Browsing: Reviews

This is the all-encompassing section to review anything music-related.

A tribute to trailblazing women in blues, spotlighting the enduring legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and celebrating today’s powerhouse UK blues vocalists—Alice Armstrong, Elles Bailey, Kyla Brox, Rebecca Downes, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Emma Wilson—as they carry the torch.

ICYMI: This double vinyl captures the historic American Folk Blues Festival performances in 1962 and 1963, showcasing artists like John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson II, T-Bone Walker, and Willie Dixon at their peak. Restored to impeccable quality, these recordings offer a front-row experience of the blues’ transformative impact on European audiences, forever influencing the global music landscape.

Their undeniable chemistry was on full display as they exchanged scorching guitar solos and took turns on vocals. Drawing from their impressive backgrounds in Phil Lesh and Friends and collaborations with artists such as John Hiatt and Beyonce, Simo and Dickinson highlighted their extraordinary skills, further elevated by Abarashoff’s intricate drumming.

With a setlist that spanned new tracks and fan favorites, she poured vulnerability, humor, and immense power into every song, leaving the sold-out crowd deeply moved. The night was a testament to Ruth’s incredible journey—one of resilience, authenticity, and musical magic.

Stu and Debbie Hanna, with the added depth of bassist John Parker, create a haunting, nostalgic journey through industrial change and personal memories. Featuring a mix of original songs, traditional ballads, and the iconic “The Highwayman,” this new EP captures the essence of folk music’s ability to address societal struggles while remaining deeply rooted in personal and cultural heritage.