Blues For a Reason

Since the early '90s Belfast guitar whiz Gary Moore has returned again and again to the blues, leaving his metal phase far behind. Old New Ballads Blues is exactly what the title says it is, a mix of old blues (covers of songs by Elmore James, Willie Dixon, and Otis Rush), new blues (five Moore originals), ballads (half the album) and, well, blues (by one definition or another, everything here passes for blues). The real surprise is that the strongest songs are the original Moore-penned ballads, as Moore gives powerful and atmospheric performances (both vocally and as a guitarist) on "Gonna Rain Today," "No Reason to Cry," and a solid horn-augmented remake of one of his best songs, "Midnight Blues," from what is easily his best album, 1990s million-selling Still Got the Blues.

An album from Luther Allison's long-standing bandleader of the last several years. Released a few months after Allison's death, the album can be taken as a tribute album by Solberg of sorts to his old boss. Utilizing a strong, distorted tone throughout, Solberg keeps Luther's high-energy approach alive on a batch of shuffles ("Bubba's Boogie," "Must Be a Reason"), slow blues ("L.A. Blues," "Ballad of a Thin Man"), and uptempo rockers ("Wally World U.S.A.," "Rhumba Juice"). Midtempo shuffles abound in tracks like "A Closer Walk with Thee," "Robb's Souffle" and the closing "Happy Snails." The music on this record is heartfelt and inspired, a moving tribute. Fans of Allison's final work will say his memory is well served here.

John O'Leary is one of the pioneers of the art of the blues harp in the UK. Originally from Ireland, John's family was part of the massive migration to England in the aftermath of World War 2. In London's thriving jazz clubs of the 1960's he first heard blues harp player Cyril Davies with Alexis Korner's Blues Inc. John bought his first instrument in 1962 and learned to play by listening and watching Davies. Inevitably, he discovered the great masters of the blues harmonica; Sonny Boy Williamson No.1, Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Noah Lewis, James Cotton, Shakey Horton and Junior Wells. John's career has seen his involvement with numerous bands and musicians over four decades. Beginning in 1965 with Savoy Brown's Blues Band through to the present day John O'Leary & Sugarkane, John has continued to maintain a prominent position on the British and European blues scene.

Join #1 Billboard Blues Artist, Joanne Shaw Taylor, for a historic concert at the Franklin Theatre. This amazing performance features songs from her highly acclaimed release, The Blues Album, in addition to fan favorites and never-before-heard tracks. Guest appearances include GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Joe Bonamassa (who produced The Blues Album), Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Mike Farris, giving attendees a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.

T-Bone Walker is one of the greatest blues singers of all time. He's not a shouter, he's a singer and he's steeped in the blues tradition. Walker went throught what has become the classic pattern of apprenticeship of the blues singer. He's also a guitar player of considerable ability, with a really compelling rhythm and an intensity that is almost frightening. But it is as a blues singer that T-Bone will be remembered. Featuring 50 classic tracks from his Imperial years, this 2CD set captures T-Bone Walker at his very best. Highlights include 'Travelin' Blues', 'I Miss You Baby', 'I Got The Blues Again' and many more.

This compilation provides an interesting survey of 9 blues slide guitar players. Collected from various independent record labels and recorded over the period 1960 through 1993, all of these tracks have been previously released albeit on hard to find albums and CDs. It is great to have these tracks collected in one place.

Having gained attention in the Chicago area, the Anthony Gomes Band released their debut album in 1998. Blues in Technicolor has some of the hottest blues guitar work you'll ever hear. One of the strongest tracks, "Misery for Company," has a B.B. King feel to it, with powerful emotional vocals and vibrant guitar work. "Bad Luck Child" conjures up memories of some of the great Texas blues bands with its forceful power chords and strong, driving lead guitar. Variety is not a key word in describing this album, and should not be the reason for choosing it. If you want really hardcore blues music, this fits the bill. An amazing guitarist who truly has a feel for blues arrangements is what you'll find in Gomes.

Joanne Shaw Taylor is a British blues rock singer/guitarist who was discovered by Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics at the age of 16. She has released 7 albums. Her new album, The Blues Album, was recorded by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith for Keeping The Blues Alive Records. Born in the Black Country Joanne has spent a decade releasing increasingly successful albums and touring the world. Along the way, she has won over fans from Joe Bonamassa to Stevie Wonder to Annie Lennox. A decade ago, Joanne moved to Detroit as her career in the States was developing. Joanne has recorded for RUF, Sony and Silvertone with Reckless Heart and Wild both charting in the top 20 in the UK.