Billy "Blue" Strauss is an unwavering veteran bluesman who’s been fronting bands since 1980 and has had his share of "ups-and-downs" along the way. But he has no complaints. When you commit wholeheartedly to this music, the fundamental fact is you always struggle. "Blues In My Room" is a release that’s long overdue, and it succeeds because Blue wields a convincing harmonica and has a tremendous respect for the traditions that underlie the Blues. This transplanted Long Islander spent a …

This twinning of two musical genres-Mississippi Blues and east Indian music-often translates into a fascinating hybrid. "Slide To Freedom" on the Northernblues label is an engrossing listen that is concurrently exotic, spiritual, and intriguing. Doug Cox, a multi-faceted instrumentalist and Blues festival organizer, developed an instant rapport with collaborator Salil Bhatt. If that name sounds somewhat familiar, it’s because he’s the son of legendary mohan veena guru V.M Bhatt. …

Ken Tucker is a well-seasoned blues rocker in the tradition of the Allman Brothers, Joe Walsh, Georgia Satellites, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Lynyrd Skinner. "Looking For A Brighter Day" is the follow-up to Tucker’s debut "Back Porch Pilgrims", and finds the burly Tucker joined by Josh Hammond on harmonica. Ken’s specialty is hard rockin’ blues of the "take-no-prisoners" variety. This is Southern-fried, rock ‘em sock ‘em blues that’s finger-lickin …

Maria Muldaur is the best qualified present-day singer to do versions of the great urban blues classics of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s made memorable by a host of legendary female voices. That’s because MM has spent her entire life absorbing this music. Her latest release on Stony Plain Records is titled "Naughty, Bawdy & Blue" and it’s the third jewel in the trilogy that started with "Richland Woman Blues" and Lovin’ Ol’ Soul". Maria is a Roots Mama for sure: a resolute keeper of the tra …

Blues legend Sam Myers passed away July 17th in Dallas after a long and valiant battle against throat cancer. He was 70. An award winning harmonica player and vocalist, Myers spent the last 20 years performing and recording with Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets. They were considered one of the top 3 Blues bands in the world, and toured extensively throughout North America and Europe. Sam was born in Laurel, MS and attended a school for the blind where he was considered …