attacking his guitar as if were still playing for his dinner.  On Skin Deep, Eric Clapton, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Robert Randolph join the fun, but it’s Guy who shines on uptempo numbers like "Show Me The Money", and especially ballads like "Out in the Woods" and "I Found Happiness". Not his best, but still damn good. - Jon Norton

Gaye Adegbalola Gaye Without Shame (Vizztone)
The sassy and funny frontwoman for Saffire unapologetically announces her orientation to the world. "Gaye Without Shame" is a declaration AND a fantastic blues release. Adegbalola will make you think, chuckle and hum along as she bares her soul over 18 tracks that range from acoustic to full band blowups and a few surprise covers. - Jon Norton

Matthew Stubbs Soul Bender (VizzTone)
An all instrumental album. Of originals.  Without all the pyrotechnics. How refreshing !  Equal parts blues, R&B, Memphis Soul, rock and surf, Soul Bender is a showcase for 25 year old Matthew Stubbs' fantastic songwriting and guitar playing.  But when you listen to Soul Bender, it's what's not there that gets your attention.  In a blues world full of Stevie Ray Vaughan wannabe's, Stubbs has written and recorded 11 songs that are allowed to breath. - Jon Norton

E.G. Kight It's Hot in Here (M.C. Records) 
 E G Kight was born in Dublin, Georgia to a musically engaging family. She was encompassed by music from the day she entered this world. Her mother was a gospel singer and her grandmother a guitar player. By four, E.G. was singing solo in the church.  At 15 she was performing country music at civic events and festivals. E.G. considers herself a singer first, but her writing abilities are a vital component of her artistry - sharing her words gathered from inspirations of everyday life with the ears of the listener. “Its Hot In Here” is her 5th CD…and undoubtedly her best. “House Of the Rising Sun” brings tears to my eyes…A definite plus for your collection. - Frank Black

Current GLT Blues Releases