Blues with a Feeling - The Official Podcast: Recent Episodes
Shaun Bindley's Blues With A Feeling
Shaun Bindley’s Blues with a Feeling has been playing the latest and greatest blues releases, album features and interviews from Australia and across the world for almost 30 years.
With a dedicated following both locally and internationally as a radio show of 27 years, Shaun is now working on producing Blues with a Feeling as a Podcast.
This week on Blues With a Feeling, we continue a very special journey through the music of one of the most influential bands in the history of this program: The Paladins. Their sound, their energy, and their uncompromising commitment to American roots music played a huge role in shaping the identity of this show from its earliest days. And today, we revisit the band’s third release, Let’s Buzz — a record that captured The Paladins at full strength, firing on all cylinders, and stepping boldly into their prime.
Joining me once again is bassist, singer‑songwriter, founding member, and long‑time friend of the show, Thomas Yearsley. This marks Thomas’s third visit to Blues With a Feeling, following our deep dives into the band’s second album Years Since Yesterday and their fourth release Ticket Home. Across those conversations, Thomas has shared stories, insights, and reflections that only someone who lived the journey can offer. His presence has become part of the ongoing story of this program, and his music continues to inspire the way we celebrate roots and blues every week.
Released in 1990 and produced by Stever Berlin of Los lobos, Let’s Buzz is a record that still crackles with life. It’s the sound of a trio completely locked in — Dave Gonzalez’s fiery guitar work, Scott Campbell and Brian Fahey’s precision drumming, and Thomas’s unmistakable upright bass driving the whole engine. The album blends blues, rockabilly, R&B, and West Coast swing into a seamless, high‑energy statement that helped define the band’s legacy.
For me personally, Let’s Buzz was one of the albums that shaped the direction of Blues With a Feeling. It showed me that roots music could be modern, raw, joyful, and deeply authentic all at once. Revisiting it with Thomas feels like reconnecting with one of the foundations of the show.
Join us as we explore the stories behind the songs, the sessions, the tours, and the spirit of a band whose influence continues to ripple through the blues community — and through this program.
Plus new releases from Janiva Magness, Bywater Call, Jon Cleary, Ray Beadle, Ruthie Foster, Jason Ricci & Bad Kind and GA20 with Charlie Mussselwhite.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on BWAF, we celebrate the 90th birthday of one of the true giants of modern blues — Buddy Guy — with a deep dive into one of the most daring and electrifying albums of his career: Sweet Tea (2001).
Recorded in Oxford, Mississippi, Sweet Tea captures Buddy plugging straight into the Hill Country sound: raw, hypnotic, swamp‑thick grooves inspired by Junior Kimbrough, CeDell Davis, and the juke‑joint traditions that shaped the region. It’s Buddy stripped back, turned up, and letting the history do the talking.
Across the show we’ll explore the full album — from the haunting “Done Got Old” to the explosive “Look What All You Got”, the feral “She Got the Devil in Her”, and the 12‑minute trance epic “I Gotta Try You Girl.” It’s a record that reminds us why Buddy Guy remains one of the most fearless musicians alive.
We’ll also spotlight new releases from Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, John Primer, Ray Beadle, Aaron West, Keb’ Mo’, Bywater Call, Jovin Webb, and Jason Ricci & Bad Kind.
And with Buddy Guy on the road for his 2026 ‘Buddy Guy 90’ Tour, there’s never been a better time to revisit this landmark album.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on BWAF, I'm bringing you a blues feast built around one of the great modern collaborations — B.B. King and Eric Clapton’s Grammy‑winning album Riding With the King. Across 12 tracks and 61 glorious minutes, two masters trade warmth, wisdom, and guitar lines that feel like conversations between old friends.
I’ll take you through the album across four feature segments, from the jubilant opener “Riding With the King” to the deep blues of “Three O’Clock Blues”, right through to the soul‑stirring closer “Come Rain or Come Shine”. It’s a celebration of legacy, friendship, and the timeless power of the blues.
Alongside the feature album, I've lined up a killer selection of new releases — Keb’ Mo’, Aaron Webb, Billy Price, GA‑20 with Charlie Musselwhite, Bywater Call, Chris O’Leary, Jason Ricci, Jovin Webb, Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, John Primer, Ray Beadle, and Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band.
Settle in for two hours of blues storytelling, new discoveries, and one of the most joyful albums ever recorded.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on BWAF I’m shining a light on one of the most electrifying live blues recordings ever made — Otis Rush’s So Many Roads: Live in Japan. Recorded across two unforgettable Tokyo concerts in July 1975, this album captures Otis in full flight: inspired, fearless, and feeding off a crowd that welcomed him like a returning hero.
With Jimmy Johnson’s guitar lines weaving around him and a rhythm section locked tight beneath him, Otis delivers some of the most emotionally charged performances of his career. From the fire of “All Your Love (I Miss Loving)” to the aching beauty of the title track, So Many Roads shows exactly what happens when the blues travels halfway around the world and finds an audience ready to embrace it.
I’ll be diving into the story behind these concerts, the musicians who shaped the sound, and the magic Otis brought to those hot Tokyo nights. It’s a classic album that still hits with full force nearly fifty years later.
Blues With A Feeling — real people, real blues, real stories, real soul.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, we shine a warm and grateful spotlight on one of the great architects of modern guitar playing: Hubert Sumlin. His 1998 album Wake Up Call sits at a remarkable point in his life — late in his career, seasoned by decades of triumph and heartbreak, yet still playing with that unmistakable spark that shaped generations.
Sumlin spent his life as the heartbeat behind Howlin’ Wolf, creating guitar lines that became part of the DNA of blues and rock. Clapton, Richards, Page, Beck, Santana — they all heard something in Hubert that changed the way they played. But Wake Up Call is different. It’s not a sideman record. It’s Hubert stepping forward with clarity, confidence, and a band who lift him beautifully.
Across three sets, we explore the emotional depth of this album: the warmth, the spontaneity, the late‑life fire, and the way the band create a perfect vehicle for Hubert to sing and play with more ease and presence than he’d shown in years. Tracks like I’m Coming Home, Wake Up Call, Hubert Runs the Hoodoo Down, and Get This Love Straight reveal a musician reconnecting with himself — relaxed, expressive, and still capable of surprising you.
Surrounding the feature, we’ve got a full spread of new releases and contemporary blues from Sean McDonald, Taj Mahal, Ruthie Foster, Harrell Davenport, Kyle Rowland, Aaron West, Jason Ricci, John Primer & Friends, Keb’ Mo’, and Hussy Hicks.
It’s a rich, generous two hours — a celebration of the past, the present, and the artists who keep the blues alive. Join us for a heartfelt journey into the life and legacy of Hubert Sumlin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, we open the door to a room most people never got to enter — a small studio in Paris, May 15, 1981, where Buddy Guy and Junior Wells sat down with nothing but a couple of Guild acoustics, some harps and fifty years of shared history between them. No band, no amps, no armour. Just two giants of the Chicago blues, alone and acoustic, telling the truth.
Our feature album is the extraordinary Alone & Acoustic, recorded in a single day and released a decade later. It’s a time capsule of two men who helped electrify the blues returning to its earliest form: wood, wire, breath, and memory. Across fifteen songs — from “Give Me My Coat and Shoes” and “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” to “I’m In the Mood,” “Catfish Blues,” and “Boogie Chillen” — Buddy and Junior revisit the Delta, the migration, the clubs, the lineage, and the friendship that shaped their lives.
We also bring you nine brand‑new releases, opening the show with a powerful set from Jason Ricci, Chris O’Leary, Jovin Webb, and Aaron West. In set 2, Billy Price, John Primer & Friends, Keb’ Mo’, and the late Mike Finnigan deliver soul, grit, and deep blues storytelling.
Then we settle into three acoustic sets from Buddy and Junior — five songs each — letting the Paris session unfold in real time. It’s intimate, warm, spontaneous, and deeply human.
We close the night with Ruthie Foster’s beautiful “Thank You,” a perfect final word.
Join us for two hours of new blues, deep tradition, and one of the most revealing acoustic albums ever recorded.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s a special kind of joy in saying this: welcome back to Blues With A Feeling. After a big few weeks of new music, travel, and life rolling on as it does, I’m settling in behind the mic tonight with something a little different — a blend of the brand‑new and the deeply familiar.
We’ll open the show with two sets of fresh releases from across the blues world — John Primer & Friends lighting up the room with a tribute to Theresa’s Lounge, Chris O’Leary digging deep on his new Blue Collar record, Taj mahal & the Phantom Blues Band, and Aaron West flying the Koori Jack flag with all the swagger you’d expect. And that’s just the first set.
But then… we’re going back.
This week, I’m revisiting one of the most meaningful episodes I’ve ever made: my tribute to the great Paul Oscher. When Paul passed, the blues world lost a storyteller, a tone‑master, a man who carried Muddy’s bandstand spirit into the modern age. That original show was built with a full heart, and tonight I’m bringing it back — reshaped, remixed, and threaded with the wisdom of a few more years.
You’ll hear the songs from the albums that defined Paul’s last decades — Alone With The Blues, Cool Cat, Bet On The Blues, Knockin’ on the Devil’s Door — along with the interview grabs that gave us Paul in his own words. The stories still hit. The tone still stuns. The man still matters.
Thanks for listening, sharing, and keeping BWAF alive in its 33rd year.
Settle in. This one’s special.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some artists don’t just play the blues — they expand its emotional vocabulary. This week on Blues With A Feeling, we welcome one of the most distinctive guitar voices of her generation: Laura Chavez, joining Shaun in conversation to celebrate the release of her long‑awaited debut solo album My Voice.
For years, Laura has been the guitarist whose tone, fire, and emotional depth have shaped the sound of contemporary blues. Her résumé reads like a map of modern roots music: Deborah Coleman, Nikki Hill, Dani Wilde, The Mannish Boys, Mike Ledbetter, Vanessa Collier, Casey Hensley, Whitney Shay — and of course the late Candye Kane, whose band became both Laura’s musical home and her artistic crucible.
Now, after decades of elevating the voices of others, Laura steps forward with a voice entirely her own — expressed not through lyrics, but through the instrument that has always spoken for her. As the press notes say, “the album is fully instrumental — because for Laura Chavez, the guitar is her voice.”
Across ten tracks, Laura tells stories rooted in heritage, memory, and the places that shaped her. There’s the driving, uptempo reimagining of “Born On The Bayou,” recorded as a tribute to her father — “He is a huge CCR fan and would play the tape all the time in the car.” There’s “El Cascabel,” honouring her Mexican heritage and life near the border. And there’s the haunting emotional peak “La Llorona,” arranged as a slow blues at the insistence of Thomas Ruf — “The story of La Llorona is dark and so is the music, but also beautiful and haunting.”
In the interview, Laura opens up about the making of My Voice, the challenge of telling stories without lyrics, the emotional weight behind these songs, and the journey from sideman to solo artist.
To deepen the arc, we’ll also revisit her powerful years with Candye Kane, drawing from Comin’ Out Swingin’ — a period where Laura’s tone sharpened, her confidence grew, and her musical identity crystallised. Those tracks don’t just provide context; they reveal the roots of the artist we hear today.
A rare conversation with a modern master — and a chance to hear the stories behind the sound.
Laura Chavez. My Voice. In her own words.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, we’re celebrating one of the great modern bluesmen by going back to the album that set his long road in motion. Before the national tours, before the magazine features, before the decades of relentless gigging, there was Cool On It — the mid‑80s record where a young Tinsley Ellis stepped up to the microphone for the first time and showed the world exactly who he was becoming.
Recorded in Atlanta with The Heartfixers, Cool On It captures Ellis in full early flight: raw, hungry, and already playing with the conviction that would define his career. It’s the album that caught the ear of Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer and opened the door to a partnership that continues today — fitting, as Alligator celebrates its 55th anniversary this year.
And with Tinsley currently touring the world behind his latest release, Labour Of Love, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit the spark that lit the fuse.
Alongside the feature, we’re also rolling out 14 brand‑new releases — over an hour of the fresh blues, roots, soul, and Americana tracks from across the scene. From Robert Finley and Keb’ Mo’ to Hussy Hicks, Gina Coleman, Billy Price, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Mike Finnigan, Laura Chavez, Ruthie Foster and more, it’s a set packed with depth, colour, and discovery.
Join me for a show that looks back, steps forward, and celebrates the blues in all its forms. Cool On It isn’t just a chapter in Tinsley Ellis’ story — it’s the ignition point.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
G’day there my friends, and welcome to another week of Blues With A Feeling This week, we’re tipping our hats to a man whose shadow stretches from Linden, Texas all the way to Paris, France — the great T‑Bone Walker — and his 1969 Grammy‑winning masterpiece Good Feelin’.
Recorded in Paris in ’68, it’s T‑Bone in full command — unhurried, unbothered, and playing like a man who’s lived enough life to know he doesn’t need to prove a thing. The horns shimmy and sway, and T‑Bone glides through it all with that sly, conversational tone that changed the course of the electric guitar forever.
Across the show, we’ll wander track by track through all twelve cuts — from the easy swagger of “Good Feelin’” to the deep‑down ache of “Reconsider,” the playful grin of “Poontang,” and the late‑night glow of “Sail On Little Girl.” It’s a portrait of a pioneer standing tall in the twilight, shining like a Parisian streetlight
And wrapped around that feature, I’ve stitched together three sets of brand‑new releases — Sean McDonald, Laura Chavez, Mike Finnigan, Harrell Davenport, Hussy Hicks, Selwyn Birchwood, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Gabe Stillman, Studebaker John, JT Lauritsen, Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling we’re taking a long, winding drive through the heart of the blues — from the red dirt roads of Texas to the electric back‑alleys of Chicago — and the whole night’s got that slow‑burning, wide‑sky feel about it.
We open with two sets of New Releases, eleven fresh cuts that prove the blues is still kicking dust and taking names in 2026. Chris O’Leary fires the starter’s pistol with Bad Decisions, all grit and groove. The Hussy Hicks slide in with a heart‑tugger, Gina Coleman tips her hat to Ida Cox with a deep, rolling Mail Man Blues, and Taj Mahal strolls through with the Phantom Blues Band like a man who’s seen a few jukeboxes in his time. The second set keeps the wheels turning — Mike Finnigan’s soulful Don’t Answer the Door, Selwyn Birchwood’s swamp‑funk sermon All Hail the Algorithm, Gabe Stillman’s Shame Shame, and Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials sliding in sideways on Cold Side of the Bed.
Then we settle in for the main event: Lightnin’ Hopkins, live in 1964, on Hootin’ the Blues. Eight tracks of pure Texas truth‑telling. Lightnin’ didn’t just play the blues — he talked it, lived it, breathed it. These recordings feel like you’ve pulled up a chair on his front porch in Centerville, the sun dropping low, Lightnin’ leaning back with that half‑smile, spinning stories only he could tell. Blues Is a Feeling, Me and Ray Charles, Ain’t It Crazy, Chain Gang — it’s all here, loose and alive.
From there we head north for a five‑song jolt from Junior Wells and the Chicago Blues Band, straight off Chicago/The Blues/Today! Vol. 1. Junior and Buddy Guy sound like they’re trying to set the walls on fire — Help Me, Messin’ with the Kid, Vietcong Blues, and more.
We close with Laura Chavez, Alvin Youngblood Hart rolling down Highway 61, and the Parlour Greens easing us home.
A big Texas‑hearted night of blues — warm, dusty, electric, and alive.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, we’re heading straight to Memphis for a full‑blown celebration of the 2026 Blues Music Awards — the biggest night in the blues world. The BMAs are where legends, lifers, innovators, and rising voices all gather under one roof, and this year’s ceremony delivered one of the strongest line‑ups in recent memory.
Across the show, we’ll walk through the artists who shaped the year: • Ronnie Baker Brooks, crowned B.B. King Entertainer of the Year • D.K. Harrell, whose album Talkin’ Heavy took home Album of the Year • Tedeschi Trucks Band, winners of Band of the Year • Tommy Castro, whose track “Can’t Catch a Break” claimed Song of the Year • And a powerful mix of emerging artists, acoustic storytellers, blues‑rock firebrands, and soul‑blues masters
But that’s only half the story.
The second half of the show is dedicated to a man whose journey feels carved from the heartwood of the American South — Robert Finley. Born a sharecropper’s son in Louisiana, Finley lived a full life before the world ever heard his voice: Army service, carpentry, raising a family, and then losing his sight. With the help of the Music Maker Foundation, he stepped into a second life as an artist, releasing some of the most soulful, lived‑in blues of the last decade.
We’ll explore his breakthrough album Sharecropper’s Son, dive into the emotional depth of his songwriting, and celebrate his current visit to Australia with two full sets of Finley’s finest work.
It’s a night of winners, storytellers, survivors, and soul. Join me for a special edition of Blues With A Feeling — where Memphis meets Louisiana, and the blues tells its truth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, we’re coming home.
Our classic album feature shines a warm spotlight on John Lee Hooker’s 1995 masterpiece Chill Out — a late‑career triumph from the patron saint of this program. For thirty years, BWAF opened with his incredible song The Healer, and Hooker’s voice, groove and spirit have been the heartbeat of Monday nights ever since. Chill Out captures him in full command: relaxed, unhurried, surrounded by friends, and still summoning that deep, hypnotic pulse that shaped generations.
We’ll explore the stories behind the album, the collaborations with Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, Charles Brown and Booker T. Jones, and the remarkable creative resurgence Hooker enjoyed in the final decade of his life — a run that earned him multiple Grammys and cemented his place as one of the most important musical figures of the 20th century.
Alongside the feature, we’ve got three sets of brand‑new releases from across the blues world, including fresh tracks from Eric Bibb, GA‑20 with Charlie Musselwhite, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Laura Chavez, Selwyn Birchwood, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Parlour Greens, Studebaker John & The Maxwell Street Kings, and a beautiful new one from Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band.
Settle in for two hours of deep grooves, new discoveries, and a heartfelt return to the well. This is Blues With A Feeling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, we open the doors wide with two sets of brand‑new blues — a snapshot of where the music is right now, and a reminder that the blues is still evolving, still restless, still capable of surprise. GA‑20 team up with Charlie Musselwhite for a gritty, old‑meets‑new opener; Alvin Youngblood Hart brings that unmistakable road‑worn fire; Mike Finnigan gives us soul and swing in equal measure; and Amani Burnham steps forward with the confidence of a player who knows exactly where he’s heading.
From there, we stay in the present for one more set — Selwyn Birchwood’s swamp‑funk swagger, Laura Chavez carving out her own space at centre stage, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials lighting the fuse with that unmistakable Alligator Records energy, and Eric Bibb reminding us that the blues can still carry grace, urgency and hope in the same breath.
All of that sets the stage for tonight’s feature: the 1971 debut album from Hound Dog Taylor & the Houserockers — the record that launched Alligator Records and changed the shape of modern blues. At the same time, we trace the story of a young Bruce Iglauer arriving in Chicago with nothing but passion, curiosity and a stubborn belief in the music. Bruce takes us inside his earliest days in the Windy City and Delmark Records, into the clubs of the South Side, and finally into the moment he decided to record Hound Dog Taylor himself — using his own inheritance to capture two wild nights that would become Alligator’s first release.
It’s a story of instinct, risk, joy, and the kind of musical chaos that only happens when the tape is rolling and the band is on fire.
And to bring the show home, we land with new music from Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band and finish with Greg Nagy’s Love Letter, written by and featuring the late Bobby Murray — the Detroit‑born guitarist who spent twenty‑three years on the road with Etta James, helping shape her unmistakable late‑career sound.
A big show, a big story, and a reminder of how the blues keeps moving forward while honouring the roots that made it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, we’re travelling right to the heart of the Delta — not in a nostalgic way, but in a living, breathing, spine‑tingling way. Two feature albums anchor the show, and together they tell one of the great stories in American music: the rediscovery of Son House and the return‑to‑roots of Muddy Waters, both unfolding in the same remarkable year.
We begin with Forever On My Mind, the newly released 1964 recording that captures Son House at the exact moment he stepped back into the world after more than two decades of silence. These tapes — rescued, restored, and finally released — show House before the folk‑festival patter, before the revival‑circuit polish. It’s just the man, the guitar, the open‑G tuning, and the raw emotional force that shaped the entire Delta tradition. You can hear him reaching back into memory, pulling old songs into the present, rediscovering his own voice in real time. It’s electrifying in the quietest possible way.
From there, we move to Muddy Waters’ Folk Singer, presented in its expanded 1999 reissue. Recorded only months before and after Son House’s rediscovery, it shows Muddy stepping away from the Chicago electricity he helped invent and returning to the acoustic vocabulary of his youth. The intimacy of these sessions — Muddy, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon — reveals just how deeply the Delta lived inside him. And as the bonus tracks roll in, you hear the Chicago band creeping back, the sound filling out, the future taking shape.
Together, these two albums form a perfect conversation: Son House, the rediscovered source. Muddy Waters, the modern inheritor returning to the well. Two men, one lineage, captured at the same moment in time.
We round out the show with new releases and modern voices carrying the tradition forward — from Mike Finnigan’s soulful fire to Laura Chavez’s razor‑sharp guitar work — and close with Eric Bibb’s “Muddy Waters,” a song that understands the river better than most.
It’s a night of roots, memory, rediscovery, and renewal. A night where the Delta isn’t history — it’s alive, present, and speaking.
Settle in. This one runs deep.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week’s show is a journey through the living, breathing continuum of the blues — from its earliest recorded ghosts to one of its most vital modern storytellers. We begin with a remarkable moment in music history: the sudden appearance online of what appears to be a previously unheard test pressing of Robert Johnson’s Cross Road Blues. This version, reportedly transferred from an original wax cutting, reveals a rawness and immediacy that feels almost impossible after nearly a century. It’s Johnson not as legend, but as a man singing and playing his guitar in a hotel room, in front of a microphone, long before the legend will become folklore. Discoveries like this remind us how fragile the lineage is — and how powerful it remains.
From there, we move into the heart of the program: a deep dive into One Mississippi, the brand‑new album from Eric Bibb. I’ve been interviewing Eric since the mid‑90s, and our latest conversation is one of the most insightful we’ve shared. This album marks a new era for him — creatively, personally, and professionally. Recorded with producer Glen Scott in Sweden, One Mississippi blends Bibb’s signature warmth with a renewed sense of freedom and purpose. It’s an album about history, humanity, and the stories that connect us, delivered with the clarity of an artist who knows exactly what he wants to say.
We’ll explore the making of the record, the musicians who shaped it, the themes that run through it, and the evolution of Bibb’s sound as he steps into full independence. Along the way, we’ll feature standout new releases from across the blues and roots landscape, showcasing artists who continue to push the tradition forward.
Like Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Mike Finnigan, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Laura Chavez, Kim Wilson, Selwyn Birchwood and Parlour Greens
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joy is the first thing that walks into the room this week — bright, unhurried, and absolutely contagious. It’s in the new music, it’s in the stories, and it’s especially in the voice of Ruthie Foster, whose insights peppered throughout the show feel like little bursts of sunlight. Fresh from her 2025 Grammy win, she speaks with that unmistakable mix of humility, humour, and hard‑earned wisdom, and every time she does, the whole show lifts a little higher.
That joy threads right through the opening run of new releases — Eric Bibb easing us in with One Mississippi, Mike Finnigan reminding us why his spirit still resonates, Studebaker John shaking the dust off the week, Billy Branch firing up the room. Then Selwyn Birchwood, Robert Randolph, Parlour Greens, and Lil’ Ed keep the energy rolling, each track adding its own colour to the palette.
But the heart of the show — the part that glows — is Mileage. Ten tracks, each one paired with a moment from Ruthie. She talks about that elusive Grammy, about what’s changed and what hasn’t, about heartbreak, healing, Tyler Bryant producing, stepping away from the biz, coming back inspired, and that final emotional release that left both of us sitting in the quiet for a moment. Even the tough stories feel lighter in her hands, because she carries them with gratitude, not weight.
By the time we hit the final stretch — Kingfish, Kim Wilson, Laura Chavez, and Eddie 9V closing us out — the whole show feels like a celebration of endurance, connection, and the simple joy of making it through another week with music as your companion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, we’re diving deep into the world of one of the great modern torchbearers of Texas blues guitar — Sue Foley. With Sue celebrating her birthday last week, and with her brand‑new book Guitar Woman: Conversations and Life Lessons with the Heroines of Guitar on the way in June, it felt like the perfect moment to revisit her remarkable story and her 2021 album Pinky’s Blues.
Sue’s been out on the road recently with her One Guitar Woman tour — intimate, powerful shows honouring the women who shaped the culture of the instrument. Now that she’s finally off the road after a huge couple of months, we’re revisiting my 2021 interview with her, recorded just after Pinky’s Blues was released. Across the show you’ll hear cuts from that conversation, tracks from Pinky’s Blues, and a bonus set from her acclaimed 2018 album The Ice Queen.
But that’s not all. The blues world is absolutely humming right now, and I’ve lined up a set of stunning new releases that have been bending my heartstrings all week. You’ll hear:
Mike Finnigan – from his newly released posthumous debut, Eric Bibb – with a powerful track from One Mississippi ahead of his 18‑date Australian tour, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials – tearing it up on their new Alligator Records release Slideways and Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues – delivering modern blues for modern times on Blues Is My Biography.
It’s a big, beautiful show this week — full of history, heart, and the very best of what the blues is doing right now.
Settle in and turn it up!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are albums that entertain, albums that impress, and then there are albums that feel like they open a door into a whole other world. Marcia Ball’s Let Me Play With Your Poodle is one of those rare records — a joyous, rolling, deeply human celebration of Gulf Coast blues delivered by an artist at the height of her powers. Released in 1997, at a time when the blues landscape was dominated by guitar‑slinging men, this album was a revelation. It reminded listeners everywhere that the piano has always been one of the genre’s beating hearts, and that Marcia Ball was one of its most electrifying storytellers.
From the moment her left hand starts that unmistakable rolling groove, you’re transported straight into the humid, neon‑lit world she grew up in — a place where Texas roadhouse grit meets Louisiana soul, where New Orleans R&B shakes hands with swamp pop, and where every song feels like it was born at 2am in a crowded bar with the windows open to the street.
The title track sets the tone: playful, confident, full of swagger. But the album’s magic lies in its range. Marcia moves effortlessly from strutting boogie‑woogie to tender balladry, from sly humour to emotional depth. Her band — a who’s‑who of Texas and Louisiana players — matches her stride for stride, creating a sound that’s rich, warm, and unmistakably alive.
And then there’s the closer, “Louisiana 1927,” a song that resonates deeply with anyone who’s lived through rising waters and the quiet heartbreak that follows. In Marcia’s hands, it becomes a hymn of resilience.
Let Me Play With Your Poodle isn’t just a great blues record — it’s a reminder of the joy, grit, and humanity that make this music timeless.
I’m so excited about bringing you this spectacular record this week. And for some extra special sauce, I’ve added new releases from Eric Bibb, Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Kim Wilson, Tinsley Ellis, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Laura Chavez, Studebaker John & The Maxwell Street Kings, Mike Finnigan, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Selwyn Birchwood and Bernard Allison.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Black Magic is a marvellously atmospheric and easy record to listen to - with Sam's resonant and flexible vocals a perfect match for his clean virtuoso guitar playing. Moving on from the scorching Chicago blues captured so unforgettably on West Side Soul - here the accent is on a smooth sound with a potential wider appeal. Hit songs like I Just Want a Little Bit, You Belong to Me and Easy Baby stand at the borderline between blues and soul.
Like legends ranging from Eric Dolphy and Booker Little to Otis Redding and Minnie Ripperton, Magic Sam died too young. The Chicago blues singer/guitarist's final studio recording, Black Magic was recorded only a year before he died at the age of 32. Sam had acquired a small but loyal following, and Black Magic's excellence indicates that had he lived, he'd have become as celebrated as Buddy Guy. The passionate testifyin' of What Have I Done Wrong, It's All Your Fault and Stop! You're Hurting Me demonstrates that Sam not only sang and felt blues; he lived them. --Alex Henderson, L.A. Jazz Scene
I’m thrilled to share this groundbreaking album for you this week.
Plus new releases from Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Christone Kingfish Ingram, Eric Bibb, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues, Selwyn Birchwood, Kim Wilson, Studebaker John & the Maxwell Street Kings, Tinsley Ellis, Mike Finnigan, Laura Chavez and Parlour Greens.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On his fourth album in four years, Earl proves that he's robust enough to muscle through a set of swinging jazz (Jimmy Smith's "Blues for J"), sizzling gospel ("Walking on the Sea" with the Silver Leaf Gospel Singers), and explosive blues (everything else) with strapping aplomb. As opposed to his previous almost entirely instrumental disc, vocals are featured on about half of these tracks. Kim Wilson sings and plays electrifying harp on four songs, of which a blistering 10-minute version of Otis Rush's "Double Trouble" is a career highlight for both musicians. Earl's burning leads show both an emotional drive and a restraint that make these live-in-the-studio tracks so riveting.
It was Ronnie Earls birthday recently and I’m thrilled to feature for you this week, his wonderful release with The Broadcasters “Now My Soul”.
Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Tinsley Ellis, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Laura Chavez, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Studebaker John And The Maxwell Street Kings and Selwyn Birchwood.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Blues With A Feeling, following the sad passing of John Hammond in February, I’m rolling the tape all the way back to 1962 — back to a moment when a young New Yorker with an old soul stepped into a studio and cut a debut album that felt less like a beginning and more like a declaration.
The record was simply called John Hammond, but don’t let the plain title fool you. This was a mission statement. A line in the sand. A 20‑year‑old kid saying, “I know exactly who I am, and I know exactly where I’m going.”
Plus new releases from Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Selwyn Birchwood, Laura Chavez, Eric Bibb, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Christone Kingfish Ingram, Kim Wilson, Sue Foley, Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues, Studebaker John & The Maxwell Street Kings and Bernard Allison.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not many living blues musicians can say they have performed with and recorded for legends like Big Mama Thornton, Sonny Rhodes, Luther Tucker, Jimmy McCracklin, Pee Wee Crayton, Carla Thomas, Booker T. Jones, Percy Mayfield, Etta James, B.B. King, and Jimmy Reed.
Ron Thompson can, and that's just the beginning!
Ron Thompson was a legendary rhythm and blues guitarist and master keyboardist whose career began in the rough and tumble world of East San Francisco Bay nightclubs and bars in the early '70s. During many years of touring coast to coast with John Lee Hooker, Hooker was quoted as saying, 'Ron Thompson, he's my main man!'
After serving as John Lee Hooker's bandleader for seven years, Thompson went on to form his own group, Ron Thompson and His Resisters, and toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Central America.
I’m super excited to feature for you Ron Thompsons classic 1998 release Magic Touch for you this week. And for extra context, I’ve added some excerpts from my 2020 interview with his long time bandmate and friend Jim Pugh.
Plus new releases from Christone Kingfish Ingram, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Laura Chavez, Eric Bibb, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Tinsley Ellis and Darren Watson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grammy Winners Showcase
For more than three decades, Blues With A Feeling has been your weekly home for stories, songs, and the artists who keep the blues alive. And this week, we’re taking a deep dive into the very best of the last six years — a special feature celebrating the winners of the Blues categories at the Grammy Awards from 2021 right through to 2026.
It’s a journey through a remarkable period in modern blues: the elders still swinging for the fences, the young guns stepping up with fire in their bellies, and a couple of live records that remind you why nothing beats the real thing. Across these six years, we’ve seen legends like Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal and Edgar Winter continue to redefine what longevity looks like, while artists like Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Cedric Burnside, Fantastic Negrito and Larkin Poe have pushed the music forward with fresh energy and fearless creativity.
You’ll hear the stories behind the albums, the moments that shaped them, and the artists who made them. You’ll hear how an 88‑year‑old Bobby Rush stripped it all back to guitar and harmonica and still took home the gold. How Cedric Burnside carried the Hill Country heartbeat into a new generation. How Buddy Guy, in his mid‑80s, delivered one of the fiercest records of his career. And how Robert Randolph & The Family Band finally claimed their long‑deserved first Grammy after years of nominations.
It’s a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the deep river of blues that keeps flowing through every decade. Join me for this special edition of Blues With A Feeling — and as always, hug ’em close and have a great week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Burke, who turns 65 this month, proves once again that his reengineered fusion of classic rock and soul is essential listening.
Produced by Don Was, and ably backed by such stalwart musicians as guitarist Ray Parker, Jr. (“Ghostbusters”), the ten songs on Make Do… draw once again from Burke’s deep list of admirers and famous friends. Van Morrison and Dr. John selected songs specifically for Burke, “At The Crossroads” and the title track “Make Do With What You Got” respectively.
Other standouts include Burke’s sublime rendition of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ “I Got The Blues,” and Bob Dylan’s “What Good Am I,” which Burke lends a much brighter countenance to than the original. On Coco Montoya’s “I Need Some Love In My Life” Burke evokes the blistering sound of the mid-1970s Rolling Stones. “Fading Footsteps,” penned by Lafayette’s David Egan, is propelled by a funky, sweeping organ riff by Rudy Copeland, Burke’s longtime church organist.
What you’ve got with Solomon Burke’s new record is much more than simply making do.” Offbeat
Four weeks into the new season of Blues With A Feeling and I’m thrilled to feature this sublime record for you this week.
Plus new releases from Robert Randolph, Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Studebaker John & the Maxwel Street Kings,
Billy Branch & the Sons Of Blues, Eric Bibb, Tinsley Ellis,
Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Christone Kingfish Ingram, Kim Wilson, Laura Chavez and Roomful Of Blues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Christone “Kingfish” Ingram stands at the crossroads of legacy and innovation. A native son of Clarksdale, Mississippi — a city steeped in blues history — he channels the spirit of the Delta while fearlessly reshaping its future. With Hard Road, his most introspective and ambitious project yet, Kingfish reflects on a journey that’s taken him from local prodigy to global torchbearer for a new era of blues.
Kingfish’s music has always honored the past. His mastery of the guitar, steeped in the tones of B.B. King, Albert King, and Buddy Guy, first turned heads when he was still a teenager. But what sets him apart is how he’s expanded the form — blending in funk, soul, hip-hop, pop, and jazz to create a modern blues fusion that resonates across generations and genres. His debut album Kingfish earned a Grammy nomination and topped the Billboard Blues Chart for 91 weeks. His follow-up, 662 (titled after his Mississippi area code) won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2022. Then came Live in London, a fiery, sold-out performance captured abroad, earning him yet another Grammy nomination and solidifying his reputation as one of the genre’s most dynamic live performers.
With Hard Road, Kingfish returns not just as a virtuoso, but as a storyteller. Via support from three producers – Tom Hambridge, Patrick “GuitarBoy” Hayes, and Nick Goldston – the album marks a shift lyrically, emotionally, sonically and thematically. The songs explore love, loss, identity, perseverance, and personal growth. There’s a harder edge to the sound, a fusion of rock and R&B sensibilities, but the heart of it is blues: vulnerable, honest, resilient.”
With Christone Ingram on his way to Australia for gigs in February and March, I was thrilled to sit down for a chat with the Blues worlds most exciting young star just last week. And of course, there’s plenty of his wonderful music to spice things up. With tracks from his three studio albums “662”, “Kingfish” and his latest “Hard Road.
Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Kim Wilson, Tinsley Ellis, Laura Chavez, Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues, Young Rell Davenport, Shane Pacey & Darren Watson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Five-time GRAMMY-nominated guitarist and songwriter Kenny Wayne Shepherd returns to Australia for the first time since 2018 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of his landmark debut Ledbetter Heights.
Shepherd’s fiery tone and emotive phrasing have cemented him as one of modern blues-rock’s leading voices. This anniversary tour showcases both the evolution and vitality of his craft, spanning hits like Blue on Black and new material from his acclaimed recent releases. Expect a high-octane masterclass in guitar-driven blues and rock.”
With news of Kenny Wayne Shepherds visit to Australia, as part of his Ledbetter Heights which begins in the US in just weeks, I was thrilled to welcome Kenny to the show this week, to talk about this remarkably successful album, about what to expect from the shows, and also about his Grammy nominated 2025 release Young Fashioned Ways with Bobby Rush
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Classic Album feature & Interview
After a much needed break over Christmas, I’m back for Blues With A Feelings 32nd year with an all time classic, Kim Wilsons first solo album and his debut for Antones Records Tigerman.
With a crack bunch of the hottest players on the scene, this record was a big part of my early Blues education and I’m thrilled to feature it this week.
And to add a little something for the pot, I’m joined for a chat by the man himself Kim Wilson. Plus tracks from Kims latest release Slow Burn.
#blueswithafeeling #blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #kimwilson #tigerman #antonesrecords #thefabulousthunderbirds
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“In the studio, Sam Cooke was a consummate pop crooner, whose delicate, caramelized voice charmed the reserved and mild. By the early sixties, his success and stature as a groundbreaking R&B crossover sensation loomed large in the music business.
But when Cooke stepped into Miami’s Harlem Square Club on the warm night of January 12, 1963, he let his hair down. He delivered a blistering 37-minute set that showcased his raw, gospel-rooted R&B spark before a predominantly African American audience.
Backed by late great saxophonist King Curtis and Cooke’s road band, which notably included guitarists Clifton White and Cornell Dupree, bassist Jimmy Lewis, drummer Albert “June” Gardner, pianist George Stubbs, and saxophonist Tate Houston, Cooke exudes a burst of hell-raising, down-home energy that feels neither measured nor rehearsed. The interaction between the performer and the enlivened Miami audience is natural and uninhibited all at once, as Cooke’s candor shines with each phrasing he sings and interjection he utters. If that quality isn’t enough to prove how dynamic his showmanship was, his distinctive voice and the peerless musicianship certainly is. Cooke attains a delectably gritty timbre that compellingly matches the fire and precision of his backing band, as they prowl through a reinvigorated run of his hit singles.
When this storied Miami show finally surfaced in 1985 as Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963, it garnered universal reverence not only as a watershed in soul music history, but in the realm of famed live recordings as well. It best represents Sam Cooke as one of soul music’s undisputed progenitors. One full listen to it and you’ll never want the feeling to end. You’ll most likely repeat it.” Brandon Ousley
With one show remaining for the year, I‘ve gone deep into the Blues With A Feeling record library to feature for you, possibly the greatest live recording of all time.
Plus songs from the very best of the years new releases, including Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Maria Muldaur, Janiva Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Mike Henderson, Southern Avenue Monster Mike Welch, Jo Harman, Tommy Castro, TajMo, The Alexis P Suter Band, Tad Robinson, Jon Cleary and Tad Robinson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“It's been over 30 years since world-class musicians guitarist Little Charlie Baty and harmonicist/vocalist/songwriter Rick Estrin first teamed up and took hard Chicago blues, jump, Texas swing and jazz and mixed it with rockabilly, proto-rock'n'roll, jumping jive, bebop and Estrin's sharply original lyrics, creating a sound one critic described as "Charlie Christian playing in Little Walter's band." Their utter mastery of American roots music is fueled by Baty's jaw-dropping guitar acrobatics and driven by Estrin's captivating original songs, cutting vocals and brilliant harmonica playing.
The story of Little Charlie & The Nightcats began back in the early 1970s when Baty--a harmonica-playing UC Berkeley student--first met Estrin. With Rick already an accomplished harp player, Baty decided to switch to guitar full-time and the two formed a blues band. After relocating to Sacramento, Baty quickly reinvented himself as a take-no-prisoners, one-of-a-kind guitarist. With the addition of a drummer and a bass player, Little Charlie & The Nightcats were born.
In 1986 the band sent an unsolicited tape to Alligator Records. Alligator president Bruce Iglauer was blown away. He flew to Sacramento to see the band perform and was sold. Their debut album, All The Way Crazy, was released in 1987 to overwhelming success. Almost immediately they went from playing small Sacramento blues clubs to performing concerts and festivals around the country and around the world.”
I’m beyond excited to feature for you this groundbreaking record this week. And to add context, my guest this week is the bands singer, songwriter and harp player Rick Estrin, who was kind enough to turn his memory back to 1987 and share all sorts of stories about the bands earliest years.
Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Roomful of Blues, Tinsley Ellis, The Alexis P Suter Band, Darren Watson and Sally King & the Repeat Offenders.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Billed as her most personal statement, this may well be Mavis Staples’ finest solo effort to date. In 2004, the powerhouse lead singer of the famed Staple Singers released the rootsy Have A Little Faith on Alligator. Here, producer/guitarist Ry Cooder places the reigning queen of gospel’s voice in an even more intimate setting, paring the instrumentation down to the bare essentials.
But it’s the repertoire that makes the album so personal, not to mention riveting. She goes not just back to the church but back to the type of “freedom songs” that made the Staple Singers an inextricable part of the Civil Rights Movement of the ’60s – as Rep. John Lewis writes in the liner notes, “the soul of that revolution.”
Just as her family band had something to say then – with songs like “Why Am I Treated So Bad,” “Long Walk To D.C.,” and the hit “Respect Yourself” – Ms. Staples mixes traditional gospel tunes and originals to comment on the state of things in 2007.
The program opens with the biting social commentary of unsung blues poet J.B. Lenoir’s “Down In Mississippi,” with Ladysmith Black Mambazo providing vocal backing to Cooder’s guitar and mandolin and the heavy backbeat of his constant collaborator, Jim Keltner. Mike Elizondo, who played on Cooder’s Chavez Ravine, is back on bass and keyboards, with Ry’s son, Joachim, who provided percussion on the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club.
Cooder’s big-toned slide leads off a version of “Eyes On The Prize” that will make the hair stand up on the back your neck. But the autobiographical “My Own Eyes” – recalling her father, Roebuck, and Martin Luther King (singing, “If he can preach it, we can sing it”) is perhaps Mavis’s finest hour.
Sure to be on numerous Top 10 lists for 2007." Vintage Guitar
A particular favourite of mine, it’s a thrill to feature for you this week, this sublime record.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Eric Bibb, Roomful Of Blues, Kim Wilson, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, Tinsley Ellis, Eddie 9VT, Sally King & The Repeat Offenders, Darren Watson, The Alexis P Suter Band and John Primer &Bob Corritore.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live Focus – Mike Henderson – Last Night At The Blue Bird - Live
“Mike Henderson's long musical career saw him tour with Mark Knopfler, record with Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt and Kelly Willis. His song writing skills have been showcased by the Dixie Chicks, Trisha Yearwood and Patty Loveless, and he's played in numerous bands over the years including The Steel Drivers with Chris Stapleton. He first started playing regular shows at Nashville's Bluebird Café in 1986 while a member of The Kingsnakes.
‘Last Nite at the Bluebird – Live’ brings to close a thirty year relationship with the famous venue and documents the late musician in an intimate venue he knew and loved.
A gentle ribbing of the venue and the famous singer-songwriter sessions it hosts gets his audience warmed up as he opens the album with his own composition, ‘Weepin’ & Moanin’. Not letting up, the boogie shuffle of ‘Matchbox’ quickly follows. However, things really step up a gear with the searing slide guitar on ‘Too Much Alcohol’, a song made famous by the late Rory Gallagher. This version finds Henderson playing with the fire of Elmore James and Jeremy Spencer combined.
Other highlights include ‘When I Get Drunk’, the harmonica soaked ‘Have A Good Time’ and ‘Pay Bo Diddley’ from Henderson’s old band, The Bluebloods.
‘Last Nite at the Bluebird – Live’ is well produced live recording that highlights Henderson’s raw energetic guitar skills and ability with work with an intimate audience, anyone who was lucky enough to catch any of these shows really did witness something special and as this recording proves, catching lightning in a bottle is possible.” Folk and Tumble
Really excited to present this crackin live set this week.
Plus new music from Billy Branch & the Sons Of Blues, Kim Wilson, Eric Bibb, Maria Muldaur, GA20, Chambers DesLaurier Band, Lloyd Spiegel, Darren Watson, The Alexis P Suter Band and Candice Ivory.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Classic Album Feature – The Paladins – Years Since Yesterday
“Hottest roots rock band on the West Coast; terrific guitar from Dave Gonzales. Minimalist and raw as hell. "Beat for beat, there's no better band than The Paladins. This lineup is lethal!"--L.A. WEEKLY
The Paladins' own way of making music has earned them fans from many quarters. They have toured often with Los Lobos and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Texas guitar hotshot Anson Funderburgh and The Fabulous Thunderbirds' Kim Wilson worked on the band's self-titled debut album. The Los Lobos connection continues on Years Since Yesterday, which was produced by Lobos saxman/producers Steve Berlin and engineer Mark Linett.”
I’m excited to feature for you this incredible album from one of the very best bands I’ve ever seen this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Maria Muldaur, Kim Wilson, Eric Bibb, Fiona Boyes, Greg Nagy, The Alexis P Suter Band, Dave Keller, Darren Watson, John Primer & Bob Corritore and GA20.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“David Johansen is a true musical chameleon. Whether fronting the influential punk band the New York Dolls, lounging it up as Buster Poindexter or invoking the blues with the Harry Smiths, he has always demonstrated his unique talent for taking a musical style and making it his own. On David Johansen and the Harry Smiths, David and his first-rate band summon the spirit of the blues through American musicologist/folklorist Harry Smith. Featuring gripping performances of songs by Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt and Bob Dylan.”
A favourite of mine when It was released back in 2000, Im excited to feature for you this week, this extraordinary record.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Kim Wilson, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Eric Bibb, Sue Foley, Shirley Johnson, Greg Nagy, Fiona Boyes, Alexis P Suter Band, Lloyd Spiegel and Darren Watson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first live album from the King of Texas Roadhouses. Raw rockers, soul ballads, driving band. A best seller. "Breathtaking, hardcore roadhouse rhythm & blues"--Rolling StoneI’ve long been a fan of this classic live set from Delbert and his amazing band and now, for the first time, I’ll be featuring it in its entirety on the show.
Plus new music from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Eric Bibb, Sue Foley, Kim Wilson, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers feat. Hubert Sumlin, Monster Mike Welch, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, John Primer & Bob Corritore, Mike Henderson, Darren Watson, Young Rell Davenport and Johnnie Johnson and Friends.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A favourite band of mine from back in the very early days, a copy of this incredible live show has recently made its way back into the Blues With A Feeling record library and I’m beyond excited to be featuring this album for you this week.
Plus tracks from the latest releases by Buddy Guy, Jimmy Burns, Mike Henderson, Shirley Johnson, Kirk Fletcher, Bily Branch & The Sons of Blues, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers feat. Hubert Sumlin and Raphael Wressnig.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Blues Is My Wailin' Wall is the debut album by the American musician Mighty Mo Rodgers, released in 1999. Rodgers referred to his music as "nu bluez"; he was also working on a master's thesis titled "Blues as Metaphysical Music (Its Musicality and Ontological Underpinnings)". He initially released the album on his label, North Star Records, in December 1998. Rodgers supported the album with a North American tour. He was nominated for a W. C. Handy Award for "Best New Artist Debut".
Exclaim! wrote that the album "is no revivalist camp ... but a richly musical charge that recalls the work of the late Curtis Mayfield... Rodgers' deep, warm vocals embrace gospel and R&B, and his voice alternates between a powerful growl and a gentle caress across arrangements designed around solid hooks that first seduce the listener before driving home their message."The Daily Herald noted that, "where most contemporary blues songs are riffs built around hogging guitar solos, Rodgers brings a literate, philosophical punch to the genre."The Edmonton Journal said that "slices of soul, dips into R&B, some rootsy roadhouse arrangements and a voice that has lived every lyric, amounts to an impressive 11 songs.”
Long a favourite of mine, I’m excited about featuring this remarkable record for you this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful of Blues, Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues, Alexis P Suter Band, Mike Henderson, Fiona Boyes & the Fortune Tellers feat Hubert Sumlin, Monster Mike Welch, Jimmy Burns, Shirley Johnson, Tom Hambridge, Raphel Wressnig, Darren Watson and Kirk Fletcher.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Walter “Wolfman” Washington, a New Orleans guitarist and singer… played his mix of funk, blues, soul and jazz in the city’s clubs for six decades.
A quintessential local luminary, Mr. Washington held down long-running weekly residencies at clubs including the Maple Leaf and d.b.a, where he recorded a live album with his band, the Roadmasters, that was released in 2013. He was also a member of a durable trio, with the keyboardist Joe Krown and the drummer Russell Batiste Jr., that released “Live at the Maple Leaf” in 2008.
Between New Orleans gigs, Mr. Washington toured clubs, particularly around the South, and worked an international circuit of blues clubs and festivals.
Mr. Washington’s guitar playing was lean, light-fingered and harmonically rich, conveying a relaxed authority as it teased and jabbed. His voice could convey flirtatiousness, amusement, heartache or wily agility, and his syncopated phrasing was as close to jazz as to traditional blues, leaping easily into falsetto or letting loose a vulpine howl.”
Its long been an ambition of mine to spend some time featuring this incredible musician Walter “Wolfman” Washington and this week, its all coming together as I feature this incredible release “Funk Is In the House” .
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, Candice Ivory, Kirk Fletcher, The Alexis P Suter Band, Monster Mike Welch, Roomful of Blues, GA 20, Darren Watson, Shirley Johnson and Raphael Wressnig.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Young blues guitar slinger teams up with rough-hewn soul singer from the Motor City for a set of rockin’ blues in a kind of Stevie Ray Vaughan-meets-Rod Stewart (or maybe, more accurately, David Lee Roth) vein. Most of this will appeal more to rock fans than hardcore blues fans, although straight shuffles like “Face Down In The Blues” and Bangham’s slow blues instrumental “My Turn To Talk” should register with both camps. Bangham also scores big points with guitar fanatics with his revved-up Hammond B-3 organ-fueled instrumental romp, “Kid Stuff.”
A favourite album of mine for many reasons, I can’t wait to feature this wonderful release with you this week. And to add a little something, I invited Kid Bangham himself to join me for a chat about this record, his first following his departure from the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Plus glorious new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Billy Branch & the Sons Of Blues, Roomful of Blues, Raphael Wressnig and Alexis P Suter Band.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The Sky Is Crying gathers ten previously unreleased tracks that Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble recorded between 1984’s Couldn’t Stand The Weather and 1989’s In Step, their final album before Vaughan died in a helicopter crash. Mobile Fidelity has released all five recordings, including the debut, Texas Flood, on outstanding SACDs (Analogue Productions has the vinyl covered).
Though each of these recordings displays Vaughan’s jaw- dropping talent, The Sky Is Crying most reveals the many styles he soaked up like a musical sponge. Check out Vaughan’s jazz chops on Kenny Burrell’s “Chitlins Con Carne,” and Hendrix’s “Little Wing,” arguably this collection’s most staggering achievement, alternately whisper-sweet and screamingly fierce.
Other tips of the hat are to Muddy Waters, Lonnie Mack (“Wham”), Elmore James, and Albert King (the title track), yet each song is pure, unleashed SRV. The sound is big, bold, up front, and clean as a whistle. Vaughan’s different tonal shadings—from warmly purring, to raggedly distorted, to wasp-tailed sting, plus a rare acoustic turn on the gorgeous closer, “Life By The Drop”—are all superbly captured, and the drums and bass have plenty of clarity and wallop. A brilliant musical document…if a sad reminder.”
With what would been Stevie’s birthday last week, I’m excited to feature for you this extraordinary collection of songs on Blues With A Feeling this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers feat Hubert Sumlin, Billy Branch & the Sons Of Blues, Monster Mike Welch, Kirk Fletcher, The Alexis P Suter Band, Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band, Shirley Johnson, Chris Wilson, Tom Hambridge, Kent Burnside, Raphael Wressnig and Mud Morganfield.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Like the force of nature that she was, GRAMMY-winning Koko Taylor, the undisputed "Queen of the Blues," was in a league of her own. With her exuberant, deeply soulful, good-time style and her tough-as-nails band, she could be counted on to make the reluctant fans dance and the quiet ones jump for joy. When Taylor passed in June of 2009, the world lost a musical icon. "Koko Taylor," according to Rolling Stone, was "the greatest blues singer of her generation."
With Koko Taylors birthday falling this week, I couldn’t resist the urge to feature for you, her 2000 release for Alligator Records Royal Blue.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Tom Hambridge, Monster Mike Welch, Candice Ivory, The Alesis P Suter Band, Kent Burnside, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, Mud Morganfield, Mike Henderson, Kirk Fletcher and Raphael Wressnig.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Recorded in Chicago's Cook County Jail on a hot fall day in 1970 and released the following year, the recording of this historic event was named #499 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, hitting #1 on the Billboard R&B charts, #3 on the Jazz charts and #25 on the Top 200. One of several live albums King released, it features a selection of his best-known songs. Includes "How Blue Can You Get?", "Please Accept My Love" and his signature classics "The Thrill Is Gone" and "Every Day I Have The Blues".
Couldn’t be happier to be featuring this incredible record with you this week, in honour of BB’s 100th birthday.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Johnnie Johnson, Mike Henderson, Billy Branch, Alexis P Suter Band, Kirk Fletcher, Monster Mike Welch, Mud Morganfield, Tom Hambridge, Jo Harman, GA 20, Raphael Wressnig, Chris Wilson and Kent Burnside.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“No way was Dr. John was going to let Katrina pass into history without saying what he had to say. But no way could anyone have seen this coming. City That Care Forgot is at once the most fervent, acerbic, livid music Mac Rebennack has ever made; the most eloquent and probably the funkiest, too. Dr. John has never been one for grand statements or even topicality, but he’s rightfully, righteously pissed.
His city, his people, those who made New Orleans home and love it as much as he does, were knocked down hard, but not out: that’s his message. “All you gotta do is want it bad enough,” he repeats in “You Might Be Surprised.” Others have said it in music since the catastrophic events, but perhaps none with as much clarity, force, optimism, fight and, ultimately, love. He wanted this record to be an event, so Dr. John brought in some heavies to augment his regular band: Eric Clapton is swampy and biting on three tracks; Terence Blanchard blows his trumpet with a heart full of soul on two. Willie Nelson lends his voice, Ani DiFranco hers.
But it’s not the visitors who get noticed here; it’s the singer who names names and points fingers and demands closure. Dr. John may be the first artist ever to rhyme hurtin’ and Halliburton, but in this “second battle of New Orleans,” as he calls the city’s efforts at resurrection, in this place of “‘drowning victims’ full of bullet holes” (extra quote marks his-to indicate major skepticism), there is care after all.
It comes from those, like Dr. John, who refuse to see their home die, and it’s all wrapped up in quintessential NOLA music that leaves no doubt this city’s still got plenty of living to do.” Jeff Tamarkin
With it being 20 years in August since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans, I thought it was long overdue for me to feature this classic album.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Janiva Magness, Mike Henderson, Candice Ivory, Kirk Fletcher, Alexis P Suter Band, Raphael Wressnig and Kent Burnside.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Anders Osborne “Coming Down” was his first studio recording in over five years. On Coming Down Anders sings about his two great loves, his wife and New Orleans. The CD finds Anders in a sparse setting that showcases his songwriting. One of the highlights of the CD is the song “Katrina.” Anders and his family moved backed to New Orleans six weeks after the devastating hurricane. Recorded in Nashville and New Orleans, Coming Down was co-produced by Anders and Troy Verges (BMI country songwriter of the year).”
He's created one of the best albums of the year. Paste Magazine
I’ve been hunting my copy of this sublime record for a decade and its finally returned to my hands and I can’t wait to feature it for you this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Tom Hambridge, Candice Ivory, Mike Henderson, Kent Burnside, Kirk Fletcher, GA20, Chambers DesLaurier, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Monster Mike Welch and the Alexis P Suter Band.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Known to music fans around the world as the “King of the Boogie,” John Lee Hooker endures as one of the true superstars of the blues genre: the ultimate beholder of cool.
His work is widely recognized for its impact on modern music – his simple, yet deeply effective songs transcend borders and languages around the globe. Each decade of Hooker’s long career brought a new generation of fans and fresh opportunities for the ever-evolving artist. He never slowed down either: As John Lee Hooker entered his 70s, he suddenly found himself in the most successful era of his career – reinvented yet again, and energized as ever, touring and recording up until his passing in 2001.”
John Lee Hookers been on my mind in August, after his birthday a couple of weeks ago and I thought I’d celebrate together by putting together a classic collection of his earliest and most successful songs, plus tracks from 1989s chart topping The Healer.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Charlie Musselwhite, Mike Henderson, Larry McCray, Candice Ivory, Monster Mike Welch, Alexis P Suter Band, Raphael Wressnig, Chambers DesLaurier and Willie Buck & Bob Corritore.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The ultimate “blues brother”, Eric Bibb is known and revered globally as a fiery singer- songwriter with true soul, grounded in the folk/blues tradition but with contemporary sensibilities.
Testament to his endurance as one of the most relevant, leading bluesmen of our time, Eric’s most recent album, Ridin’, has received a Grammy nomination in the Best Traditional Blues Album category. It sits in the Top 10 of multiple blues and roots charts, has over three million Spotify streams and been lauded by critics as his “late life classic” and “a fervent gospel-backed blues manifesto”. The past twelve months alone has seen his entire catalogue clock up 15 million streams.
It is easy to point to Eric’s accomplishments. A five-decade career recording with folk and blues royalty. Three Grammy nominations and multiple Blues Foundation awards. A following that not only crosses borders, it crosses continents.”
I’m super excited to feature Eric incredible 1999 Ruf Records release Home To Me this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Mike Henderson, Candice Ivory, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Raphael Wressnig, Roomful Of Blues, Alexis P Suter Band, Jo Harman, Tom Hambridge and Monster Mike Welch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Slant 6 Mind is Greg's thirteenth album on Red House Records and a Grammy nominee! It's got a swampy, funky, lowdown sound that ranges from driving rhythms to sensuous folk and back again. The musicians are great and the combination of guitar players Greg, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Bo Ramsey is superb. The feel of Slant 6 Mind reaches back to Greg's earlier albums, such as Down in There as it evokes the landscape and people that created him a world he sketches with the artistry of writers like William Faulkner, Bruce Springsteen or Robert Frost.”
I’m excited about sharing this wonderful record with you this week. Plus plenty of the most exciting new releases hitting my inbox right now. With songs from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Candice Ivory. Monster Mike Welch, Mike Henderson, Chambers DesLaurier, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Raphael Wressnig and Jo Harman.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Blues scholar Guy Davis is an equally adept player, singer and storyteller in the tradition of his mentor, Taj Mahal. On Skunkmello, named for a legendary chicken thief who was caught and hanged for his crimes around 1900, rootsy troubadour Davis travels from the straight country-blues of “Natural Born Eas’Man” and his Piedmont-flavored original “The Chocolate Man” to the gritty South Side Chicago blues of “It Takes Love to Make a Home” without missing a beat.
He blows some mean harmonica on a cover of the classic “Going Down Slow,” accompanied by former Paul Butterfield Blues Band keyboardist Mark Naftalin on Hammond B3 organ and John Platania of the Van Morrison Band on some piercing electric guitar. And he summons up some commanding Howlin’ Wolf-ish vocals on the haunting “Shooting Star.” Davis, a naturally gritty soulful vocalist, also demonstrates some authentic claw-hammer banjo technique on two old-timey unaccompanied numbers, “Shaky Pudding” and “Blackberry Ramble,” and also on the folkloric title track.
The chilling closer, “Uncle Tom Is Dead (Milk ‘n’ Cookies Remix),” is an educated, old-schooler’s indictment of rap music that carries an important, socially charged message for a generation that has lost its sense of history.” Bill Milkowski 2006
I’m beyond excited to finally feature for you this uncredible record this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Janiva Magness, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Kirk Fletcher, Chambers DesLaurier and Larry McCray.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The roots of the style that would become Otis Taylor’s most recognizable contribution to blues can be found on Truth Is Not Fiction (Telarc Records) released in 2003. Music critics were both enthralled and a bit mystified by Taylor’s signature “Trance Blues” electric, psychedelic style.
Truth is Not Fiction earned a top 10 album of the year listing from the New York Times and was also featured with rave reviews from USA Today, Washington Post and NPR, and the record culminated in a Downbeat critics award for “Blues Album of the Year.”
Im excited to feature this 2003 from classic from Otis Taylor this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Janiva Magness, DK Harrell, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Maria Muldaur, Kent Burnside, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Gerald McClendon, Chambers Deslaurier and Garry Burnside.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Tony Joe White's 2013 album is awash in danger, spiritual uncertainty and environmental fury. Hoodoo's lyrical concerns are matched by a particularly intense strain of White's trademark swamp funk. Hence the title's double edged meaning: 'hoodoo' referring both to the songs' ominous tone and the palpable vibe that filled the studio as the songs were cut. Cut mostly live to tape - vocals and all - much of Hoodoo consists of first takes. Culled from an initial stack of 17 tunes, the 9 songs that comprise the album come alive in the haunting atmosphere and intensity of the stripped down recording process…”
With Tony Joe Whites birthday last week, I’m thrilled to feature this wonderful album this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Southern Avenue, Little Charlie Baty, Kent Burnside, Jon Cleary, Kirk Fletcher, Tad Robinson, Larry McCray and Garry Burnside.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The return of the legendary harmonica giant from the 1950s Chicago blues scene. "A triumphant comeback"—Billboard
Billy Boy Arnold is back. With his 1992 Alligator Records debut, Back Where I Belong, Arnold firmly reestablished himself as one of the foremost practitioners of classic Chicago blues. His wailing harmonica playing and soulful vocals are a perfect match for his streetwise songwriting. The combination of Delta-influenced blues with a more urban sophistication not only defines Arnold's sound, but was also a significant contribution in the early, formative days of rock and roll.
I’m excited about featuring this wonderful record for you this week. With Billy Boy backed by a crack group of young West Coast hotshots, he sounds like he’s having the time of his life.
Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Buddy Guy, TajMo, Janiva Magness, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Larry McCray, Chambers DesLauriers, Eric Gales, DK Harrell, Brandon Santini and Terry Hanck.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Cotton’s long, fabled career is unrivaled in terms of its historic import….a name that is mentioned alongside some of the very best performers ever to play the instrument. Cotton’s playing has cemented his place in the top tier of blues harmonica masters: that muscular tone, those brawny wails, the stinging high note bends. …sends a shiver down the spine. Fiery, inimitable, ferocious attack, dominance and power. The well of talent he draws from is as deep as the blues he plays.”
– Living Blues
With the great James Cottons birthday in July, I’ve pulled together a collection of some of the great mans finest tunes. And to put it all in context, I’m joined by another monster of the blues harmonica Kim Wilson, who was kind enough to share with us his memories of the man from Tunica Mississippi.
Plus tracks from the latest releases by Buddy Guy, Janiva Magness, Taj Mo, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell and Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Albert Collins Classic Album Feature – Cold Snap
“This Grammy-nominated album features some of Albert's most popular tracks like I Ain't Drunk, Lights Are On But Nobody's Home and Too Many Dirty Dishes. The Master of the Telecaster's last Alligator release, and his favourite, finds him backed by a hand-picked all-star band featuring organist Jimmy McGriff and guitarist Mel Brown, plus the Uptown Horns.”
I’m excited to be featuring this Collins classic this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Southern Avenue, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, TajMo, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Larry McCray, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson, Brandon Santini, Jon Cleary, DK Harrell, Terry Hanck, Carolyn Wonderland and All Things Swamp.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Genius doesn't even begin to describe the greatness of The Genius Sings the Blues. Comprised of a dozen songs Ray Charles made between 1952 and 1960, the collection was released in 1961 by Atlantic Records to counter the singer's migration to rival ABC Paramount. What Atlantic originally underestimated is that the album contained many of Charles' greatest works, all unified by their bluesy emotions and stirring arrangements. A classic of the soul and R&B canon, The Genius Sings the Blues is a snapshot of the evolution of timeless American music captured by the pianist's indelible rhythmic pace, gospel roots, jazz backgrounds, and Southern-styled accents.”
Thrilled to feature for you this wonderful collection from Ray Charles this week.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Jania Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Larry McCray, Southern Avenue, Christone Kingfish Ingram, TajMo, Jon Cleary, Terry Hanck, Kid Ramos, John Primer, Harrell Davenport and Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taj Mahal Classic Album Feature – Dancing The Blues
“Songs from Fats Domino to Louis Jordan. Etta James joins in on the classic “Mockingbird” along with a “slamming” band including Texacali Horns, Tony Braunagel, Chuck Domanico, Mick Weaver, Johnny Lee Schell, and Bill Payne & Ritchie Hayward from Little Feat. Dancing The Blues will get ya shakin’ your tail feathers!”
Tajmahal.com
I’m excited to feature this wonderful record this week, a favourite of mine from the very early 90s, this is Taj Mahal sounding as good as it gets.
Plus new releases from Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, TajMo, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell, Hat Fitz & Cara, John Primer, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Larry McCray, Terry Hanck and Dave Specter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The first of Freddie King’s three albums for Leon Russell’s Shelter label set the tone for his work for the company: superb electric blues with a prominent rock/soul influence. The massive Texan and the longhaired Oklahoman got it right the first time around with the aptly titled Getting Ready LP. Recorded at the legendary Chess studios in Chicago, it might well rank as Freddie King’s most creatively satisfying work.”
I’m super excited about featuring this classic from Freddie King from way back in 1971. Plus new releases from TajMo, Janiva Magness, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell, Tad Robinson, Jon Cleary, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dave Specter, Charlie Musselwhite, Brandon Santini, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson and Terry Hanck.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Muddy "Mississippi" Waters Live - 1979 brings you the electrifying and unforgettable live performance of one of blues' most legendary artists, Muddy Waters. Capturing his raw energy and soulful presence, this live album is a testament to Muddy Waters’ profound influence on the blues genre. Featuring classic tracks like "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Mannish Boy" this collection offers an intimate experience of his unforgettable stage presence.”
I’m excited to present this classic live set from Muddy Waters and his incredible band this week.
Plus new releases from DK Harrell, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, TajMo, Jon Cleary, Janiva Magness, Poppa Chubby, Tad Robinson, Brandon Santini, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, GA20, Hat Fiz & Cara Robinson, Bernard Allison, Terry Hanck, Carolyn Wonderland and Dave Specter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“When they referred to consistently amazing guitarist Snooks Eaglin as a human jukebox in his New Orleans hometown, they weren't dissing him in the slightest. The blind Eaglin was a beloved figure in the Crescent City, not only for his gritty, Ray Charles-inspired vocal delivery and wholly imaginative approach to the guitar, but for the seemingly infinite storehouse of oldies that he was liable to pull out on-stage at any second -- often confounding his bemused band in the process!” All Music
Can’t wait to share this wonderful record with you this week. His final studio album saw Snooks joined in the studio by Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen and the results are just glorious.
Plus new releases from TajMo, Janiva Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tad Robinson, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson, Jon Cleary, DK Harrell, Terry Hanck, Dave Specter and Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The Blues Foundation has announced its 2025 Blues Music Awards winners. The winners were revealed on Thursday, May 8, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Big winners from the night included Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Curtis Salgado, and John Primer, who all took home multiple awards. Ronnie Baker Brooks led the way with three wins.”
With the announcement of the Blues Music Awards winners a couple of weeks ago, I thought it was overdue for me to shine a light on the winners. Featuring songs from the latest release from each, it’s easy to hear why they walked away with an award.
Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Janiva Magness, Brandon Santini and Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Magnificent, staggering, almost beyond belief. Utterly Blues approved.”
--“GUITAR PLAYER” MAGAZINE, U.S.A.
“There’s no more explosive Blues guitar player in the world.”
--“ESQUIRE”, U.S.A.
“DAVE HOLE is a musician whose time has finally come. In fact, considering the acclaim he's received in the past few months, it's hard to understand why he has remained unknown for so long. The reason is simple-Dave developed his amazingly intense slide guitar sound and strange playing style in almost total obscurity in one of the most isolated cities in the world: Perth, Australia.
After playing professionally for over twenty years, Dave has finally broken out as the "overnight" phenomenon he deserves to be. A rave review of Short Fuse Blues in Guitar Player (which almost never reviews records available only as imports) led to a feature story in the same magazine. Buoyed by both stories, Dave has suddenly emerged into the international spotlight. Not only has he toured the cities of eastern Australia, but he'll be making his European debut later in1992.”
I’m excited to feature this landmark album this week. Dave Holes break out release Short Fuse Blues. And to put it in perspective, I’ve enlisted the assistance of Alligator Records boss Bruce Iglauer, Guitar Player magazine editor Jas Obrecht and Dave Hole himself, to share their memories of this amazing moment in Blues history.
Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Hat Fitz & Cara.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“One of the world's greatest rock 'n' roll bands ever to strut the 50 States, these sharp-dressed Texas titans-Billy F. Gibbons, Frank Beard, and Dusty Hill-are a righteously hell raisin' power trio boasting a 30-plus year hit-making legacy, both in the studio and at concert arenas. With their revved up blues 'n' boogie, they always make the most of their Texas birthright with with a distinctive sound that shakes up rock, blues, soul, garage-funk, Americana, and more. Nowhere is their force of nature musicianship better displayed than on this classic album, revved up with red-hot bonus rarities. "You know what I'm talkin' about...an how how how how."
With ZZ Tops mega Australian tour coming to a close, I’m into the final chapter of my deep dive into the bands earliest releases. This week featuring 1975s chart topper Fandango.
Plus new releases from Taj Mo, Janiva Magness, Jon Cleary, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Charlie Musselwhite, John Primer, Tad Robinson, Carolyn Wonderland, Poppa Chubby, Hat Fitz & Cara, Larry McCray, Brandon Santini and Hussy Hicks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Jimmy Reed Highway began as an Omar Kent Dykes album, but once Jimmie Vaughan came into the studio “the songs took on their own life,” remembers Omar. “I figured Jimmie would come in and play a couple of solos, but he got so excited about it he stayed for the rest.”
Ain't nobody can do Jimmy Reed like Jimmy Reed could. But this drive down Jimmy Reed Highway with fellow Mississippian Kent "Omar" Dykes at the wheel with Jimmie Vaughan riding shotgun and folks like, Kim Wilson, Miss Lou Ann Barton, James Cotton, Delbert McClinton, and Gary Clark, Jr., joining the duo, comes mighty close. Joe Nick Patoski
With the news of the pending release of “On the Jimmy Reed Highway” for the first time on vinyl, I thought it might be fun to feature this classic from 2007.
Plus new releases from TajMo, Southern Avenue, Jon Cleary, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Janiva Magness, Larry McCray, John Primer, Hussy Hicks, Tad Robinson, Johnny Rawls, Carolyn Wonderland and Brandon Santini.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The center of Clarence Gatemouth Brown's taste is post-World War II jump blues and R&B with a distinctly Southwestern feel. Tasty as his guitar playing is, he likes to add horns and even a bit of country fiddle to the mix.
As its title indicates, Back to Bogalusa particularly investigates the Louisiana influences… notably on the tracks "Going Back to Louisiana," "Breaux Bridge Rag," "Bogalusa Boogie Man," and the Cajun-styled "Louisian'." He adds in some sympathetic songs by writers of a later generation, notably "Lie No Better," co-written by Delbert McClinton and Little Feat's "Dixie Chicken," co-written by Lowell George.
And he sounds most at home in the funky instrumentals "Grape Jelly" and "Slap It”… with a singing and playing ability that belies his years he sounds like he's having a wonderful time. Allmusic
With Jazzfest in New Orleans in full swing, I’m thrilled to present for you this week, this quite wonderful classic from Clarence Gatemouth Brown.
Plus new releases from Jon Cleary, Tad Robinson, Hussy Hicks, Davis Coen, Bernard Allison, Kid Ramos, Southern Avenue, Larry McCray, TajMo, Carolyn Wonderland and Bob Corritore.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Basic and bare-boned West Coast jump blues, down home Texas grit, and Memphis rockabilly . . . wild, funky and menacing."
-- Guitar Player
"Sizzling roots rock . . . gutbucket power . . . no-holds-barred excitement."
-- Billboard
Music writers have likened The Paladins' high-energy blend of rock 'n' roll, R&B, swing and rockabilly to the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and other hard-working roadhouse rock bands. A Washington Post critic may have described The Paladins' music best, however, when he wrote, "If musicianship, dedication, soul and the ability to express raw emotion were all you needed to gain fame and wealth, The Paladins would be known in every home in the land, and they'd have enough money to buy New York."
With Bluesfest making a highly successful return over the Easter weekend here in Australia, I’m casting my ears back to the earliest days of the festival and revisting the band that changed it all for me, the Paladins. Featuring three of the bands earliest records Years Since Yesterday, Lets Buzz and Ticket Home. And to put it in context, I’ll throw in some choice cuts from my interview with the bands Dave Gonzales.
Plus new releases from Jon Cleary, Southern Avenue, Tommy Castro, Kid Ramos, Bernard Allison, GA 20, Early James, Bob Corritore and plenty more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Smokey is difficult if not impossible to categorize. Possessor of a powerful voice, he can bellow like Wolf or cry sweetly like B.B. King. Smokey's guitar playing is equally diverse as he romps through the stylings of Elmore James and Jimmy Reed (which Smokey calls "countryfied blues") one song and then polished urban blues the next. He also digs into the soulful side a la Z.Z. Hill and Tyrone Davis, which was extremely popular with the patrons of the Pioneer Club. Smokey's singing and playing bear the influences of these greats, not by impersonation, but by the fact that Smokey is the genuine article.”
With Bluesfest beginning this week with easter upon us. I’m reeling back the years to revisit this 1983 classic by Smokey Wilson 8th Street Blues.
Plus new releases by Jon Cleary, Bob Corritore, Kid Ramos, TajMo, Bernard Allison, Early James, Southern Avenue, Polythythmics, Tommy Castro, GA20, Eric Johanson and Frank Bey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Clarke's timing and music are right on the money, with the great Alex Schultz on lead guitar. There is no doubt that Clarke is one of the few modern bluesmen who are exploring and extending the amplified blues harp tradition without violating any of its principles. No one plays chromatic blues harp with this kind of passion and sheer conviction.” All Music
A classic album from the early 90s, William Clarkes debut for Alligator records stands as a modern blues classic and I’m thrilled to to feature it for you this week, in the new extended 2hr version of Blues With A Feeling.
Plus new releases from Southern Avenue, TajMo, Kenny Neal, Jon Cleary, Tommy Castro, Kid Ramos, Bernard Allison, Bob Corritore, GA 20, Early James, Canyon Lights and Polyrhythmics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The band were at the peak of their powers as a live unit at this point, so it made sense that their next release should reflect that; the self-explanatory Live was recorded at a rapturously received gig held at Cincinnati Gardens on 23 May 1986. Including firm favourites such as ‘Who Do You Love?’, ‘I Drink Alone’ and ‘Madison Blues’, the LP was a terrific snapshot of The Destroyers in viciously good nick and – after climbing to No.33 on the US Billboard 200 – the LP eventually earned itself a platinum certification.” Udiscovermusic
With George Thorogood & The Destroyers arrival in Australia now just weeks away, I’ve reached back to 1985 to feature this gem, the bands chart topping, platinum selling album “Live”. It was huge here in Australia and across the world, spending an amazing 42 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
Plus another crackin couple of sets of new releases from TajMo, Southern Avenue, Kid Ramos, Jon Cleary, Carolyn Wonderland, Bernard Allison, GA20 and Canyon Lights.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Recorded in both Memphis and Texas and prominently featuring the amazing Bill Willis on Hammond B-3 (who doubles on bass pedals -- leaving this as one of the few blues albums without an official bassist), Jimmie's more subtle approach leaves lots of spaces to nail a groove that gets deeper as the album progresses. Guests like James Cotton on harp and longtime associate singer Lou Ann Barton (who just about steals the show on the songs where she duets with Vaughan) inject extra spice, but the singer/guitarist has crafted a compelling slice of contemporary blues that blends traditional elements in a distinctive way....Rootsy yet polished tracks like the R&B swamp of "Without You" and the Texas soul of Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "In the Middle of the Night" (featuring Stevie Ray's Double Trouble rhythm section) crackle with taut energy and low-down soul. By forging an individual musical style, Jimmie Vaughan not only avoids all Stevie Ray comparisons, but has produced a remarkable album that truly sounds like no one else." ~ Hal Horowitz, AllMusic.com
With Jimmie Vaughan celebrating a birthday on the 20th, I couldn’t resist the temptation to pull out this modern classic for a BWAF feature.
Plus new releases from Kenny Neal & Micah Willis, Jon Cleary, Bernard Allison, Southern Avenue, Tommy Castro, Carolyn Wonderland and Bernard Allison.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“He was one of the most gifted blues guitar players of all time. A mere thirty two years old at the time of his passing, Fats had already made a big splash in this small pond. His playing however continues to make waves and has had an impact on blues guitar players worldwide.” David Mac Blues Junction Productions
With the legendary Hollywood Fats birthday this week, I thought I was long overdue to feature The Hollywood Fats Bands debut album “Rock This House” on the show.
Plus new releases from TajMo, Charlie Musselwhite, Keny Neal and Micah Willis, Jon Cleary, Tommy Castro, Ian Siegal meets Johnny Mastro, Early James and Polyrhythmics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” has been at it for well over a half century, delivering rock, blues and boogie on the road and in the studio to millions of devoted fans. With classic songs such as “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Legs” and “Gimme Me All Your Lovin” and iconography as distinctive as their sound, ZZ TOP is virtually synonymous with beards, hot-rod cars, spinning guitars and that magic keychain, all of which transcend geography and language.
With ZZ Top heading to Australia in April, I’m continuing my exploration into the bands back catalogue this week, by featuring their 1972 release “Rio Grande Mud”.
Plus new releases from TajMo, Jon Cleary, Tommy Castro, Southern Avenue, Kenny Neal & Micah Willis, Ray Beadle, Bob Corritore, Canyon Lights, Polyrhythmics and Early James.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“A soul-blues revivalist who isn't strictly a traditionalist, Eli "Paperboy" Reed synthesized several strands of 1960s soul, marrying gritty Southern funk with gutsy Chicago blues.”
With Eli “Paper Boy” Reed set to tour in Australia in May, I sat down for a chat with him about 20 years in the biz, about those amazing times chasing his muse following school, and our favourite Sam Cooke album. Plus songs from four of his incredible albums, released since 2005.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Thorogood deals strongly in early '50s style rock and timeless blues and this album captures him at his slidin', pickin', wailin' best." Cashbox
With the announcement that George Thorogood & the Destroyers will return to Australia in April for a month of gigs, I’m digging deep into the bands incredible multi-million selling back catalogue to feature the bands debut album “George Thorogood & The Delaware Destroyers”
Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Tommy Castro, Southern Avenue, Ian Siegal & Johnny Mastro, Bob Corritore and Early James.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“This captures Magic Sam and his band in more laid-back form, playing a small, booze-free venue rather than a rowdy bar or a festival audience in the thousands. Magic Sam may be in a more relaxed temper here, but his guitar work is absolutely on point; Sam's agile, incisive lead work, his dazzling string bends, and his fiery solos in which he fires off notes with the precision of a machine gun are all on display, confirming Sam's status as one of the most exciting and underrated players on the Chicago blues scene at the end of the '60s.”
I’m remembering the legendary Magic Sam this week, by featuring this obscure live recording from 1968 ‘Live at the Avant Garde’ that sounds quite incredible.
Plus new releases from Tommy Castro, Ian Siegal and Johnny Mastro, Ray Beadle and Early James.
#blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #magicsam #delmarkrecords #tommycastro #earlyjames #raybeadle #iansiegal #johnnymastro
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The Taj Mahal Sextet’s Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa won the Best Traditional Blues Album Grammy Award. The award was announced on February 2, 2025.
Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa captures a live performance at the historic Tulsa studio once home to Leon Russell. The album features ten tracks spanning multiple genres, performed by his long-time quartet, bassist Bill Rich, drummer Kester Smith, and guitarist/lap steel player Bobby Ingano, along with dobro player Rob Ickes and guitarist/vocalist Trey Hensley.
Ruthie Foster’s tenth studio album, Mileage, won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Mileage, reflects on her journey from singing in rural Texas churches to earning Grammy nominations and collaborating with artists like Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.
Produced by Tyler Bryant, the album grew from conversations about her life, shaping a collection rooted in storytelling and personal experience. The title track was inspired by a casual remark about her years on the road, while the lead single, “Rainbow,” delivers a message of love and acceptance." World Music Central
With Taj and Ruthie taking away Grammy awards this year, I’ve put together a show this week featuring tracks from both winning records.
Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, Maria Muldaur & Benny Turner, Tommy Castro, Bob Corritore and Bobby Rush, Ian Siegal & Johnny Main, Ray Beadle and Early James
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“After detours into jazz, pop and country, Etta James is back in the smoking eye of an R&B maelstrom, singing with controlled fury and vinegary bite.
Surrounding this queen bee of the blues are two fresh princes: sons Donto and Sametto, who produced and engineered, and played drums and bass, respectively. The young bloods balance classic and contemporary approaches, leaving Mama free to breathe fire into an intriguing mix of tunes…
Matriarch of the Blues finds Etta James reclaiming her throne — and defying anyone to knock her off it.” Rolling Stone
With Etta’s birthday last week, I’m celebrating by digging deep into her catalogue and featuring this Grammy nominated 2000 Private Music release “Matriarch Of The Blues”
Plus new releases from Tommy Castro, Frank Bey, Ian Siegal & Johnny Main and Early James
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“With a formula that began a serious legacy, ‘ZZ Top’s First Album’ introduced the Texan trio as one of the best blues-rock acts in history.
Released on 16 January 1971, it established a blueprint that would serve the trio well for the next 50 years, and make them possibly the most enduring and successful blues-rock band of all time.”
With ZZ Top announcing plans for their 2025 Elevation tour of Australia and New Zealand, I’ll be taking a deep dive into the bands earliest released in the months leading up to their arrival in April. This week, their debut ZZ Tops First Album.
Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Tommy Castro, Eric Bibb, Eli “Paper Boy” Reed, Frank Bey, Early James, Bob Corritore, Vanessa Collier, Ian Siegal & Johnny Mastro.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“B.B. King: Live In Africa captures the legendary blues guitarist's 1974 performance in Kinshasa, Zaire. This concert was part of a three-day celebration of black sports and music that also featured the "Rumble in the Jungle" heavyweight championship fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali…his performances of "The Thrill Is Gone," "Sweet Sixteen," "I Like to Live the Love," and "Why I Sing the Blues" rank among his best.” Heather Pares
I’ve pulled together a cracking show for the last new program of the year.
BB and the band are absolutely on fire on this set and I’ve also included new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Chris Cain, Eddie 9v, Ruthie Foster, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Sonny Gullage, Duke Robillard, Jimmy Carpenter and Eric Bibb.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Up-to-date, raw-edged blues…unassailable musicianship, passion and conviction."
—Chicago Reader
"Jumping, rocking blues…Peterson is a triple-threat player, excelling on guitar, piano and especially Hammond organ."
—Washington Post
Another classic blues release from 1994 this week, featuring Lucky Petersons 2nd Verve records release “Beyond Cool”
Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Eric Bibb, Ruthie Foster, Eli “Paper Boy” Reed, Jimmy Carpenterand Tab Benoit.
#blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #luckypeterson #ververecords #shemekiacopeland #ericbibb #ruthiefostermusic #elipaperboyreed #jimmycarpenter #tabbenoit
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Hellbent for blues, the red-hot Red Devils have cranked out the year's most electrifying live album, a stunning debut. Even a band this sharp and spirited will be hard-pressed to top it. The raw and rootsy King King, produced by sonic sharpshooter Rick Rubin, was recorded at L.A.'s King King club, where the Devils served as house band for six years. Whether blasting their own Goin' to the Church or breathing new fire into Sonny Boy Williamson's loping Cross Your Heart, the band outshines any contemporaries with its lean, high-powered and nasty approach to Chicago blues.”
I’ve got a Blues With A Feeling Classic album feature this week that will knock your socks off, The Red Devils incredible debut album “King King.
Plus new releases from Erib Bibb, Tommy Castro, Ruthie Foster, Eddie 9V and Shemekia Copeland.
#blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #shakeyshaun_ #thereddevils #defamerican #rickrubin #kingking #ericbibb #tommycastro #ruthiefoster #eddie9v #shemekiacopeland
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“As the milestone tenth studio album from blues luminary Ruthie Foster, Mileage finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on a life full of professional triumphs, personal loss, and a musical journey that took a self-described “little Black girl with a guitar” from singing at churches in rural Texas to chalking up multiple Grammy nominations and collaborating with fellow greats such as Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.”
I’m joined on the show by Ruthie Foster this week as we chat about her latest album Mileage, about working with producer Tyler Brant and the creative process that led to this wonderful record, we talk about love and loss and our favourite Texan guitar players.
Featuring songs from “Mileage” and “Live at Antones”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“After many years this is the debut of one of the living legends of Texas blues, drummer/singer and songwriter Bramhall. Since his early days back in 1964, Doyle has been a constant figure on the scene in Dallas with the Chessmen and (Texas) Storm, working together with the young Vaughan brothers. He moved to New Orleans to play with Mason Ruffner, joined Rocky Hill and backed Marcia Ball out of Austin. In 1973 he wrote 'Dirty Pool' together with S.R.V., they joined forces again during the late eighties. Featuring: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, his son Doyle Bramhall II, Smokin Joe Kubek, Tommy Shannon, Robin Syler, David Murray and more.”
I’m featuring this 1994 Antones Records classic this week.
Plus new releases from Ruthie Foster, Shemekia Copeland, Sonny Gullage, Jovin Webb, Vanessa Collier, Tab Benoit, Eddie DV, Jimmy Carpenter and Eric Bibb.
#blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #shakeyshaun_ #blues #doylebramhall #shemekiacopeland #ruthiefoster #sonnygullage #jovinwebb #vanessacollier #tabbenoit #eddie9v #jimmycarpenter #ericbibb
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I’m real proud of it… This is the album where I finally found my ‘voice’ thanks to my dear friend Greg Leisz, who produced and played on the album while guiding me to some of the best performances I had done to that point in my career.”
－ Dave Alvin
I’m featuring Davin Alvins 1994 Hightone Records classic King Of California this week,
Plus new releases from Ruthie Foster, Shemekia Copeland, Eric Bibb, Duke Robillard, Eddie 9V, Vanessa Carpenter and Jimmy Carpenter.
#blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #shakeyshaun_ #davealvin #shemekiacopeland #ruthiefoster #vanessacollier #dukerobillard #ericbibb #eddie9v #jimmycarpenter
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa is a snapshot of a vibrant octogenarian artist who is still moving forward. Taj Mahal picks through his vast catalog to reexamine a handful of gems and uses his ever-deepening mastery of American roots music to put a new shine on songs that in some cases he has been playing since the start of his career in the ’60s. Scott McLennan
Celebrating the announcement of Taj Mahals latest Grammy award nomination by featuring Taj Mahals Swinging Sextet Live At The Church In Tulsa this week.
Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Ruthie Foster, Eric Bibb, JD Simo Luther Dickinson, Jimmy Carpenter and Vanessa Collier.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"This album is dedicated to my teachers and inspirations, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, B.B. King and Robert Jr. Lockwood and to the memories of Francis Snyder, Wilma Lieberman, Beth Christensen, and Arnold Hanson." Ronnie Earl
Continuing my celebration of Blues With A Feelings 30 years on air in 2024 by reaching back to this classic Bullseye Blues release by Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters this week.
Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Ruthie Foster, JD Simo Luther Dickinson, Jimmy Carpenter and Vanessa Collier.
#blueswithafeelingpodcast #blues #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #ronnieearl #ronnieearl&thebroadcasters #ericbibb #ruthiefoster #jdsimo #lutherdickinson #jimmycarpenter #vanessacollier
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“A legendary guitarist whose playing is impeccable and spirited…
a distinguished American player.”
~ Rolling Stone
Ever since Rock & Roll and Blues Hall Of Famer Elvin Bishop first hit the scene with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band back in 1965, he’s blazed his own musical trail. Whether he was playing raw, eye-popping blues, or penning the evergreen radio hit Fooled Around And Fell In Love, or touring the world for decades delivering his original, good-time countrified blues, Bishop has always inspired his fans with his rowdy guitar playing and witty, slice-of-life songs.
Celebrating Elvin Bishops birthday last week by featuring tracks from seven albums, including his Grammy nominated collaboration with Charlie Musselwhite 100 Years Of Blues.
Plus selected excerpts with my 2020 interview with Elvin shortly after the album was released.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“One of a handful of truly inventive blues artists...slashing, incendiary guitar” – Chicago Tribune
Kenny Neal stands tall among the younger generation of blues players. His trademark brand of blues, featuring a combination of Louisiana swamp blues, funky rhythms and soul-deep vocals, powered by his slashing guitar playing and--on his solo albums--loping harmonica, puts him at the forefront of contemporary blues players.
I’m featuring a modern blues classic from Kenny Neal this week, by going back to 1994 for his incredible Alligator Records “Hoodoo Moon”.
Plus new releases from Ruthie Foster, Shemekia Copeland, Duke Robillard, JD Simo and Luther Dickinson, Vanessa Collier, Eddie 9V, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Eric Bibb.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Everything that makes Otis a unique master of his form is here to savor, from his passionate vocals to the shimmering finger vibrato he applies to the liquid tones of his Fender Stratocaster.”
Reeling in the years to 1994 this week with this classic, Otis Rush 1994 release “Ain’t Enough Comin In”
Plus a dozen of the hottest new releases in stores this week with tracks from Jontavious Willis, Ruthie Foster , Duke Robillard, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Eddie 9V, Sonny Gullage, Shemekia Copeland and Jovin Webb.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Like no other electric blues guitarist of his generation, Albert Collins illuminated a stage with incandescent energy whenever he plugged his lethal Telecaster into an amp and let fly with his frigid, minor-key-laced licks.”
Remembering Albert Collins birthday this week, by featuring his cracking 1991 Pointblank Records release Iceman.
Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Southern Avenue, Mitch Woods, Eddie 9v, Greg Nagy, Jimmy Carpenter, Vanessa Collier, Jd Simo Luther Dickinson, Duke Robillard and the amazing Ruthie Foster.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"nobody has released more consistently excellent blues albums than Atlanta's Tinsley Ellis. He sings like a man possessed and wields a mean lead guitar." Billboard
Diving back into 1994 again this week, as part of my ongoing celebration of the programs 30 years on air, to feature Tinsley Ellis Alligator Records classic “Storm Warning”
Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland , Southern Avenue, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Tab Benoit, Greg Nagy, Vaneese Thomas and Zac Harmon.
#blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespoecast #shemekiacopeland #southernavenue #dukerobillard #ronniebakerbrooks, #tabbenoit #gregnagy #vaneesethomas #zacharmon
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Shemekia Copeland is the greatest blues singer of her generation.” –The Washington Post
I’m taking a good hard listen to just some of the very best of the new releases taking up space on my hard drive this month.
Featuring songs from the latest releases by Shemekia Copeland, Canned Heat, Duke Robillard, Chris Cain, Curtis Salgado, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Frank Sultana, Jontavious Willis, Vaneese Thomas, Jovin Webb, Colin James, Albert Castiglia, Guy Davis, Sonny Gullage, Zac Harmon, Tab Benoit, Greg Nagy and Mark Hummel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Rambler's Blues," the shuffling hip-shaker that opens Charlie Musselwhite's The Well, is the most autobiographical statement he's ever made -- until you listen to the rest of the record...
The most compelling thing about The Well is its lack of pretension; Musselwhite has risen to the task of recording a completely autobiographical album that refuses easy clichés, or resting on laurels; its energy is infectious…
The Well is different from any recording Musselwhite's done before, but it also represents him and his experience of the blues in a singular and profound way. It's damn near perfect.”
With Charlie Musselwhite and his incredible band arriving in Australia this week, I’m featuring his incredible 2010 Alligator Records release The Well.
Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Chris Cain, Duke Robillard, Guy Davis, Tab Benoit, Albert Castiglia, Zac Harmon and Mark Hummel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
**“The Paladins are a renowned American roots rock and rockabilly band that has been captivating audiences with their electrifying performances for over three decades. Formed in 1980 in San Diego, California, the group consists of Dave Gonzalez on guitar and vocals, Thomas Yearsley on bass guitar and vocals, and Brian Fahey on drums.
Known for their unique blend of rockabilly, blues, and country, The Paladins have carved out a distinct sound that sets them apart from their contemporaries… the band infuses their music with a raw energy and infectious enthusiasm that is impossible to resist.”**
Continuing my flashback to 1994 when the program began this week by featuring The Paladins classic release Ticket Home. A favourite of mine, I’m thrilled to be joined by the bands Thomas Yearsley to talk about the record and how life was for the band 30 yrs ago when it was recorded and released.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“For much of Kim Wilson's musical career he was the original harmonica player for the legendary Texas band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Some say it was Jimmie Vaughn's work at the heart of that group, but l'm convinced that it was Wilson's harp that set the tone and muscle for that group. It was his wailing yet controlled playing that set that group apart from most blues band throughout the '70s and '80s. This second solo offering clearly shows him to have the feel and energy, plus the musical acumen and virtuosity, necessary to be declared one of the best blues harp players on the scene today.”
Harking back to 1994 for this weeks BWAF Classic Album Feature with Kim Wilsons 2nd release for Antones records “That’s Life”.
Plus new releases Shemekia Copeland, Albert Castiglia, Jontavious Willis, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Frank Sultana, Colin James, Mark Hummel and Tab Benoit.
#kimwilson #blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #shakeyshaun_ #blues #shemekiacopeland #albertcastiglia #jontaviouswillis #fabulousthunderbirds #franksultana #colinjames #markhummel #tabbenoit
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"A burn-down-the-house live performer. The multi-talented Allison is a soulful singer, an excellent, original songwriter, and a powerful guitarist, equally capable of playing screaming slide, scratchy soul rhythm and stabbing single-note solos, all with overflowing energy, abundant confidence and a deft touch...high-intensity. Allison delivers dancing-on-a-razor's-edge West Side guitar. He comes on like a guitar-slinging Otis Redding, delivering the sweet and sour r&b ballads with heart-stopping intensity."
--GUITAR WORLD
With Luther Allisons birthday last week, and as part of my continuing look into the great blues releases of 1994, I’m featuring his remarkable, groundbreaking Alligator Records debut “Soul Fixin Man”.
Plus a bunch of incredible new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Mark Hummel, Tab Benoit, Guy Davis, Jontavious Willis, Gary Nicholson, Frank Sultana and Jovin Webb.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A fire-breathing live set from one of the greatest and most celebrated Chicago bluesmen. "Searing and expressive...he strikes with no-holds-barred ferocity"--DOWN BEAT
The great Son Seals would have celebrated a birthday last week and I wanted to mark the occasion by featuring this explosive show. Recorded at Buddy Guys Legends over three nights, it’s Son Seals in smoking form out front of his incredible band.
Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland and Guy Davis and Australian tour previews and information about Charlie Musselwhite and Chris Cain.
#blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #blueswithafeeling #shakeyshaun_ #sonseals #badaxe #alligatorrecords #charliemusselwhite #chriscain #gympiemuster #chicagoblues
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Chris Cain is one of the most brilliant and vital figures making music of any kind...He’s near legendary on the blues scene...an extraordinarily talented, consummate musician delivering passionate, heartfelt vocals, potent, superb playing and marvelous songs.” –Blues Music Magazine
With Chris Cains imminent arrival in Australia and the recent release of his latest Alligator Records release Good Intentions Gone Bad, I couldn’t resist the urge to sit down with Chris and chat about the record, about guitars, songwriting and Albert King.
Plus new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Guy Davis and Curtis Salgado.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since 1974, The Robert Cray Band has been touring and recording their unique groove,
born from a love of Soul, R&B, Gospel, Blues and Rock n Roll.
The five-time Grammy winner has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned the Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance.
The Robert Cray Band has released over twenty acclaimed albums and has sold millions worldwide. “The Band continues with the same enthusiasm and joy in what we do, and no matter the accolades,” says Robert. “Today is all that matters!”
Dialing back the years for a Blues With A Feeling Classic album feature this week, 1993s Robert Cray classic “Shame and a Sin”.
Plus new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Shemekia Copeland, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Chris Cain, Lisa Anderson, Jontavious Willis and Jubu Smith.
Plus tour information on upcoming Australian tours by Charlie Musselwhite and Chris Cain.
blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast
#thegabulousthunderbirds #shemekiacopeland #rickestri&thenightcats #chriscain #robertcray #robertcrayband #lisalittlebabyanderson #jontaviouswillis #charliemusselwhite #jubusmith
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“In 1965, British blues artist John Mayall enlisted Eric Clapton – then a rising guitar virtuoso – to join his band, the Bluesbreakers. While their musical partnership would only last for one album, the guitarist’s imprint was mighty. Affectionately known as “the Beano album” (as it features Clapton reading the British comic on its jacket cover), 1966’s Bluesbreakers forever changed the landscape of rock music.”
Following the sad passing of the legend John Mayall last week, I’m paying tribute to the godfather of British blues by featuring this groundbreaking and highly influential 1966 release John Mayall with Eric Clapton Bluesbreakers. The standout release of 1966 that changed the face of popular music forever and gave rock blues its place in modern music.
Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Kevin Welch, Charlie Musselwhite, Chris Cain, Mondo Cortez and The Chicago Blues Angels, Sonny Gullage, Parlour Greens, Jontavious Willis and Blues Arcadia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New on CD, The Dead Reckoning Years! A retrospective of Kevin’s Dead Reckoning Records releases, it includes some of his finest work, and was first out as a vinyl-only release in 2017.
“There’s always been a squabble between art and commerce. Around 1995 the Dead Reckoning crew just kinda bowed out.
We decided to do what nobody in town (except Prine and Al) were doing. We had no money, and we didn’t have a business guy like Al, but we had each other, and together we were a real good band. We’d play on each other’s records for free. We’d sell them to people. We started there. We made a lot of joyful noise.”
I’m thilled to be joined on the show this week by the great Kevin Welch, ahead of his SE Qld shows early in August. Featuring songs from the 2017 release The Dead Reckoning Years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Harmonica virtuoso Musselwhite raises the level of emotional expression on his instrument beyond even the masters he learned from…the grizzled veteran richly decorates his music with telling nuance and chiseled detail.” – San Francisco Chronicle**
With Charlie Musselwhite and his sensational band heading to Australia in September, I’ve dug deep into the Blues With A Feeling record library to revisit this 1993 Alligator Records classic “In My Time”
Plus new releases from Chris Cain, Shemekia Copeland, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Rick Estrin & the Nightcats.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Deep in the Blues is a fascinating jam session between James Cotton, guitarist Joe Louis Walker, and jazz bassist Charlie Haden. The trio runs through a number of classic blues songs written by Muddy Waters, Percy Mayfield, and Sonny Boy Williamson and a few originals by Walker and Cotton.”
Celebrating the remarkable life in music this week of James Cotton, by featuring his Grammy winning 1996 release Deep In The Blues.
Plus some wonderful new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Mondo Cortez and The Chicago Blues Angels, Curtis Salgado, Jubu Smith, Chris Cain and Parlour Greens.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Blues Summit is the thirty-third studio album by B.B. King released in 1993 through the MCA label. The album won a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Traditional Blues Album.
It is the first of three duet albums in King's studio album discography. Unlike Deuces Wild and 80, all the guests come from the blues and R&B scene. The only song which is not a duet is the original "I Gotta Move Out Of This Neighborhood", which segues into "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother" (originally from Indianola Mississippi Seeds). All songs feature the B.B. King band of the era except for "Playin' With My Friends" (the only other new song on the album) and "You Shook Me", where the accompaniment comes from the Robert Cray Band, plus "Everybody's Had the Blues" featuring Joe Louis Walker's band.”
Digging further back into 1994 this week, with this Brammy winning classic from the late great BB King.
Plus new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Chris Cain, Parlour Greens and Connoly Hayes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The Fabulous Thunderbirds is a familiar name for anyone into contemporary blues and blues rock. This is the band that created classic albums like T-Bird Rhythm and Tuff Enuff, powered by hits like the title track and “Wrap It Up,” Tuff Enuff went platinum, selling more than one million copies. Led by founding member Kim Wilson, the Fabulous Thunderbirds have been nominated for Grammy Awards six times and for Blues Music Awards more than 20 times.”
I’ve pulled together a show packed full of the very best new releases that are hitting my inbox this month. Featuring some incredible music from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Canned Heat, Rory Block, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Parlour Greens, Connoly Hayes, Jubu Smith, Lisa Anderson, Kid Anderson, Cedric Burnside, Pete Cornelius, Toronzo Cannon and Doug Macleod. Plus songs by Charlie Musselwhite and Chris Cain who are touring Australia in the next couple of months.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Hammond Jr. made the leap to the Virgin blues division Pointblank with Got Love If You Want It in 1992, but he truly made an artistic comeback with its follow-up, Trouble No More, an excellent collection split between solo acoustic numbers and storming electric blues. For the electric numbers, he's supported by Little Charlie & the Nightcats who give Hammond a surprisingly gritty and flexible support. But the heart of the album is in the acoustic cuts, where he proves that he has absorbed the Delta blues completely. These are among his finest acoustic work, and they're what makes Trouble No More such an impressive effort. Thom Owens
Continuing my exploration of the classic albums of 1994, Im thrilled to feature John Hammonds wonderful Point Blank release Trouble No More. Plus new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Curtis Salgado, Lisa Anderson, Bobby Christina Caravan, Jim Keller and Billy Price.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I always felt that Buddy Guy’s two Grammy award–winning ’90s releases—Damn Right I’ve Got the Blues and Feels Like Rain—were fine examples of the legendary guitarist’s crossover blues, but when I wanted to hear him at his raw, sweaty, string-strangling best I found myself going back to his fierce 1981 Alligator release, Stone Crazy.
That’s not a requirement anymore, though, because the man largely responsible for inspiring the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton found real magic in his fingertips on Slippin’ In, resulting in some of the most riveting guitar work in his 34-year recording career.
Guy recorded half of Slippin’ In in Chicago with his band, and the other half down Austin, Texas way with Vaughan’s former Double Trouble lineup. Maybe it was the idea of playing with close friend Vaughan’s old band that inspired Guy to play his guts out; maybe having Chuck Berry piano genius Johnnie Johnson on board drove him to it.
Perhaps it was the production and engineering skills of Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin) that made the difference in capturing Guy’s guitar at full fever.
Whatever the reason, you can’t help but be moved by Guy’s impassioned instrumental outbursts on trusty gems by Charles Brown (“Please Don’t Drive Me Away”), Jimmy Reed (“Shame, Shame, Shame”), and especially Lowell Fulson (“Love Her with a Feeling”).
The guy sings his ass off too, so you don’t have to be a guitar nut to dig this 50-minute platter of prime blues cuts.” Steve Newton
Continuing my deep dive back into 1994 this week by featuring Buddy Guys ’94’s classic Grammy award wining Silvertone Records release “Slippin In”.
Plus new releases from Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Toronzo Cannon, Louis King, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Jubu Smith.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jimmie Vaughan’s first solo album includes a subdued country gospel blues eulogy for his late brother Stevie Ray in the form of “Six Strings Down,” Written by Art and Cyril Neville. The bulk of the recording though, comes in the form of the relentless, Texas blues rave ups that made Jimmie the solid rock of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Dr John gives a New Orleans Shufftle to two songs he co-wrote with Jimmie, but more typical is the first single Boom-Bappa-Boom, which boasts a hypnotic rhythm perfectly described by its title. Jimmie’s refusal to play an unnecessary note makes his groove irrestible.
Rickey Wright
Continuing my celebration of Blues With A Feelings 30th year this week by throwing back to Jimmie Vaughan’s Grammy nominated 1994 classic album Strange Pleasure.
Plus new tracks from Kid & Lisa Andersen, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jubu and Toronzo Cannon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blues legend Taj Mahal has put out a finely crafted album mixing blues and pop like he's never done before. The album starts up with a screaming harmonica on "Blues Ain't Nothing," one of two tunes that Taj penned.
Bill Payne and Richie Hayword (from Little Feat) help out on Howlin' Wolf's "Sitting on Top of The World." Good ol' rock n' roll can be heard on Fats Domino's "l'm Ready." Etta James (who was recently in Ann Arbor at the Blues & Jazz Festival) belts out a hot duet on "Mockingbird." The Hoochi Coochi Coo" will get those two left feet up on the dance floor.
Drenched with blues, "Going to the River" will make a grown person cry in their beer. Listen for "Mockingbird" and "Blue Light Boogie" on WDET. This is a fun record to listen to, and hey, that's what music is all about.
--By Tom Rule I’ve had Taj Mahal on my mind since his birthday on the 17th and with that in mind, Im featuring this week Taj’s 1993 classic “Dancing The Blues”
Plus new releases by Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Kid & Lisa Anderson, Billy Price. Toronzo Cannon and Curtis Salgado.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recorded in 1971, but unreleased in the U.S. until 1999, B.B. King's Live in Japan deserves high marks for exuberance alone…
Live in Japan may not have the long-standing reputation of Cook County Jail or Live at the Regal but it's an excellent album, with a decidedly different feel from these two classics. King's obvious enthusiasm for his music and for his audience is infectious, and you can hear the sheer joy of it in every note.
Genevieve Williams
I’ve had BB King on my mind for weeks and I can’t wait to feature for you, this little known classic live album.
Plus new releases from Cedric Burnside, Curtis Salgado and Toronzo Cannon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Blues Music Awards brings together Blues performers, industry representatives, and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.
The BMAs are generally recognized as the highest honor given to blues musicians and are awarded by vote of Blues Foundation members.
The Renasant Convention Center was packed with blues musicians, fans, and music-world luminaries on May 9th, anxious to see who would be the winners at the 45th Annual Blues Music Awards. Besides awarding honors in 25 categories…
I’m thrilled to bring to you a selection of songs from this years incredible list of winners.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram was the big winner of the night hauling in four awards including “Album of the Year” for Live in London.
Other multiple award winners included Mike Zito, Bobby Rush, Ruthie Foster, and John Primer.
blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #bluesfoundation #bluesmusicawards #christonekingfishingram #ruthiefoster #mikezito #bobbyrush #johnprimer
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“AUSTRALIA! After five years away, we're coming back this May and we're bringing the New Orleans funk with us! Join us all across your fine nation”
Less than a week now till Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentleman arrive here in Australia so I’m bringing the funk on this weeks show by featuring the bands incredible recorded here in Australia live set Mo Hoppa.
Plus new releases from Cedric Burnside, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Sue Foley, Chris O’Leary, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Eric Bibb.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Grammy award winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Jon Cleary returns for his first Australian tour in five years with his band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, to celebrate twenty years since the band’s inception and first album.
London born, but a longtime resident of New Orleans, Jon has enjoyed a dizzying career, having graced stages alongside Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Allen Toussaint, Dr John, Brian May, Robert Plant, D’Angelo, Eric Clapton, Mavis Staples, Boz Scaggs, James Taylor, Charles Brown, Ike Turner… The list goes on.”
Thrilled to be joined by Jon Cleary on the show this week as he prepares for Jazz Fest in New Orleans, ahead of his Australian tour in May. To celebrate, Im featuring Jons very cool 2023 release So Swell.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I am an American world musician, Texas drive.” Brown has roots in the hard-swinging big-band blues ‘n’ boogie he recorded for Aladdin and Peacock in the 40s, but today his music is a kaleidoscope of western swing, Cajun, hard-core country, funk, rock, and jazz. His guitar style still echoes T-Bone Walker–even at its most emotive, it stays pristine and precise.
Chicago Reader
Its 30 years since Clarence Gatemouth Brown went into the studio to record this classic 1994 Verve Records release and I’m throwing a blues part to celebrate. Plus new releases from Jon Cleary, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats and Cedric Burnside.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials are the hottest purveyors of bottleneck boogie to come out of Chicago since
Hound Dog Taylor.”
– The Chicago Sun-Times
“Raw-boned, old-fashioned Chicago blues
has a new young master
–Lil’ Ed Williams.”
– The New York Times
With Lil Ed Williams enjoying a birthday on April 8, I’ve pulled a classic album for this weeks show, the bands debut release for Alligator Records “Roughhousin” For all your houserockin needs, down miss this Chicago Blues classic.
Plus new releases from Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Katie Henry, James Harman, Marcel Smith and Sue Foley.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Mooney is one of a handful of younger blues players who has forged his own style, a jarring juxtaposition of angular Delta guitar and funky New Orleans backbeats. He explores the dark sides of those traditions in Against the Wall, a harrowing and stark work. Mooney's voice and guitar, both quivering, conjure up the image of a lost soul at a Delta crossroads at midnight; his shadowy bass- and-drum rhythm section evokes the ominous powers of voodoo.”
All Music
Overdue for a classic album feature, I’ve dug deep into the Blues With A Feeling library this week to bring you this sensational album, John Mooneys 1996 classic “Against The Wall” A particular favourite of mine, I’m thrilled to feature this incredible record for you this week.
Plus new releases from Cedric Burnside, James Harman, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Sue Foley, Eric Bibb and Anthony Geraci.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“A welcome ray of sunshine…Ball is a killer pianist, a great singer and songwriter. Potent blues, sweet zydeco, soulful, fast and furious Texas boogie…heartfelt, powerful and righteous.” – Billboard
“Rollicking, playful, good-time blues and intimate, reflective balladry…her songs ring with emotional depth.”
– Rolling Stone
I’ve cooked up a very cool show this week, celebrating Women in Blues in general and Marcia Ball in particular with this killer live set from the 2005 Alligator Records release Live! Down The Road. Full of what makes Marcia Balls music so loved.
Plus tracks from the latest releases from Sue Foley and Angela Strehli.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Consisting of tapes recorded live over two nights in March of 1985 at the Belly Up Tavern in Soldano Beach, California, this captures James Harman and one of his best bands in full cry…
Harman and the boys kick hard and heavy through half a dozen of his better-known numbers…
The guitar interplay between Hollywood Fats and Kid Ramos is textbook in its accuracy and passion, and the rocksteady rhythm section of Stephen Hodges on drums and William Campbell keeps things totally in groove territory every beat of the way”
Cub Koda
Shaun’s pulled another classic live recording for this weeks Blues With A Feeling Live Focus.
Featuring the incredible James Harman Band – Strictly Live ’85.
Plus a selection of incredible new releases from Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Sue Foley, Tinsley Ellis, Marcel Smith, Ben Harper and James Harman himself.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Myers is no stranger to irony, as his ballad "Shedding Tears of Laughter" attests, and he covers tunes by Little Walter, B.B. King and Elmore James with considerable authority. Yet it's mostly Funderburgh's far-ranging but always tasteful guitar work -- check out his evocative homages to James, Albert Collins and Freddie King -- that make "Live at the Grand Emporium" sound really grand.”
Washington Post
A modern blues classic for you this week as Shaun delves back into the mid 90s for this wonderful live show from Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets feat. Sam Myers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The ultimate “blues brother”, Eric Bibb, is known and revered globally as a fiery singer-songwriter with true soul, grounded in the folk/blues tradition but with contemporary sensibilities.
Testament to his endurance as one of the most relevant, leading bluesmen of our time, Eric’s most recent album, Ridin’, has received a Grammy nomination in the Best Traditional Blues Album category.”
After an extensive sell-out tour in early 2023 and with a new Grammy nomination in hand, blues legend Eric Bibb has announced his return to Australia and New Zealand, back by popular demand to play at select venues around the two countries in May and June, 2024.
With Eric Bibb returning to Australia in 2024, I’ve taken to the opportunity to sit down with Eric and talk about his latest release, the Grammy nominated “Ridin” Its an incredible record and Im thrilled to have Eric join me on the show once again.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I’ve put together a great collection of new release tracks this week. There’s some incredible blues hitting the shelves at the moment and I’m looking forward to blessing your ears with just some of the very best.
Featuring songs from the late great James Harman, Jon Cleary, Cedric Burnside, Eric Bibb, Sue Foley, Taj Mahal, DK Harrell, Checkerboard Lounge, John Primer, JJ Grey & Mofro, Mike Wheeler, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, Tom Hambridge and plenty more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Jimmy Rogers was very much a musician's musician -- the kind of guitarist that earned accolades from contemporaries and successors alike -- yet one who never wins a wide, mainstream audience. Blues Blues Blues was designed as the album that would find Rogers a larger audience, and as such, it has all the bells and whistles of a big-deal blues album.”
All Music
Its been 25 year since the release of Jimmy Rogers final album release Blues Blues Blues and Shaun’s celebrating by featuring this album in its entirety. Featuring an astonishing array of special guests which includes Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Stephen Stills, Taj Mahal and many more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"a set of scorching performances that remind us not of what she might have been, but what she is—a natural-born singer who's learned hard lessons by living them.”
The Rolling Stone Album Guide
With legendary Austin Texas based singer Lou Ann Barton celebrating a birthday last week, I’ve dug deep into the catalogue of Antones Records for this absolute gem from 1989 “Read my Lips”.
Plus new releases from Tinsley Ellis, Sue Foley, Chris O’Leary, Dillion James and the Allman Betts Band.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the 2024 Grammy award winners announced just a week ago, Shaun’s highlighting winners in a couple of categories that are right up Blues With A Feelings alley.
You’ll hear tracks from Best Traditional Blues winner Bobby Rush, Best Contemporary Blues album winners Larkin Poe, The winner of the Best Large Jazz Ensemble The Count Basie Orchestra and one of two that tied for Best Regional Roots album Buckwheat Zydeco Jr and The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band.
4 superb albums from 4 incredible acts, it’s a glorious celebration of the music worlds very best for 2024.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's pulled together an awesome mix of songs for this weeks New Release spotlight.
Featuring some of the very best new releases to hit the BWAF desk in the last little while, you'll hear tracks by Taj Mahal, Tracey Nelson, Chris O’Leary, Tom Hambridge, Jason Ricci & the Bad Kind, Danielle Nicole, Tinsley Ellis, JJ Grey & Mofro, Steve Freund, Candice Ivory, John Primer, Monster Mike Welch, The Wicked Lowdown, Joel Astley, Kevin Burt and Bernard Allison.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Etta James has worked in countless styles throughout her long career, and she is equally at home singing gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, and even rock & roll, but her roots have always been solidly planted in the blues, and she is arguably the finest living singer active in the genre. Perhaps because she doesn't sing only the blues, however, when she does, it sticks out as something special” All Music
With Etta James birthday on January 25, Shaun's throwing another classic Blues With A Feeling birthday for one of the all time great voices, by featuring her wonderful Granny award winning 2004 release Blues To The Bone.
With special guest guitarist and producer Bobby Murray, who joins Shaun for a lovely chat about working with Etta on and off the road for 23 years.
Plus new releases from Tinsley Ellis, JJ Grey & Mofro, Ash Grunwald and Chris O’Leary
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legendary blues guitarist Luther Tucker celebrated a birthday this week and Shaun’s celebrating by featuring his Antones records release Sad Hours.
Plus with the announcement of the Blues Foundations Hall of Fame class of 2024, he’s featuring tracks by a selection of the artists that will be inducted in May. Including Lurrie Bell, Jimmy Rushing, OV Wright, Odetta and Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"He's a seminal force, a guru, and original creator of the New Orleans piano style...the teacher of great players like Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Mac Rebennack, James Booker and Huey Smith. All acknowledge him as The Great Master."--Jerry Wexler
With the great Professor Longhairs birthday this week, Shaun’s pulled another classic album feature for you “Crawfish Fiesta”. Featuring Dr John on guitar and Johnny Vidacovich on drums, its ‘Fess at his very best.
Plus new release from The Allman Betts band and Larry McCray.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“All Over You is a forgotten gem, remastered and presented here for the first time on vinyl, nearly 25 years to do the day after its original release. Recorded raw with a band pulled from the ranks of Austin's legendary Antone's Nightclub, this session finds an older, laid-back Lester revisiting his classic Excello sides and distilling them to their essence.”
With the re-release of this wonderful record a cpl of weeks ago, Shauns put together another Blues With A Feeling classic album feature.
Plus new releases from Bobby Rush, Christone Ingram, Monster Mike Welch and Betty LaVette.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg “Fingers” Taylor passed away on November 23, 2023 at the age of 71.
Greg “Fingers” Taylor was an American harmonica and blues artist best known for his work with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band.
In addition to appearing on tour for over 30 plus years and on the majority of Buffett’s albums. Fingers also recorded with James Taylor, Chris LeDoux, Jerry Jeff Walker, Mac McAnally, Little Milton, Al Kooper, Jimmy Hall, Tim Krekel, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Michael Nesmith, Bo Diddley, Larry Raspberry, Debbie Davies, Don Nix and The Tams.
Fingers was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2011.
With the sad passing of Greg Taylor last month, Shaun’s playing selected tracks from his five solo albums, plus excerpts from a Paul Leslie interview backstage with Fingers in 2006.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rosco Gordon was an American blues singer, pianist, and songwriter.
He is best known for his hit songs "Booted," "No More Doggin', and "Just a Little Bit". Gordon was a pioneer of the Memphis blues style.
He played piano in a style known as the "Rosco rhythm," with the emphasis on the off-beat.
This rhythm was an influence on later musical styles such as Jamaican ska and reggae. (Wikipedia)
Don’t miss this wonderful show as Shaun features the great Rosco Gordons classic Duke Robillard produced Stony Plain records release Memphis Tennessee, with an added bonus as broadcaster and label boss Holger Peterson chats with Rosco about his incredible life in the blues.
Plus new releases from Christone Ingram, Marcel Smith, Tom Hambridge and Bobby Rush.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the release of the full list of nominees in the two blues categories in the 2024 Grammy Awards last week, Shaun’s presenting a great mix of tracks from the nominated albums. Featuring Christone Ingram, Eric Bibb, Tracey Nelson, John Primer, Bobby Rush, Ruthie Foster, Larkin Poe, Betty Lavette and Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“A guitarist almost without peer, Spiegel deconstructs how the blues guitar is supposed to operate, makes sweet love to it, then kicks it out the back door” – Australian Guitar Player Magazine
With Lloyd Spiegel in the final weeks of his Bakehouse Dozen Australian tour, he joins Shaun for a chat about life on and off the road, about his new 3 piece band, about guitars and the evolution of the Lloyd Spiegel Cole Clark signature model.
Featuring his latest live record Bakehouse Dozen.
Plus new releases from Bobby Rush, Candice Ivory and Tom Hambridge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
”Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, musical heir to a long line of blues greats from the Mississippi Delta, has been compared to the likes of BB King. But while the legendary guitarist is one of Ingram's favorites, "I kinda think I have my own thing going."
The guitar phenom won a Grammy last year and is a key part of a burgeoning blues revival in his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, bringing the licks and wails that define the genre to a new generation. And this is at just 24 years old.”
60 minutes
With the end of the year approaching, Shauns taking a deep dive into some of the best of the current new releases hitting the stands.
Grammy winning rising star Christone Ingram is joined by Mattias Lattin, Monster Milke Welch, Robert Finley, The Wicked Lowdown, Blackburn Brothers, Bobby Rush, Candice Ivory, Chris O’Leary, DK Harrell, Sue Foley, Fiona Boyes, Frank L Goldwasser, Jason Ricci & the Bad Kind, Joel Astley and Lloyd Spiegel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Elvin Bishop’s 2007 release Booty Bumpin’, captures the blues legend at home in front of a live audience, doing what he does best; stirring up a party with a bluesy stew of slide guitar and groovin’ rhythms. With a set featuring both old favorites and recent triumphs, the album exemplifies why Elvin has become one of the most respected and beloved artists to come out of the 60’s blues-rock explosion.”
allaboutjazz.com
Shauns pulled a ripping life set from Elvin Bishop this week to get your week off right. Plus tracks from new releases by Sue Foley, Candice Ivory, Marc Stone and Nat Myers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Jackie Venson is truly an Austin legend in the making”
FORBES MAGAZINE
With Jackie Venson added to the lineup for then 35th Bluesfest at Byron Bay in 2024, Shaun’s joined by this incredible artist for a chat about her life in music, cut together with tracks from her 2021 release “Love Transcends”.
Plus new releases from Sue Foley, Robert Finley, Nat Myers, Christone Kingfish Ingram, DK Harell, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind and Nick Clark.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“When Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ met in the studio to record this album, the synergy was akin to a supernova, pairing two of the biggest stars in the blues world, and this release, which combines the efforts of two of the music universe’s brightest lights, is certain to be essential listening for perpetuity.”
Bluesblast magazine 2017
With Taj Mahal announced last week as set to appear at Bluesfest 2024 and Keb Mo celebrating a birthday last week, Shaun’s featuring this celebrated album, the 2018 Best Contemporary Blues album Grammy award winner TajMo.
Plus new releases from Bobby Rush, Jason Ricci & the Bad Kind, Jackie Venson, Tom Hambridge and Christone Kingfish Ingram.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Mike was an extraordinary talent, as at home with bluegrass and old-time fiddle music as he was with the blues. He was a superb blues harp player too.” Mark Knopfler
With the sad passing of the great Mike Henderson just over a week ago, Shaun’s joined by master singer/songwriter Kevin Welch to remember this remarkable talent. With tracks from four incredible albums. Edge Of Night, First Blood, Thicker Than Water and If You Think It’s Hot Here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram has already made his mark as one of the best, and undoubtedly most exciting, blues guitarists in the world.” –Guitar World
Over the course of blues history, there are a small number of live albums that have stood the test of time to become classics of the genre—Muddy Waters’ At Newport 1960, B.B. King’s Live In Cook County Jail and Albert King’s Live Wire/Blues Power are among these deeply rooted, highly emotional and truly iconic recordings. And now comes Live In London, the jaw-dropping third album from GRAMMY Award-winning, 24-year-old Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Recorded on June 6, 2023, in front of a sweaty, sold-out, standing-room-only crowd at the famous UK club, The Garage, Live In London is the guitar-driven live album Kingfish’s fans around the world have been clamoring for since they first watched him perform as a teenager on YouTube.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“James Edward "Snooky" Pryor was an American Chicago blues harmonica player. He claimed to have pioneered the now-common method of playing amplified harmonica by cupping a small microphone in his hands along with the harmonica.”
There’s a lot more to Snooky Pryors career than just that snippet of history but it says a lot about his role in the development of post WW 2 electric Chicago Blues.
With Snooky celebrating a birthday on the 15th, Shaun’s pulled a classic album feature from deep in the back catalogue of Antones Records With classic backing from a first call list of sidemen, rarely seen before or since. Snooky Pryors 1994 release In This Mess Up To My Chest.
Plus new releases from Christone Kingfish Ingram, Candice Ivory, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind and Monster Mike Welch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“He didn’t just play the guitar—he attacked it.
His authoritative presence and vigorous showmanship earned him the nickname the “Texas Cannonball.”
His heavy-handed licks can still be heard today in the playing of Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor, all King acolytes.
Blues innovator Freddie King sang like a lion and struck his guitar’s strings with rattlesnake intensity.
Those talents, along with his compositional brilliance, took King to the pinnacle of success in the blues world of the sixties and seventies.”
Ted Drozowski
With Freddie King celebrating a birthday early in September, Shaun’s dug deep into the Blues With A Feeling library for an absolute classic, 1972s Shelter Records release Texas Cannonball.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was the great singer, songwriter and piano player Memphis Slims birthday this week and Shaun’s celebrating by featuring his classic collaboration with Buddy Guy “Southside Reunion”. Rollicking piano led Chicago blues recorded in France while Buddy was on tour with The Roling Stones.
Plus new releases from Ray Beadle, DK Harrell, The Wicked Lowdown, Nick Moss Band feat Denis Gruenling, Bobby Rush, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind and Monster Mike Welch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“In a career that has spanned more than four decades, Robert Cray has played with virtually all the guitar giants: Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, and Keith Richards. And in the process, the Strat-wielding bluesman himself became a giant”
The blues guitarist celebrates 40 years in the biz with a jam-packed box set that blends new and old live recordings and video interviews.
Premier Guitar Aug 2015
Continuing Shaun’s Robert Cray Birthday celebrations this week by featuring this wonderful live recording of the Robert Cray Band at the peak of their powers – 4 Nights of 40 Years Live.
Plus tracks from the latest releases by Nic Clark, Robert Finley and the Nick Moss Band feat.Denis Gruenling
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“This was the album thought to have put Cray on the map, prior to his explosion into the mainstream with Strong Persuader in 1986. It was his second release and his first on High Tone Records… The most well-known and memorable song off the album was probably the funky minor-key blues song, "Phone Booth," later covered by his idol Albert King.”
Its 40 yrs this month since the release of Robert Crays Bad Influence album and Shauns celebrating this week by featuring this quite wonderful record on the show this week.
Plus new releases from Nick Clark, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, DK Harrell and Ray Beadle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It is not by chance that Ray has become a favourite amongst Australian music fans. An exhilarating guitarist, an enthralling singer-songwriter, and an extremely talented performer, Ray Beadle is the genuine article, his music comes deep from the heart and soul, stirring emotions in people with his guitar genius. Ray’s music is rich with a deep history of the Blues; Rich from 20 years of experiences garnered from performing nationally and internationally; and rich from a deep understanding of his instrument and how to make it stir something within the listener. He knows that’s what the Blues is about.”
Ray Beadles new record "Bound To Get The Blues" is in stores now and with he and the band in Brisbane this week to launch the new album, Shaun's joined by Ray on the show for a chat. Plus tracks from three of Rays previous releases.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Newly re-mastered from the original tapes, this classic live blues album features Buddy Guy at the height of his powers, tearing through a blistering and virtuosic set.”
With Buddy Guy celebrating his 87th birthday on July 30, Shaun’s pulled a live classic from 1968 “This is Buddy Guy”. Its classic Buddy aged in his early 30’s, finally stepping out and recording as an artist in his own right. As the impact of his incredible musicianship was felt throughout the world with the British Blues Boom of the late 60’s.
Plus new releases from Ray Beadle, Alabama Mike, Robert Connely Farr, Lloyd Spiegel, Willie J, Nick Moss Band feat. Denis Gruenling, Monster Mike Welch and Selwyn Birchwood.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“All Night Long is a big, scruffy racket of an electric blues album, and it's fantastic material, a mix of charging, biting rhythms, intense slow blues, hollerin', stompin' and moanin'. The lack of studio polish is a big plus here - and the energy is wonderful. A great electric blues portrait that's getting widespread attention at last -- and deserves it all.”
This weeks Blues With A Feeling feature album is a modern classic. Junior Kimbroughs “All Night Long” North Mississippi Hill Country Blues played by the very best.
Plus a birthday shout out to Buddy Guy for his 87th and new releases from Lloyd Spiegel, Monster Mike Welch, Ray Beadle, Willie J Campbell and Nic Clark.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Lonnie Mack is a roadhouse blues-rock legend -- modern rock's first true guitar hero. His playing has influenced the course of rock and roll and had an impact on many of modern rock's current guitar heroes, including Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and especially Stevie Ray Vaughan. His early music bridged the gap between '50s rockabilly and the psychedelic blues-rock of the following decade, and, like the best rock and roll, his work continues to embody a mixture of white and black roots music. Rock, blues, soul and country -- Lonnie brings them all together for a sound that has been all his own for nearly thirty years.”
It was the great mans birthday a week ago and so to celebrate, Shauns pulled together a collection of classics from his amazing career. Kicking off with the golden days of the early 1960s. All the way through to his late career resurgence of the late 80’s when, with the support of long time fan Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lonnie Macks career had another amazing boost. The best of his years at Alligator records, some cracking live performances and those two groundbreaking guitar instrumentals that saw Lonnie crack the pop charts in 1963.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Seventy years is a long time.
Seventy years before the late Bob Koester founded Delmar (later Delmark) Records while a college student in St. Louis, Buffalo Bill’s travelling Wild West Show debuted, Chester A. Arthur was president, Thomas Edison brought electric light to Roselle, NJ for the first time, and “Black Bart” was in the news for another stagecoach robbery.
When Koester released his first record in 1953, many of the now-iconic figures in blues and jazz were still every day working musicians… Delmark is the oldest independent jazz and blues record label in the world, boasting a catalog bulging with over twelve thousand recordings by a virtual who’s who of jazz and blues.
Although Koester retired in 2018, under the leadership of President/CEO, Julia A. Miller, and Artistic Director Elbio Barilari, Delmark has released over 30 thirty albums in five years, has made digitally available over twelve thousand songs and continues its mission of seeking out and documenting new talent.
To celebrate the 70th anniversary, here are some of the finest tracks from the Delmark blues music vaults.” (From the liner notes by Scott Dirks)
Shaun’s celebrating the Delmark birthday party this week by featuring this wonderful collection of songs by the giants of the blues. Featuring Junior Wells, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Little Walter Jimmy Dawkins and more.
Plus new releases from Ben Harper, the Nick Moss Band feat. Denis Gruenling, Alabama Mike, Deb Callahan, Checkerboard Lounge and DK Harrel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frank Sultana interview and album feature - The Ghosts of Sun.
Frank Sultana is Shauns' guest this week.
Frank was a winner at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January and in the days following that triumph, he ventured down to the legendary Sun Studios to record the new record The Ghosts Of Sun.
Don't miss this acclaimed singer and songwriter as he chats to Shaun about that remarkable achievement in January while taking a dive into the new album.
Plus songs from Selwyn Birchwood, Fiona Boyes and The Mojo Webb Band
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ben Harper unleashes a minimalist jewel with his newest album Wide Open Light.
It’s a record of quiet power and grace that zeroes in on Harper’s ability to make us feel something in every note he produces. Wide Open Light often feels like the thoughts of a middle-aged human and the attempt to use them to understand that stage of life.” Mike Cull – Rock and Blues Muse
Ben Harpers new record is in stores today and Shaun’s celebrating by featuring a song from this wonderful new record. And with the focus on new releases this week, he’s also pulled tracks from the latest by Selwyn Birchwood, Dom Turners Rural Blues Project, Lil Jimmy Reed, Fiona Boyes,GA20, Nick Moss Band feat Denis Bruenling, Lloyd Spiegel, Arlen Roth & Jerry Jemmott, Jen Mize & The Rough & Tumble, Monster Mike Welch and Anthony Resano & The Conquerors.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“A quarter of a century ago, Bob Dylan found vital new life in an album about death’s inexorable approach.
“I’m walking through streets that are dead,” the rock ’n’ roll legend sang — wheezed, really — right at the top of “Time Out of Mind,” which came out in the fall of 1997 to end the longest break he’d ever taken from releasing original material.” LA Times Jan 2023
Another Blues With A Feeling classic album this week. Going back to 1997 and the release of Bob Dylans epic comeback record “Time Out Of Mind”.
A triple Grammy winner, this is the album that restarted Dylans career in the late 90s and still stands up as one of his finest records.
Plus new releases from Monster Mike Welch, Fiona Boyes, Selwyn Birchwood, Duke Robillard and Annika Chambers & Paul DesLaurier.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Of all his later recordings, few captured the joy, hear, and soul of the summit meeting known as Fathers and Sons. The patriarch and his eager disciples had located acres of common musical ground.”
“A masterfully regal performance. Waters’ soloing on “Long Distance Call” alone leaves no doubt that this is the Return of the King”
Shaun’s pulled another all time classic for a Blues With A Feeling feature this week. Muddy Waters 1969 release “Fathers and Sons” A mix of studio and live recordings, featuring members of the Butterfield Blues Band and Otis Spann on piano, this is Muddy's most commercially successful release and a landmark moment in music history.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Classic album feature – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble – In Step
“The magnificent thing about In Step is how it's fully realized, presenting every facet of Vaughan's musical personality, yet it still soars with a sense of discovery. It's a bittersweet triumph, given Vaughan's tragic death a little over a year after its release, yet it's a triumph all the same.”
It was the anniversary of the release of this modern classic this week and to celebrate, I’m featuring for you Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Troubles 1989 Grammy winner In Step in its entirety.
Plus new releases from Jon Cleary, Jen Mize & The Rough & Tumble, Joe Louis Walker, GA-20, Fiona Boyes and Peaches & The Ultrasonics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Rebirth of New Orleans is the quintessential Rebirth Brass Band recording, garnering the group it's first ever GRAMMY AWARD... Rebirth Brass Band continue to raise the bar with their energetic brand of heavy funk arrangements that perpetuate brass tradition while exciting younger generations of listeners and musicians who follow suit.”
It’s the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Rebirth Brass Band this year and I thought I was long overdue for a dive into this incredible band. So here it is, the bands breakthrough hit record “Rebirth of New Orleans”.
Plus new releases from Monster Mike Welch, Fiona Boyes, Selwyn Birchwood, Duke Robillard and Frank Sultana.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“It was T-Bone Walker who really started me to want to play the Blues. I can still hear T-Bone Walker in my mind today from that first record I heard, “Stormy Monday”. He was the first electric guitar player I heard on record. He made me so that I knew I just had to go out and get an electric guitar.” - BB King
It’s the legendary guitar players birthday this week so I’m celebrating with a couple of T-Bone Walker classics.
But that is only the beginning as I’m joined by Jen Mize to chat about her latest project “The Rough & Tumble” as we feature the bands wonderful debut record.
A remarkable talent herself, Jen has put together a top shelf band for this project and it shows.
Incredible songs and wonderful performances indeed.
tbonewalker
blueswithafeelingpodcast
shakeyshaun_
blues
jenmize
jenmize&therough&tumble
jeremyedwards
mitchpower
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Señor Blues is one of Taj Mahal's best latter-day albums, a rollicking journey through classic blues styles performed with contemporary energy and flair.
There's everything from country-blues to jazzy uptown blues on Señor Blues, and Taj hits all of areas in between, including R&B and soul… he's rarely been as effortlessly fun and infectious as he is here.”
Join Shaun for another Blues With A Feeling classic album feature this week. Taj Mahals Grammy award winning classic, as Taj celebrates his 81st birthday.
Plus new releases from Fiona Boyes, Dylan Triplett and Jen Miz & The Rough & Tumble.
blueswithafeelingpodcast
shakeyshaun_
tajmahal
phantombluesband
senorblues
larryfulcher
joncleary
fionaboyes
dylantriplett
jenmize&therough&tumble
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The Renasant Convention Center was packed with blues musicians, fans, and music-world luminaries on May 11th, anxious to see who the winners would be at the 44th Annual Blues Music Awards.
Besides awarding honors in 25 categories, the BMAs, as is its tradition, featured performances from many nominees, with the gala ending in a jubilant all-star jam.”
With all the winners announced on the weekend, Shaun’s diving into the BWAF library to feature songs by many of this year’s worthy winners.
Featuring Buddy Guy, Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, Curtis Salgado, John Primer Tedeschi Trucks Band, Doug MacLeod, Laura Chavez, Sugaray Rayford, Shemekia Copeland, Dylan Triplett, Thornetta Davis, Charlie Musselwhite and Tommy Castro.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the 22nd Blues On Broadbeach Festival coming up on SE Qlds Gold Coast from May 18 - 21, Shaun's put together an amazing selection of songs from just some of the artists set to feature.
Featuring tracks by Kevin Borich, Chris Finnen, Turner Brown Band, Mojo Webb, Minnie Marks, Blues Arcadia, 8 Ball Aitken and Aaron West.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Everything about Albert King was big.
He stood six feet four inches tall and weighed more than two hundred and fifty pounds. One fan who met the great blues guitarist and vocalist later recalled that “his hand was literally twice the size of mine.”
He played a big guitar, a triangular Gibson Flying V shaped like a rocket ship. He named it “Lucy” and played upside-down and left-handed without reversing the order of the strings. And he could play it loud, especially onstage, where his searing, overdriven lead lines, streaked feedback like jet trails from a 747.”
Shaun’s reached deep into the Blues With A Feeling library this week to celebrate the birthday of the great Albert King, Featuring this hard to find classic live set Blues At Sunrise, recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1973,
Plus new releases from Joe Krown, Alabama Mike, Ray Beadle, Jon Cleary, Selwyn Birchwood, Taj Mahal, GA20, Cash Box Kings and Raphael Wressnig Igor Prado.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The essence of my sound is thinking positive and not getting stuck with someone elses sound…
As an artist, you have to have your own identity”
With the great Clarence Gatemouth Brown celebrating a birthday on April 18, Shaun’s celebrating with a classic album feature from 1972s “The Blues Ain’t Nothing
The San Antonio Ball Buster at his very best.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“When Theodore Roosevelt "Hound Dog" Taylor sat down on his battered folding chair, slipped his steel slide onto his six-fingered left hand and tore into one of his foot-stomping shuffles, supercharged boogies or a searing slow blues, he had one thing in mind--making people forget their troubles.
Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers created a rocked-out, hypnotic, ultra-danceable sound that is as emotionally powerful and wildly energizing today as it was the day they produced it.”
With it being Hound Dog Taylors birthday last week, Shauns put together a collection of live HouseRockers songs perfect for getting the kids back to school and ensuring they stay there.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun’s celebrating the birthday of the great Muddy Waters this week with this classic album feature “Im Ready”
Featuring an all-star band with the likes of the legendary Jimmy Rogers on guitar, Walter Horton on harmonica, and the masterful Pine Top Perkins on piano, Muddy Waters “I’m Ready is one of his most revered albums, earning him a Grammy Award in 1978.
Plus songs from the latest releases by Bonnie Raitt, Deb Callahan, Trudy Lynn and Jen Miz & The Rough & Tumble.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Fearless, full-tilt Chicago blues...fervent vocals and soaring harmonica." –Chicago Tribune
"Singer Oscar Wilson and singer-harpist Joe Nosek are are experts in classic Chicago grooves—perfectly evoking Muddy and Little Walter—but they also enchant with original songs both funny and pointed." –MOJO (UK)
With the release of the Cash Box Kings latest Alligator Records release “Oscars Motel” Shaun’s be taking an in depth listen to the new album. And as an added bonus, he's joined by singer Oscar Wilson and bandleader/ harp player Joe Nosek for a chat about the band, the new record and life in post pandemic Chicago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“As close as Buddy Guy's ever likely to come to recapturing the long-lost Chess sound. Cut live at his popular Chicago nightspot, Buddy Guy's Legends, with guitarist GE Smiths horn-leavened Saturday Night Live Band and pianist Johnnie Johnson in lush support, Guy revisits his roots on sumptuous readings of "I've Got My Eyes on You," "Ain't That Lovin' You," "My Time After Awhile," and "First Time I Met the Blues." No outrageous rock-based solos or Cream/Hendrix/Stevie Ray homages; this is the Buddy Guy album that purists have salivated for the last quarter century or so.”
With Buddys arrival in in Australia now just weeks away, I’m celebrating by featuring one of his greatest live recordings, the incredible Live – The Real Deal.
Plus tracks from Bonnie Raitt, Cash Box Kings, Eric Bibb, Jen Mize & The Rough & Tumble, Blues Arcadia, Rick Holmstrom and The Hollywood Fats Band.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“When it comes to the blues today, there are a handful of guiding lights to make sure the music stays true to its powerful source. The sound of pleasure and pain that first sparked musicians to create such a sound is a force that can never be underestimated. The mojo has to be there. For Jimmie Vaughan, he’s dedicated his life to making sure the blues not only stays alive but remains full of life and an inspiration to all who listen. It’s a spirit he holds close to him, and for over 50 years of holding the blues close inside him, Vaughan isn’t about to stop now.”
Help me celebrate Jimmie Vaughans 72nd birthday with a show packed full of classics, selected from his incredible solo albums Strange Pleasure, Out There, Do You Get The Blues, Plays Blues Ballads and Favourites, Plays More Blues Ballads and Favourites, all the way through to 2020s Baby Please Come Home.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Walter Jacobs receives a fitting tribute on this sparkling live recording, bringing together five of the greatest harmonica players currently on the blues scene - Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Boy Arnold, Mark Hummel, James Harman, and Sugar Ray Norcia.”
This weeks wonderful Live Focus features 2013s Remembering Little Walter. A glorious show anchored by a sensational band and I’ve added to the mix with the “behind the scenes” story that nearly ruined the whole party.
As told by producer Mark Hummel, drummer June Core and engineer Kid
Anderson.With thanks to Mark Hummels Harmonica Party.Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Eddie 9V and Taj Mahal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Three-time Australian Blues Music Award winners and Australian Roots Music Award nominees Blues Arcadia combine the legendary soul of Stax and Motown with the heat and power of the Chicago and Memphis blues to create a unique dirty-soul sound delivered with swagger, style, and sensitivity.”
With the release of Blues Arcadias new album “Now Or Never” Shauns joined this week by the bands amazing singer and songwriter Alan Boyle for a chat about the new record and all things Blues Arcadia. Featuring songs from the album and the bands award winning debut “Carnival Of Fools.”
blueswithafeelingpodcast
blueswithafeeling
shakeyshaun_
shaunbindleybluesdj
blues
rhythmandblues
bluesarcadia
bluesguitar
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Bluesfest now just weeks away, Shauns peeled back the layers on the festivals incredible lineup and unearthed some absolute gems.
Featuring the latest single from Christone Kingfish Ingram, and songs from the latest by Buddy Guy, Larkin Poe, Mavis Staples and Ray Beadle.
A Grammy winner from Edgar Winters tribute to “Brother Johnny”
Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Robert Connely Farr, Cash Box Kings, Blues Arcadia, GA20, Dave Gonzales & Susanna Van Tassel, Eddie 9V, Yates McKendree and Joe Louis Walker.
And a classic reissue from the great Chris Wilson.
blueswithafeelingpodcast
blueswithafeeling
shakeyshaun_
shaunbindleybluesdj
realbuddyguy
bluesfestbyronbay
christoneingram
ericbibb
larkinpoe
mavisstaples
raybeadle
robertconnelyfarr
cashboxkings
edgarwinter
johnnywinter
bluesarcadia
ga20
luxerecords
chriswilson
eddie9v
yatesmckendree
joelouiswalker
blues
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The legendary Chicago Blues giant Magic Sams birthday was last week so we’re celebrating this week. By featuring his remarkable Delmark Records release “Black Magic”. Sams reputation was formed on the back of his debut “West Side Soul”, but this is the one.
Plus tracks from Buddy Guy, Eric Bibb and Eddie 9V.
blueswithafeelingpodcast
blueswithafeeling
blues
westsideblues
chicagoblues
bluesguitar
delmarkrecords
magicsam
blackmagic
shakeyshaun_
shaunbindleybluesdj
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After last weeks Grammy winners were announced, I wanted to dig even deeper into the Awards, concentrating on the Blues, Americana and Roots category winners.
Featuring tracks from the Grammy winning albums by Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder, Aaron Neville and The Dirty Dozens Brass Band, Edgar Winter and Ranky Stanky, there is some incredible music featured in the show from these very worthy winners.
Check it out.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A very cool show coming your way this week as Shaun takes a listen to some of this weeks Grammy winners, previews some of the wonderful artists touring or preparing to tour Australia in the next cpl of months and introduces you to some of the outstanding new releases to hit his desk recently.
Featuring Bonnie Raitt, Angela Strehli, Chris Wilson, Shemekia Copeland, Dave Gonzales & Susanna Van Tassel, Charlie Musselwhite, Mike Morgan & The Crawl, Eric Bibb, Larkin Poe, Robert Connely Farr, The Groove Krew feat Nick Daniels III, Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder, Buddy Guy, Eddie 9Volt, Hussy Hicks and Yates McKendree.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Her husky, powerful and deeply soulful voice and phrasing has blown me away since I first heard her, She was feisty, fiercely independent and faced a lot being a strong woman in this music business. She was also my good friend and will remain an inspiration and in my heart always.”
Bonnie Raitt
Join Shaun as he digs deep into the recording career of Australia’s greatest ever soul singer Renee Geyer, who passed away on Jan 17.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remembering Brisbane based singer songwriter and guitarist Blind Dog Donnie Burke this week, after his passing on Christmas Day.
A founding member of legendary 90s Australian Blues Band Lil Fi & The Delta Rhythm Kings, Blind Dog Donnie was a revered part of the Australian music scene since the early 70s and a massive influence on Shakeys life.
Don't miss this wonderful show as Shaun remembers his dear friend and his incredible talent by featuring tracks from the albums Blind Dog recorded from the early 90s, through to his wonderful studio album Knucklebone Revelator.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the last show of the year, Shauns pulled a classic album feature this week.
Featuring Ry Cooders soundtrack to the 1986 film Crossroads starring Sonny Terry and John Juke Logan.
Plus tracks from Buddy Guy, Ray Beadle, Shemekia Copeland and John Nemeth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“RL Burnside is the ultimate paradox of blues music--he is the last genuine performer of raw Mississippi hill country sound, as well as the most cutting edge crossover artist the blues has had in the past 30 years.
His new record Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down proves it. It is the accumulation of 73 years of hard-earned experience and contains some of R.L.'s best singing ever.
His voice has gained maturity and depth, while his phrasing is detailed and emotional.”
With two shows remaining this year, I’m pulling all stops and featuring the late great RL Burnsides final studio album Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down. With guests Cedric Burnside and Rick Holmstrom sharing their thoughts and memories of the great man.
Plus tracks from the latest releases from Buddy Guy. Eric Bibb, Annika Chambers and Paul DesLaurier, John Nemeth and GA20.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Electric Ladyland is the best, purest example of Hendrix as an artist, of his unrestrained musical vision, his wild experimentalism, his gift for extensive jamming, and all of this on top of such an abundance of musical ideas he needed a double album just to hold them all.”
Jimi Hendrix birthday was last week and with only a couple of shows left in 2022, I thought It was an excellent opportunity to revisit his tour de force masterpiece “Electric Ladyland”.
It was the final studio album he made and it is up there with the greatest and most celebrated albums of all time, recorded with Jimi at the peak of his powers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“If Tina Turner and Little Richard had a daughter and raised her with the help of uncles James Brown and Chuck Berry, she’d be like Nikki Hill.”
— Minneapolis Star Tribune
Thrilled to be joined by Nikki Hill this week ahead of her return to Australia for Bluefest 2023 at Byron Bay over Easter.
Featuring tracks from all three of her wonderful albums
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ahead of his 8 week Australian tour which begins in February, Shauns joined by the remarkable Eric Bibb on the show this week for a chat about his most recent album Dear America and much more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Bonnie Raitt and Bobby Rush celebrating birthdays in the last week, I've decided to invite both along to this weeks blues party.
Featuring tracks from their latest releases and songs from Grammy Awardwinning albums that changed the course of their careers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the legendary Peter Greens birthday last week, Shaun featuring a classic from Fleetwood Macs earliest days when they were a leading light and a chart topper at the height of the British Blues Explosion during the late 1960's "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen".
Plus new releases from John Nemeth, Mavis Staples & Levon Helm, The Silent Partners and Ray Beadle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun’s taking a further dive into the incredible career of Koko Taylor with a Women In Blues special this week. Featuring her 1975 debut album I Got What It Takes.
Nominated for a Grammy, it set Koko on her path towards the becoming the Queen of the Blues and was the first commercially successful release for Alligator Records.
Plus new tracks from Rory Block, Shemekia Copeland, Bennett Matteo Band and Annikla Chambers and Paul DesLauriers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To celebrate the release of Buddy Guys new album The Blues Don’t Lie and with news of Buddy’s Farewell Tour next year, Shauns joined by the albums producer, the Grammy award winning Tom Hambridge to chat about the new album and what it’s like working with guitar giant Buddy Guy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With new releases a'plenty and news of upcoming tours, this should be a great show.
Featuring Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples & Levon Helm, Shemekia Copeland, Eric Bibb, John Nemeth, Annika Chambers & Paul DesLaurier, Marcus King, Angela Strehli, Janiva Magness, Ray Beadle, Blues Arcadia, Lightnin Malcolm, Anthony Geraci, GA20 and The Texas Horns.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shauns joined by John Nemeth this week to talk about Johns latest release "May Be The Last Time".
Recorded as John faced surgery for a tumour in his jaw and a very uncertain future.
Its a wonderful album and a great chat, full of the resilience and the love of life that the Blues is all about.
Recorded at Kid Andersons Greaseland Studios and featuring Elvin Bishop, Willy Jordan, Kid Anderson, Alabama Mike and Bob Welch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The great Koko Taylor celebrated a birthday last week and Shaun's pulled a sensational album from the Blues With A Feeling library to celebrate, 2007s Grammy nominated Old School.
Chicago Blues at its very best.
Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, John Nemeth, John Primer and Ray Beadle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Shaun this week for another show packed solid with great Blues.
This week taking a musical journey to South Central Los Angeles in the mid 90s by featuring Smokey Wilsons classic album The Real Deal.
Plus new releases from John Nemeth, Ray Beadle, Shemekia Copeland, The Texas Horns and The Boneshakers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another classic Blues With A Feeling Love Focus this week, with the birthday of the King Of The Blues BB King. Featuring BBs classic 1966 set recorded in Chicago "Blues Is King".
Plus new music from Buddy Guy, The Boneshakers, John Nemeth, Mavis Staples and Levon Helm, John Primer and GA-20.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The legendary Texas Cannonball Freddie Kings birthday was on Sept 3rd and nobody loves a birthday party more than Shaun.
To celebrate, he’s lined up a classic live recording from Freddie and his incredible band recorded live in France in 1975.
Chock full of blues classics, this is essential listening for all fans of one of popular musics most revered and acclaimed guitar player and singers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the release of the extraordinary first artist announcement for Bluesfest 34 next year, Shaun's gather up a bunch of new releases and a cpl of classics by just some of the artists set to be in Australia at Easter.
Featuring Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples, Keb Mo, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Larkin Poe, Marcus King and Southern Avenue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the launch of GA-20s latest album "Crackdown", Shaun's joined on the show by guitarist and producer Matt Stubbs to discuss the record and also the bands previous release, the chart topping tribute to Hound DogTaylor & the Houserockers "Try It You Might Like It"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This weeks featured artist is Luther Allison, whose birthday was last week.
Featuring tracks from his incredible career revival in his mid 50s, when he recorded three wonderful albums and tore the roof of the 1995 Chicago Blues Festival.
Modern contemporary blues played and sung by one of the most talented individuals to ever step up to a microphone..
Not to be missed
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shemekia Copelands new Alligator Records release Done Come Too Far is released this week.
To celebrate, Shaun's joined by Shemekia to discuss the album track by track.
Featuring songs from Done Come Too Far and her previous two releases Americas Child and Uncivil War.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Robert Cray celebrating his 69th birthday this week, Shauns pulled out all stops to put together a selection of tracks to do the occasion justice.
With tracks taken from Roberts breakout crossover smash hits of the mid 80s Strong Persuader and Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark, all the way through to 2022’s That’s What I Heard.
Plus a couple of live classics from the wonderful live set Cookin In Mobile.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Buddy Guy celebrates his 86th birthday this week.
To celebrate, Shaun's featuring Buddys 2001 release Sweet Tea. Recorded in Oxford Mississippi, it features Buddy playing the songs of the Mississippi Hill country, by Jr Kimbrough, T-Model Ford and more.
Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Bonnie Raitt, The Phantom Blues Band, Ray Beadle and GA-20.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A return to a Blues With A Feeling tradition this week with a Live Focus.
This week, featuring the phenomenally talented singer and guitarist Ray Beadle Live at The Brass Monkey hotel in Sydney.
The latest release in an amazingly fertile period for Ray, the band features Clayton Doley on keys and a wonderful horn section laying the perfect platform for Beadle to work his magic on the Brass Monkey stage.
Plus new songs from Shemekia Copeland, Bonnie Raitt, Ann Peebles and Janiva Magness.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With winter cutting a swathe across SE Qld, Shaun's serving up a melting pot of Blues to warm your hearts and minds this week.
Simmer your way through tracks from the lastest releases from Shemekia Copeland, Taj Mahal Ry Cooder, GA – 20, Duke Robillard, Doug Macleod, Janiva Magness, Gina Sicilia, Anthony Geraci, Delbert McClinton, Dylan Triplett, Charlie Musselwhite, Trudy Lynn, Phantom Blues Band, Diunna Greenleaf, Paulie Bignell and The Foreday Riders.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A very cool show this week.
With the release of the new album from The Phantom Blues Band.
Shaun's joined by Grammy Award winning bass player Larry Fulcher to talk about the new Phantom Blues Band album “Blues For Breakfast”, while remembering Mike Finnigan, who passed away last year, with tracks from the Phantom Blues Band albums “Still Cookin” and “Inside Out”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's celebrating the birthday of Blues giant Willie Dixon this week by featuring his final studio album, the 1989 Grammy Award winning Hidden Charms. Its a wonderful album by the blues worlds most celebrated songwriter, with an outstanding crew of players on board and a great collection of Willies singing and songwriting.
Plus new releases from Son House, Bonnie Raitt, the Phantom Blues Band, Trudy Lynn, Diunna Greenleaf and Janiva Magness. And a classic from Kelly Joe Phelps amazing album “Shine Eyed Mister Zen”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A focus on great live music this week as Shaun lights up the night with Carey & Lurrie Bells “Gettin Up” recorded live in Chicago.
Featuring sets from Rosa's Lounge and Buddy Guys Legends, the great harp player and singer is in wonderful form and son Lurrie provides wonderful blues guitar out front of a band of Chicago's first call sidemen.
Plus new releases from the Phantom Blues Band, Bonnie Raitt, Jen Mize & the Rough 'n Tumble and GA – 20.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A really cool little show this week.
Celebrating the birthday of the great Lazy Lester with tracks from his Antones Records release “Blues Stop Knockin”.
Plus with Buddy Guy and Eric Bibb announcing Australian shows in 2023, I'll be revisiting classic albums from Buddy and Eric. From Buddy Guy, the 1981 classic “Stone Crazy” and from Eric Bibb, the sublime “Home To Me”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All sorts of great new music in this weeks show.
Featuring tracks from the latest albums by Ray Beadle, Checkerboard Lounge Band, Poppa Chubby, Bonnie Raitt, Kat Riggins, Charlie Musselwhite, Doug MacLeod, Diunna Greenleaf, Paulie Bignell, Phantom Blues Band, Sugaray Rayford, Kenny Neal, Johnny Sansone, Son House, Anthony Geraci and Gina Sicilia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shauns' guest on Blues With A Feeling this week is Mississippi born, Memphis raised Grammy Award winning music legend Charlie Musselwhite; who doesn't just sing and play the blues: he is, in every sense of the word, a bluesman.
Over the course of his six decade career, Musselwhite has released nearly 40 albums
He is renowned worldwide as a master harmonica player, a seasoned, truth telling vocalist and an original songwriter rooted deep within the blues tradition. As many of his fans know, he’s also a country blues guitarist of great depth, warmth and subtlety.
On his new Alligator Records release, Mississippi Son, Musselwhite, in addition to playing his famed harmonica, features his guitar work throughout the entire album. On each of Mississippi Son’s 14 songs, including eight powerfully stark originals, Musselwhite’s straight-from-the-soul vocals and melodic blues harmonica playing are the perfect foil to his deceptively simple, hypnotic guitar work.
In this show, Shaun sits down with Charlie to discuss this weeks featured album Mississippi Son and his return to live in Clarksdale plus some unforgettable memories of his life in the blues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is week 4 of Charlie Musselwhite and Shaun's pulled something special from the Blues With A Feeling library.
The feature album this week is Charlie's 2006 Real World Records release “Delta Hardware”.
It came out in a post Hurricane Katrina world and contains some of Charlies finest songwriting, his singing and playing is, as always incredible and the band is beyond sensational.
Plus new releases from Kenny Neal, Diunna Greenleaf, Ray Beadle, Robben Ford, Trudy Lynn and Son House.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Week 3 of Charlie Musselwhite month here on BWAF as we draw closer to the release of Charlies new album Mississippi Son.
This weeks feature album is Charlies wonderful 1999 Pointblank records release Continental Drifter, with the musical focus flowing from Chicago, all the way to Cuba and back to Mississippi.
Plus tracks from the latest from Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder “Get Onboard – The Songs of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're celebrating Charlie Musselwhite all month as the release of Charlies new album draws closer.
All month featuring classic albums from the Musselwhite catalogue.
This week, winding back the years to 1967 for his debut album "Stand Back! Here Comes Charley Mussselwhites Southside Band".
Plus new releases from the Bennett Matteo Band, Doug MacLeod, Diunna Greenleaf and Son House
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Celebrating the upcoming release of Charlie Musselwhites new album Mississippi Son with week 1 of Charlie Musselwhite month by featuring his 1990 classic Ace Of Harps.
And a special preview of the first single from Mississippi Son "Blues Gave Me A Ride"
Plus a selection of the award winners at this years Blues Music awards. Mike Finnigan, Selwyn Birchwood, Annika Chambers, Vanessa Collier and Sue Foley.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Look out for this one.
In addition to a rockin collection of slide guitar blues from JB Huttos Slideslinger album, Shaun's added new releases from Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder, Charlie Musselwhite, Son House and Diunna Greenleaf.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A perfect mix of new releases from Checkerboard Lounge, Ray Beadle, Carolyn Wonderland, Doug Macleod, Diunna Greenleaf, Paulie Bignell, Sugaray Rayford, Duke Robillard, Rev Shawn Amos, Son House, Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps, Bob Stroger & The Headhunters, JD Simo, Trudy Lynn, Bernard Allison and Pacey King & Doley
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Featuring tracks from Hound Dog Taylor & the Houserockers three Alligator Records releases plus excerpts from Shauns 2021 interview with Alligator founder Bruce Iglauer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Muddy Waters birthday last week, and Bluesfest at Byron Bay returning this week, Shaun's celebrating by featuring possibly the most celebrated of Muddy Waters albums "Folk Singer" in its entirety.
Plus tracks from last weeks winners in the Blues section of the Grammy awards Cedric Burnside and Christone Kingfish Ingram
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shauns shining the Blues With A Feeling spotlight on Women In Blues this week.
Featuring Diunna Greenleaf, Bonnie Raitt, Tia Carroll, Trudy Lynn, Sue Foley, Donna Herula and Carolyn Wonderland.
Plus the return this week of the Blues With A Feeling Live Focus. Featuring "Ann Peebles & the Hi Rhythm Section - Live In Memphis"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Celebrating the birthday of the King of Rock & Soul Solomon Burke this week by featuring his award winning 2002 release "Don't Give Up On Me'
Plus new releases by Bonnie Raitt, Diunna Greenleaf, Trudy Lynn, Bernard Allison and Son House.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Byron Bays Bluesfest set to return after a 2 year Coronavirus inspired hiatus, the festivals 33rd event is just weeks away.
To celebrate, Shaun's highlighting just some of the incredible artists set to appear.
With selected tracks from Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Hussy Hicks, Josh Teskey & Ash Grunwald, Hat Fitz & Cara, Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers, Ray Beadle, Pacey King & Doley and Backsliders, its a helluva show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Duke Robillards Bands new album "They Called It Rhythm & Blues" hits the stores this week.
To celebrate, Shaun's joined by Duke to take a closer look at the record and the wonderful music to be found within.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All sorts of great music in this weeks show.
Featuring Cedric Burnside, Duke Robillard, Trudy Lynn, Tinsley Ellis, Rick Holmstrom, Paulie Bignell, Diunna Greenleaf, John Mayall, Bob Stroger, Robben Ford, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and much more.
Plus tour news, festival updates and a preview of next weeks show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cedric Burnside is blues royalty.
The grandson and longtime drummer of the late great RL Burnside, he carries the mantle of Mississippi Hill Country blues - with its commitment to polyrhythmic percussion and its refusal of familiar blues chord progressions - to new audiences around the world.
These days predominantly a guitarist, Cedric plays stripped back, and sizzles like a live-wire.
Cedric's music echoes the past, present and future all at once and expands upon the traditional darkness of blues with themes of love and hope.
You don't know soul-stirring until you know Cedric Burnside.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Digging into the remarkable career of the late great Syl Johnson this week by featuring his 1994 Delmark records release Back In The Game.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tinsley Ellis is celebrating the release of his latest album Devil May Care, by returning to the road after a long break due to the pandemic.
And to celebrate, Shaun chats with Tinsley about the new record, about the tour that ended overnight after covid hit. And about creativity and the amazing bout of it he enjoyed that led to this, his 20th album.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's got some great music for you to kick off season 2 of the podcast.
Featuring Cedric Burnside, Tinsley Ellis, Duke Robillard, Sue Foley, JD Simo, Corey Harris, Ray Beadle, Carolyn Wonderland, Paulie Bignell and much more.
Plus news about next weeks guest Tinsley Ellis and details about Cedric Burnsides Australian tour in March.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The final show of the year promises to be a classic.
Featuring the debut album from Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble "Texas Flood".
Plus new releases from Donna Herula, Corey Harris, JD Simo and Sue Foley.
Plus a surprise... a never before heard live track by the great Son House.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With just two weeks remaining before he takes a much needed break, Shaun's diving once more into the deep well of blues that is the great Sonny Boy Williamson II.
This week featuring his first Chess Records album, 1959s classic "Down and Out"
Plus new releases from Tia Carroll, Cedric Burnside, Corey Harris & Sue Foley
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This weeks episode features the legendary singer and harp player Sonny Boy Williamson II, in a feature presentation of his classic Chess Records release "More Real Folk Blues"
Plus new releases from Corey Harris, Memphissippi Sounds, Guy Davis and Carolyn Wonderland.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's celebrating the birthday of the great John Hammond this week.
Since John's emergence in the late 50's in New York as a teenager, he's displayed a talent that has lifted the hearts of blues fans across the US and later the world. He's released over 30 wonderful albums and he celebrated a birthday earlier this month.
So Shaun's featuring Johns much loved 2001 release "Wicked Grin".
Produced by Tom Waits and featuring 13 songs written by him, its possibly Johns most successful album and it is just wonderful.
Plus a couple of songs from John Hammonds debut, released in 1962, when he was a vital part of the celebrated scene in Greenwich Village.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shauns joined by Sue Foley this week to chat about her new album "Pinkys Blues", guitars, Clifford Antone and jamming with Hubert Sumlin.
Plus lots of music.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's taking the time to celebrate the birthday of the great Hubert Sumlin this week by featuring Huberts' 1998 release "Wake Up Call. Its a wonderful example of the great guitar players best work as a singer, and is quite wonderful.
Plus new releases from Gaye Adegbalola, Bob Margolin, Will Porter, Corey Harris, Sue Foley and JD Simo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Its the great Susan Tedeschi's birthday this week.
So to celebrate, I've grabbed a bunch of tracks from her debut album Just Won't Burn to share with you.
And it thats not enough, I'll add some extra icing to the cake with carefully selected songs from the Tedschi Trucks Bands Grammy winning debut Revelator.
They're both incredible records and I hope you'll load yourself up with plenty.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another classic album feature from the Blues With A Feeling record library this week.
West Coast singer and harmonica giant William Clarke's fourth and final release for Alligator records "The Hard Way".
Released just months before his untimely departure, this album is a masterpiece, with Clarkes' singing and songwriting surpassed only by his superlative playing.
West Coast jump blues at its best.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's pulled another wonderful album from the Blues With A Feeling library this week.
The Holmes Brothers 2001 Alligator Records debut "Speaking In Tongues".
Produced by Joan Osborne, its a glorious mix of gospel and blues and funk and more, that really put the Holmes Brothers on the map.
Plus, a cpl of tracks from the latest releases from two of the hottest guitar players on the scene right now, Sue Foley and Carolyn Wonderland.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tommy Castro's latest album A Blues Man Came To Town, his 16th has just been released.
Its my feature album on the show this week and Tommy is my guest.
He's a great bloke and its a fantastic album.
Check it out.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was Albert Collins birthday on the 1st Of October, so Shaun's celebrating with a program overflowing with tracks from his celebrated career.
Featuring songs taken from the late 70's through to the 90's, while Albert was signed with Alligator Records.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's taking a stab at the ever increasing pile of new releases on his desk this week.
Featuring tracks from the latest releases by Cedric Burnside, Tommy Castro, Sue Foley, Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, Dave Brewer, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and plenty more.
It promises to be a Blues party for your soul so don't miss it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's guest this week is Kiwi singer and songwriter Darren Watson.
Darren's most recent release "Getting Sober For the End Of The World" is widely regarded as his best yet and that's saying something.
Featuring tracks from the album and a selection of songs by Darren that have featured on Blues With A Feeling Over the years, it's a wonderful insight into the creative process behind this excellent release.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's taking a listen to the brand new album from Johnny Tucker feat Kid Ramos & the Allstars "75 And Alive".
To find out first hand about the record and this wonderful artist, producer and guitar player Kid Ramos joins Shaun for a chat about "75 And Alive".
Its a wonderful record of original songs by Johnny, with Kid Ramos and the band laying a beautiful platform for him to work his magic.
johnnytucker
kidramos
shakeyshaun_
blueswithafeeling
blues
oldschool
shaunbindleybluesdj
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's joined by Australia's Fiona Boyes for a chat about her recently reissued album "Blues In My Heart".
The album was 20 last year and at the time of its release, Fiona was just embarking on her solo career.
A change in her musical direction that would see her visit Memphis for the International Blues Challenge and win it. The first time a non-american was to win the prestigious competition and the first time a woman would run away with the events highest accolade.
Fiona has gone on to be one of the worlds finest blues artists with numerous albums and accolades to her name and its a wonderful chat about her amazing story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's got another classic from the Delmark Records catalogue this week.
Featuring Junior Wells 1970 release "Southside Blues Jam".
Conceived with the idea to capture Junior just as you would here him in the bars of Chicago's southside, he brought along a crack band of mates including Buddy Guy, Otis Spann, Louis Myers and Fred Below.
Plus new releases from Johnny Tucker & Kid Ramos, Tommy Castro and the Rev Shawn Amos plus a classic from The Paladins debut album, now available after years of being out of print.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As part of Alligator Records 50th Anniversary celebration, Shaun's featuring a classic album from the label this week.
1990's "Harp Attack", with giants of Chicago Blues harp, Jr Wells, James Cotton, Carey Bell and Billy Branch.
Plus Shaun's joined by Billy Branch himself, the last surviving member of this amazing quartet of harmonica giants to find out about this incredible record and about Billy Branch's friends and mentors Carey Bell, James Cotton and Jr Wells.
Plus tracks from Billy's latest release "Roots & Branches - The Songs of Little Walter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's pulling out the treats this week as he continues his musical exploration of Chicago's legendary Bell family.
This week, featuring Carey Bells electrifying 1997 release Good Luck Man.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's continuing his musical exploration of Chicago's legendary Bell family. This week, Carey Bells 1995 Alligator Records release "Deep Down". Featuring Lurrie Bell, Lucky Peterson, Carl Weathersby, Johnny B Gayden and Ray "Killer" Allison.
Its a modern classic.
Plus new releases from Christone Ingram, Raphael Wressnig & Igor Prado, Bob Corritore and Chris Cain.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shauns continuing his fascinating ride through the music of Carey & Lurrie Bell this week.
This time, going back to 1969 to feature Carey Bells Delmark Records debut album "Carey Bells Blues Harp".
One of the acknowledged masters of Chicago Blues in his early days with a couple of gig tested bands from the Chicago blues scene.
Plus new releases from Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Tia Carroll, Rick Holmstrom and Bob Corritore.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Shaun as he features new releases from Cedric Burnside, Guy Clark, GA-20 and Raphael Wressnig and Igor Prado.
Plus this weeks album feature Carey & Lurrie Bells Second Nature.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As promised, Shaun's continuing his dive into Delmarks Records back catalogue.
This week with a classic from Lurrie Bell...his 1995 Delmark debut Mercurial Son.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun's got a classic live album on the show this week. Otis Rush' 1975 Delmark Records release So Many Roads.
Plus new releases from Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Cedric Burnside, Tia Carroll and Diesel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Shaun this week as he takes your ears on a journey through the recording career of the legendary singer and harmonica player James Cotton. Featuring tracks from four classic James Cotton albums, released over 5 decades. And don't miss Shaun's guest on the show, Fabulous Thunderbirds singer and harp player Kim Wilson, who shares his thoughts and memories on his friend and mentor James Cotton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The incredible Chris Cain is Shaun's guest in this episode. Featuring tracks from his Alligator Records debut "Raisin Cain".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In episode 5 of the first series of Blues With A Feeling - The Official Podcast, Shaun's featuring the legendary album Chris Wilson - Live At The Continental.
The album was reissued last year to celebrate what would have been the late Chris Wilsons 65th birthday, and I'm happy to have Shane O'Mara, Chris' long time musical partner along for the ride.
Its full of wonderful songs and performances and Shane and Shaun share memories of that incredible singer, songwriter and performer Chris Wilson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Shaun for part 3 of his chat with Alligator Records boss Bruce Iglauer. Featuring tracks from Alligator Records 50th Anniversary Collection with Shemekia Copeland, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Chris Cain and plenty more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shauns continuing his chat with Alligator Records owner Bruce Iglauer this week.
Featuring tracks from Alligator Records 50th Anniversary Collection by Big Walter Horton & Carey Bell, Son Seals and Koko Taylor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Shaun as he chats with Alligator Records boss Bruce Iglauer about his early years in Chicago and the decisions he made, that lead him to found Alligator and release albums by many of the Blues worlds greats. Featuring Hound Dog Taylor and tracks from the labels newly released 50th Anniversary Collection.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Shaun this week as he takes a look at the remarkable life of harmonica player and former Muddy Waters band member Paul Oscher. With tracks from four of Pauls albums and stories from the man himself.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun Bindley’s Blues with a Feeling has been playing the latest and greatest blues releases, album features and interviews from Australia and across the world for almost 30 years.
With a dedicated following both locally and internationally as a radio show of 27 years, Shaun is now producing Blues with a Feeling as a Podcast.
Featured guests and interviews on the show include: Taj Mahal, Jimmie Vaughan, Robert Cray, Ruthie Foster, Matt Taylor, Keb Mo, Eric Bibb. Joe Bonamassa, Elvin Bishop, Kristina Olsen, Bert Jansch, Lee Roy Parnell, John Mayall, Luther Allison, Phil Manning, Tommy Castro, Roy Rogers, Hans Theesink, Tommy Shannon, Rick Estrin, Kim Wilson, Doug Macleod, Candye Kane, Dave Gonzales. Joe Camilleri, Chris Wilson, Lynwood Slim, Alex Schultz, Guy Davis and many more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.