Do You Believe in Magic?

A recently unveiled 45-year-old tape recorded in a tiny Milwaukee club in 1968 gives us a powerhouse live performance by MAGIC SAM in prime-time mode, both in voice and with his guitar, on LIVE AT THE AVANT GARDE.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Finding the Fountain of Youth

Chicago blues veteran BILLY BOY ARNOLD teams up with producer DUKE ROBILLARD and band for a powerhouse set on THE BLUES SOUL OF BILLY BOY ARNOLD, one of 2014's finest blues releases.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Anchor Weighs In

In That's Where it's At, MICHAEL JEROME BROWNE celebrates his long love of pre-war blues and country and blends it with his take on modern pop and soul music, connecting our past with our present in telling a very human story.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Thinkin’ About LIvin’, Thinkin’ About Life

EG KIGHT returns from a serious illness with the triumphant A NEW DAY and co-produces (and writes some of) LISA BIALES's BELLE OF THE BLUES. Let's think about liven', let's think about life.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Truth of the Blues, Simple and Direct

Two veterans aging gracefully in the blues field get together with their voices, their instruments and a general aim to honor the late, great piano master Pinetop Perkins, and proceed to make a thoroughly delightful album of ea...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Bluegrass Speaks to The Moment

A bluegrass trifecta: three new albums, by DALE ANN BRADLEY, THE DILLARDS and PHIL LEADBETTER AND THE ALL STARS OF BLUEGRASS (featuring Steve Gulley) all speak to the moment, addressing a variety of current hot-button issues in...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Voices From Beyond the Glow in the Sunset Skies

An all-star cast of roots songwriters, musicians and vocalists join forces on GOD DIDN'T CHOOSE SIDES: Civil War True Stories about Real People, Volume 1. Ye shall be moved.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Family Ties

Bluegrass newcomers FLATT LONESOME are capturing the traditional world's attention with their debut album. A flawless start it's not, but the band is positioning itself for a long, fruitful run.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Right Now, Right Here, Indispensable

At a time when his eloquence and his conscience are most needed, ERIC BIBB deliver on RIDIN'.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Whole Thing Was Such Fun

Perhaps when you hear Jesse croon the poignant plea, “Bring my baby, oh, my baby back to me…,” you think, Yes, please do bring him back. Please. Do.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Like the Music, He Lives On

JEFF HEALEY, a remarkable artist by any measure, exercised his passion for vintage jazz and swing in his latter years and made memorable music. A new retrospective offers a stirring overview of some peak moments.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Country Girl, City Rocker

ANN KLEIN has made a name for herself as a fiery guitarist, but on her new solo album, TUMBLEWEED SYMPHONY, she reveals a tender side plus an affinity for country music.
by David McGee