For a very good time, give The Mike Goudreau Band‘s new album, Just Wanna Have Fun, a spin. It’s a collection that thoroughly entertains, all while covering an impressive reach of musical and emotional territory. The album is Mike Goudreau’s 23rd independent release and is co-produced with his longtime collaborator Dany Roy. It’s also a collection … Continue reading
New Single: Don McLean — “American Boys”
He’s one of the great chroniclers of American cultural history. His powerful voice crystallizes moments we’ve lived with political, social, and economic history that frames it. The interplay between them is captured in McLean’s chords and lyrics, and made clear in his enduring songs. And, lucky us, he’s got more to sing about these days. … Continue reading
New Jazz: Jose Gobbo Trio — ‘Current’
Sometimes a great musician comes along who articulates just the emotional state you haven’t even realized you are in. This happened with Jose Gobbo Trio‘s new album, Current. The album’s sonic waves are bound to transport you to that place. If not, then just enjoy the floating. Gobbo, a virtuoso Brazilian jazz guitarist whose debut … Continue reading
New Country: John Surge and the Haymakers — ‘Almost Time’
There’s no country as agreeable as roadhouse country. And if you agree, you should listen to Almost Time, the latest release from John Surge and the Haymakers. Almost Time distills the barroom experience. Guiding the way, on his second album as frontman of John Surge and the Haymakers, Surge rocks and soothes, banters and reveals. … Continue reading
New Blues: Will James — ‘Sundancer’
There’s no escape from the reflective quality of the pure truth in Will James’ latest album, Sundancer. Give it a listen and see if it doesn’t make total sense to you on a deep, possibly secret, level. Is it the instantly trustworthy material, the nuanced instrumental performances, or the charismatic persona of Mr. James that … Continue reading
New Blues: Paul Boddy & The Slidewinder Blues Band — ‘Nosy Neighbors’
“For a good time….” Sure, there are several ways to finish that sentence. Perhaps you’re not yet familiar with the most reliable ending, so I’ll just write it here for you: “listen to Nosy Neighbors, the latest album from Paul Boddy & The Slidewinder Blues Band. It’s a set of 12 songs, including 10 originals. … Continue reading
New Blues: Soulful Femme — ‘Attitude’
Not since the great Patti LaBelle shared news of having a “new” one has anyone given such meaning to the lyric “attitude.” Welcome to the latest release from Soulful Femme—Attitude—what else? It’s one of the most consistently entertaining albums released lately. Soulful Femme (Stevee Wellons and Cheryl Rinovato) know what it means to release, alright. … Continue reading
New EP (‘Volare’) From International Vocalist Cosimo Lizzi
Award-Winning International Vocalist & Recording Artist Cosimo Lizzi Releases EP “Volare” Cosimo Lizzi, the award-winning international vocalist and recording artist known for his well-received debut album Amore del Passato, has released his latest EP, Volare. The four-track EP was released on February 1, 2024—a date that paid homage to the release of the original, classic, … Continue reading
New Soul/Blues — Kevin Burt & Big Medicine: ‘Thank You, Brother Bill: A Tribute to Bill Withers’
Label: Gulf Coast Records There’s nothing better than an album full of music that the recording artist clearly loves. That’s what you get with Kevin Burt & Big Medicine’s latest disc, Thank You, Big Brother: A Tribute to Bill Withers. While I admit to playing tracks 6 (“Ain’t No Sunshine”) and 7 (“Lean On Me”) first, … Continue reading
New Jazz: Sarah McKenzie — ‘Gentle Rain’
Jazz pianist, composer and singer, Sarah McKenzie recently released her sixth album, Without You. The Brazilian-influenced collection includes material from jazz legend Antonio Carlos Jobim (including bossa nova classics “Chega De Saudade (No More Blues)” and “The Girl from Ipanema”), along with four original songs. The quality of the songs is matched by her strong, sparkling musicianship. The album’s … Continue reading