Dynamic Duos

Hotter than hot: new duo albums teaming MIKE ZITO with ALBERT CASTIGLIA, and ARLEN ROTH with JERRY JEMMOTT, Rock 'n' roll, classic soul and blues to burn.
by David McGee
 

 
 

In Heavy Rotation: A Bucketful of Blues

A bucketful of new blues rounded up here: reviews of fine new CDs, from THE NIGHTHAWKS, JAY WILLIE &: JAMES MONTGOMERY, ANTHONY GERACI, SWINGADELIC and DAVE STRYKER & BOB MINTZER & THE WDR BIG BAND
by David McGee
 

 

 

Uncaged

Veteran soul/blues/R&B singer-songwriter-guitarist JOHNNY RAWLS offers interesting perspectives on love, happiness and commitment on TIGER IN A CAGE. Soul lives.
by David McGee
 

 
 

No, No Mortal Man This

Finally, a solo album from the legendary lead singer of the Persuasions, JERRY LAWSON. Expertly produced by ERIC BRACE, JUST A MORTAL MAN is a powerful showcase moment for one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Sam Cooke, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles–and Allen Klein

MICHAEL SIGMAN reflects on ALLEN KLEIN, in light of FRED GOODMAN's acclaimed new biography of the man who 'bailed out the Beatles, made the Rolling Stones and transformed rock and roll.'
by David McGee
 

 
 

Soul Stirring Joy

Gospel editor BOB MAROVICH weighs in on a new Soul Stirrers retrospective from the group's SAR Records years. Recommending this double-CD set: four previously unreleased Stirrers sides.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Ain’t That Good News? Man, Ain’t That News!?

Fresh off being named Best Guitarist at the 35th annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis in early May, Ronnie Earl delivers a most personal and moving album in Good News,
by David McGee
 

 
 

Turning 65 with ‘Crazy’

As his 65th birthday looms, contributing editor MICHAEL SIGMAN reflects on a classic song his father, CARL SIGMAN, wrote in 1949, 'Crazy He Calls Me.' It, like Michael, has led a charmed life.
by David McGee