Nick Alexander releases debut CD, Lil Hoochie, an homage to his bluesman daddy, Linsey Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: Peter Hurley   “This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the future of the Blues,” announced Buddy Guy’s Legends emcee Darryl Johnson in his introduction of the tall, thin young man behind him. Considering the youngster’s club experience sitting in with his father Linsey from the age of 11 and substituting for him since the age of 17, Johnson most certainly hit the mark. “Give it up for Nicholas Alexander!” At just 23, Nick Alexander truly is the future of the Bl ..read more

Just released, One Guitar Woman honors eight solo acoustic female guitarists. “These trailblazing women weren’t just playing the guitar, they were living it, pouring their souls into every note. Their stories are not just about music but about overcoming barriers, setting new standards and inspiring generations of players.” By Linda Cain Photo: Mark Abernathy Sue Foley interview by Linda Cain   “I’m a force of nature/ I’m a Hurricane Girl,” declares Sue Foley on the song “Hurricane Girl” from her award-winning 2021 Pinky’s Blues album. Truer words were seldom spoken. Or sung.&n ..read more

Des Plaines Theater (Des Plaines) Robert Cray When: Saturday, April 20 Venue: Des Plaines Theater Address: 1476 Miner St. City: Des Plaines, IL Phone: 224-354-2333 TICKETS ABOUT 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. Robert Cray was born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, while his father was stationed at Fort Bennin ..read more

Des Plaines Theater Date: Friday, April 20, 2024 Venue: Des Plaines Theater Address: 1476 Miner St. City: Des Plaines, IL Phone: 224-354-2333 TICKETS   ROBERT CRAY By the age of 20, Cray had seen his heroes Albert Collins, Freddie King and Muddy Waters in concert and decided to form his own band; they began playing college towns on the West Coast. In the late 1970s he lived in Eugene, Oregon, where he formed the Robert Cray Band and collaborated with Curtis Salgado in the Cray-Hawks. In the 1978 film National Lampoon's Animal Hou ..read more

CELEBRATING ROSA'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY! ENTER NOW You can win this fabulous prize package from Rosa's that includes: Four tickets to see a show One Rosa's Lounge t-shirt One blues CD: John Primer Live at Rosa's -Teardrops for Magic Slim The story of Rosa's Lounge Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage, operates in the hallowed tradition of Chicago blues lounges, family owned and operated by an Italian immigrant Tony Mangiullo who came to Chicago in 1978 after meeting Junior Wells and Buddy Guy in Milan. Tony found the true spirit of the blues at South Side lounges like the legendary There ..read more

By Marty Gunther Red Hot ‘n Blues Reviews for April 2024   Stefan Hillesheim – When I’m Gone Self-produced CD www.shblues.com A product of Koblen, Germany, who’s been based out of Chicago for the past two years, guitarist Stefan Hillesheim simply explodes onto the blues scene with this debut CD. It’s so packed with stellar licks, original ideas and powerful vocals – a potent combination that should launch him into the stratosphere soon. Hillesheim previously spent time in Southern California, where he worked in gospel, Motown, funk and Latin bands, but here he’s got a straight-ahead ..read more

Release date: March 29, 2024 VizzTone/SWMAF Records By Robin Zimmerman Photo: John Primer & Bob Corritore The dynamic duo of John Primer and Bob Corritore have worked some major musical magic once again! Their fourth CD release, Crawlin’ Kingsnake is a striking showcase of old-school blues from a pair of charming, long-term collaborators who remain at the top of their game.  Guitarist John Primer, who turned 79 on March 5th, could easily be resting on his laurels and looking back on everything from playing behind Muddy Waters to serving as Magic Slim’s bandleader. Flash forward to ..read more

Logan Center Photos: Amythyst Kiah, Carolyn Wonderland Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024 Event: Mainstage Blues Venue: Logan Center for the Arts Address: 915 E. 60th St. City: Chicago, IL Phone: 773-702-2787 Showtime: 7:30 pm Ticket price: $30 general / $10 students, seniors (60+) and children 12 and under Website: www.logancenter.uchicago.edu     Amythyst Kiah and Carolyn Wonderland - Contemporary Voices in The Blues This performance brings to the Logan Center stage two powerhouse leading voices in the Contemporary Blues scene. Singer-songwriters and multi-instrumental ..read more

By Marty Gunther Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for March 2024   Bernard Allison – Luther’s Blues Ruf Records RUF 1303 www.bernardallison.com Guitarist Luther Allison was one of the most intense bluesmen of all time, and son Bernard provides proof that the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree with this beefy effort. He reinvents 18 of his dad’s tunes and two that they co-wrote for a 21st century audience, and it’s a masterful, mature effort that’s truly his own. A Chicago native and two-time BMA nominee, Bernard has released about 20 CDs in his career, but it’ll be hard to top this one, which ..read more

Release date: Feb. 9, 2024 Alligator Records By Mark Baier Photo: Kim Reed For over 40 years, veteran guitarist, singer and songwriter Tinsley Ellis has crisscrossed the planet delivering feral original electric blues rock to an ever growing audience. Whether in a concert hall, festival or smoky club, Tinsley’s eloquent and razors edge guitar chops have earned him a devoted audience, and created so much demand that he’s released 20 albums in his career. His 21st release NAKED TRUTH (and his 13th for Alligator) is in his own words, both a departure and an arrival. Stripped of the full band tha ..read more