Browsing: CD Review

“Watch out Bonamassa, there’s a new kid in town.”

Popa Chubby Gives Us “Universal Blues Breakdown” and it does not disappoint. The album is well produced, and has a very good mix, giving the sound a clear, in-your-face immediacy. Very sweet indeed.

If this is what blues is like in Israel, we want more! This is a solid album that is full of texture, soul, and righteous blues. Bring this album home today, throw on a good set of headphones, and get lost in it. You won’t regret it.

What we really liked about this album is the fact that Dykes pays tribute without ripping off the originals or reproducing them note-for-note. (And why should he?) The album is lively, raw, and definitely has that Texas garage jam feel, and tone. The players do a fine job of keeping you right on the edge of explosion, without betraying the raw elegance of the music. This is an exceptional album!

The Chicago Blues All-Stars are “Red, Hot & Blue.” Released on the Azure Music label, Red, Hot & Blue is noteworthy on many levels. These musicians are all top-shelf Chicago players who have backed and played with music royalty including Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, gary Moore, Otis Rush, and Muddy Waters.

Trampled Under Foot rumbles back with “Badlands”, a breathtaking and well executed album issued on their new label, Telarc International. TUF has grown exponentially since their last release, and the talent on display here is powerful!

Mike Zito has Gone To Texas and we should all be thankful he did. This album is about making a choice to start over, facing and conquering inner demons, and being reborn.

Frank Bang and The Secret Stash bring it with “Double Dare.” This album rocks, slides, roars and even soothes in places. This is an energetic album. If this doesn’t get you rockin’ then you need to make sure you still have a pulse.

Blues Enough, from the Hitman Blues Band is a really good time! Out on Nerus Records and clocking in at just under 49 minutes, this album is energetic and spunky.

This Time Another Year is a Brandon Santini showcase, simmering in places, and smoking in others. The album is mixed very well, and lets the music speak in a spirited voice.