by Steven Miller
Ric Harris’ journey from North Carolina to Chicago was a calling—a desire to soak up the rich blues traditions of the Windy City and to grow beyond his roots in jazz. His latest album, Along The Avenue, is the culmination of decades of dedication to the blues, exploration of jazz improvisation, and the kind of joyful expression that only comes from a musician who knows his way around a guitar and a lyric. The fourteen tracks on this self-released album reflect Harris’ skill as a player and a songwriter, blending the blues tradition with a twist, and creating a sound that is refreshingly influenced by other [...]
Marcus King’s latest single, “F*ck My Life Up Again,” a track hailing from his upcoming album, marks an expanding moment in King’s musical journey. The song’s feel and songwriting showcase a fresh versatility and his ability to evolve and adapt his sound.
Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, known for his Midas touch in transforming artists’ sounds, “F*ck My Life Up Again” is a fresh direction in sonics for King, who traditionally is celebrated for his guitar playing, shifts the focus to his vocal abilities. The soulful and bluesy singing on the track reveals a new dimension to his [...]
In the complex tapestry of blues music, few artists manage to encapsulate the genre’s deep roots and evocative storytelling like Robert Finley. Releasing his new album, Black Bayou, on October 27, 2023, under Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label, Finley brings his 69 years of life experiences and vast artistic acumen to bear in a collection that feels at once timeless and immediately necessary. This album is more than just another blues record; it is a poetic narrative that unravels the quintessence of Louisiana life, its rich culture, and the complex emotional [...]
Manchester, a historic music hub, routinely delivers groundbreaking artists to the global stage. Every decade, its streets echo with the sound of a new band ready to etch their legacy. This decade, that roar comes from guitarist and singer-songwriter, Ashley Sherlock, with his debut album Just A Name, released under Ruf Records. The album encapsulates the powerful synergy of Sherlock’s telepathic blues-rock trio, shaped by the ever-vibrant Charlie Rachael Kay on bass and the dynamic Danny Rigg on drums.
The inception of this band, as recalled by Ashley, is reminiscent [...]
