Chicago’s own Toronzo Cannon is set to drop his highly anticipated album, “Shut Up And Play!”, via Alligator Records on June 7, 2024. This third Alligator release from Cannon will be available on CD, yellow vinyl LP, and across all digital platforms. Renowned for his raw, truth-telling compositions and dynamic guitar prowess, Cannon stands at the forefront of contemporary blues. Drawing inspiration from blues legends like Hound Dog Taylor, Muddy Waters, and Jimi Hendrix, he infuses each track on “Shut Up And Play!” with soul-stirring authenticity. Co-produced by Cannon and Alligator presi ..read more

Fresh from two electrifying Royal Albert Hall gigs, Joe Bonamassa is set to ignite The Anvil in Basingstoke with a one-night-only spectacle on Saturday, June 15, 2024. This exclusive indoor concert is a rare treat following Joe’s headline slot at The Black Deer Festival the day before. Ticket Info: Planet Rock kicks off a 24-hour pre-sale bonanza at 10am BST on Thursday, April 18, exclusively at www.planetrock.com. General ticket sales launch at 10am BST on Friday, April 19, via www.jbonamassa.com, www.gigantic.com, and www.anvilarts.org.uk. Backed by a powerhouse ensemble of musical legends ..read more

In an exciting development for rock and blues enthusiasts, Black Country Communion, the powerhouse supergroup comprising Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham, and Derek Sherinian, has dropped “Red Sun,” the second single from their forthcoming fifth studio album, ‘V,’ set for release on June 14th. The track is available for streaming on all major platforms, offering a tantalizing taste of the band’s evolving sound. “Red Sun” follows the critically acclaimed lead single “Stay Free” and continues to spotlight the exceptional talents of Hughes and Bonamassa. Produced by their longtime coll ..read more

BGO Records announces the reissue of three landmark albums by blues guitar icon Freddie King, originally released on Shelter Records in the early 1970s. The albums “Getting Ready…,” “Texas Cannonball,” and “Woman Across The River” are set for a special reissue, digitally remastered and presented in a slipcased format with new liner notes. Produced by Leon Russell, the first two albums in this trilogy not only showcased King’s electrifying guitar prowess but also introduced him to a broader, commercial rock audience. The critically acclaimed “Woman Across The River” notably broke into the US T ..read more

Blues-rock virtuoso Joanne Shaw Taylor is set to unveil “Devil In Me,” the electrifying latest single from her highly anticipated album, Heavy Soul, releasing on June 7th via Journeyman Records. Produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley, this track dives deep into the shadows of soul and blues, spotlighting Taylor’s gritty storytelling and mesmerizing guitar prowess. “Devil In Me” explores personal struggles and the complexities of human relationships through Taylor’s raw energy and candid lyricism. It showcases her unique ability to blend contemporary sounds with traditional blues elements ..read more

Canadian roots and rock band The Commoners are set to release their latest single, “See You Again,” on Friday, April 12th. This heartfelt track is the fourth single from their upcoming album, Restless, due out on July 5th from Gypsy Soul Records (pre-orders available at www.thecommoners.ca/store). “See You Again” is now streaming on major platforms, offering fans a poignant glimpse into The Commoners’ evolving musical journey. The song, a tribute to love, loss, and cherished memories, features a chorus that’s perfect for open-road drives with the windows down, guided by rich acoustic guitar ..read more

His slightly greying hairline is a minor detail that, nevertheless, details this revered journeyman’s continuing longevity as a world-class elite exponent of blues music. As a dedicated bluesman at heart, Joe Bonamassa’s fretboard(s) bled beautiful blue hued guitar notes throughout a masterful two-hour set. Words: Paul Davies    Pictures: Supplied The rack of vintage guitars at hand for him to sweetly craft his beloved blues music makes this scene’s prime mover a modern-day blues titan. He proved all of this from opener, Hope You Realize, taken from his recent Blues Deluxe 2 re ..read more

McKinley James is set to release his debut album, “Working Class Blues,” on June 7th, with the first single and video, “She Moved On,” already available. Pre-save the single here. McKinley James brings a unique blend of American rock and roll, soul, and rhythm and blues to his debut album. Inspired by a mix of classic sounds and modern influences, McKinley’s music breathes new life into traditional genres. Joined by his father and longtime bandmate, drummer Jason Smay, McKinley delivers a fresh take on blues-inspired rock duos, reminiscent of acts like the White Stripes. Their music combi ..read more

Introducing ‘Hill Country Love,’ the eagerly awaited new album from Cedric Burnside, GRAMMY Award-winning artist signed to Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group. This album is more than a milestone in Burnside’s career; it’s a deeply personal journey into the heart of Hill Country Blues, weaving his family’s legacy with the raw essence of Northern Mississippi’s soulful rhythms. In his latest single, “Juke Joint,” Burnside captures the spirit of the local nightlife that shaped his music and life. Reflecting on its significance, Burnside shares, “The juke joint was my sanctuary, where life and m ..read more

On the inaugural night of his solo tour, Dom Martin graced the stage of the ornate Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh, offering a soul-stirring solo performance that transcended mere entertainment to become a captivating journey through the realms of blues, folk, and heartfelt storytelling. Words: Colin Campbell    Pictures: Scott Anderson This was a listening experience par excellence, always good to see a seated venue and a rapt audience waited in anticipation. Those people who have not experienced seeing this phenomenal artist in such an intimate setting are missing out, go and see h ..read more