James Cotton Blues Documentary Is Pitch Perfect
Harmonicist blues musician James Cotton was a powerhouse performer, and Bestor Cram’s documentary Bonnie Blues captures his essence with great admiration.
Harmonicist blues musician James Cotton was a powerhouse performer, and Bestor Cram’s documentary Bonnie Blues captures his essence with great admiration.
British new wave/ progressive soul band JoBoxers talk with PopMatters about cracking whips at lions and tigers and pulling no punches with their new box set of lost albums.
Reed Turchi’s World on Fire contains eight old-style country blues numbers stripped down to their essence. He finds that plain truths provide solace.
Room on the Porch proves there is more room for Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ to create, sing, and be happy with their collective union.
Bluesman Mississippi John Hurt’s innovative guitar playing and down-to-earth vocal delivery are elevated in these updated recordings.
Unheard for half a century, John Lee Hooker’s Standard School Broadcast Recordings offer a fresh addition to the legacy of one of the all-time great blues performers.
On Sweet Release, Justin Adams and Mauro Durante’s second album together, they unearth ancient, elemental spirits that live half-hidden in the modern world.
Mdou Moctar’s Tears of Injustice is cause for mourning and melancholy. It makes time for lamentation, knowing there is more to sustaining resistance than fighting with fire.
The re-release of Lonnie Johnson in 2025 suggests that audiences can still draw inspiration from the painful past with hope for the present and future.
Jan Akkerman’s discography is vast and ranges from rock to jazz to classical works, several including solo performances on the guitar forerunner, the lute.
Ollee Owen expresses that quintessential blues vibe of “we are all in this together” no matter what troubles come down the road.
Samantha Fish and her quartet pour gasoline on the sonic campfire with an electrifying sound that mixes more rock into the blues power stew.