The variation on ‘The Blues Is My Biography’ reflects Billy Branch’s talent.  His music takes you by the b…soul. And I love it!

In the previously published volume, which focused on the period 1941-1956, we already learned that, although he may not have enjoyed the fame he deserved, guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr. played a pioneering role in bridging the gap between Delta and Chicago blues. The fact that he inherited both the Delta blues skills he acquired from his stepfather, Robert Johnson, and his effortless mastery of urban Chicago blues and rhythm & blues certainly contributed to this. He was also a sought-after session musician, to whom pianists and harmonica players owed their success.
This second volume again contains songs Robert recorded under his own name, as well as tracks where he appears as a valuable sideman.
To distribute the number of tracks evenly across the two volumes (28 tracks on volume 1 and 27 tracks on volume 2), the periods partially overlap. That's why this volume starts with the 78 rpm ‘I'm Gonna Dig Myself A Hole / Dust My Broom’, which Lockwood Jr. recorded under his own name in 1951. Both songs are credited to Lockwood, although Arthur Crudup recorded ‘I'm Gonna Dig Myself A Hole’ six months before Robert. The original version of ‘Dust My Broom’ was written by Robert Johnson. ‘I'm Gonna Dig Myself A Hole’ is a typical blues, and you'll more than likely hear the legendary Otis Spann on piano. ‘Dust My Broom’ was immortalized by Elmore James through the use of slide. The pianist on duty here is probably Sunnyland Slim.
In 1954, Robert recorded his last 78 rpm album under his own name, ‘Aw Aw Baby / Sweet Woman’. Besides his brilliant guitar work, Sunnyland Slim is back on piano. The A-side is certainly modeled after Johnson's ‘Sweet Home Chicago’. ‘Sweet Woman’ is a slow blues with a great, smooth, slightly jazzy guitar. When Robert switches to the guitar solo, he displays his immense creativity.
Lockwood Jr. can be found behind many popular artists, such as John Brim, Freddy King, Eddie Boyd, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, J.B. Lenoir, Willie Cobbs, Ernest Cotton, and Sunnyland Slim.
All these artists are represented here with one or more tracks. What these recordings clearly demonstrate is that Robert Lockwood Jr. refined the tight Chicago sound through his talent on the six strings. He then swings again on Freddy King's ‘That's What You Think’.
Robert sometimes collaborated on two guitar parts with Luther Tucker. Both parts then matched wonderfully with the rhythm section. A beautiful example can be found towards the end of Little Walter's instrumental ‘Rocker’. A delightful guitar part, where Lockwood Jr’.s creativity soars, surrounds Sonny Boy Williamson's ‘Cross My Heart’. Robert also effortlessly found his place in J.B. Lenoir's rhythm & blues ‘She Don't Know’, and be sure to check out his part in Willie Cobbs' ‘Slow Down Baby’. Simply sublime! He echoes this in Ernest Cotton's ‘Going Back To Memphis’, as well as in Cotton's instrumental ‘Uhm Beautiful’, and certainly also in Sunnyland Slim's ‘Worried Bout My Baby’.
In 1960, Robert Lockwood Jr. moved to Cleveland and that same year he was present when Otis Spann recorded his groundbreaking album ‘Otis Spann Is The Blues’. This compilation ends with three songs from that masterful album, including a remake of ‘Little Boy Blues’.
Robert Lockwood Jr. never embraced the image of the ‘hard-drinking bluesman’. On the other hand, he held dignity and professionalism in high regard, and was sometimes labeled authoritarian as a result. The fact that his demeanor led to brilliant recordings can be heard on these two volumes in the ‘Right Hand Man’ series. A more than justified tribute!

Chicago blues master plays an array of styles and it breaks all skepticism.

With Tom Eylenbosch, piano blues finally has a permanent place on the Belgian blues scene. This 25-year-old pianist from Keerbergen has everything it takes to become a great one and was crowned the winner of this year's Belgian Blues Challenge.
From the swinging opener ‘Ain't Nothing But Lies’, Tom demonstrates that his piano and voice are enough for him, and that remains true throughout the tracks. This is the sound our blues scene has been missing for so long, and Tom continues to set the bar incredibly high. Enjoy the blues in ‘Empty Pocket Blues’, the rocking rhythm & blues of ‘The Heart Wants’, and the artful ‘What A Mess’. A beautiful, yet not purely instrumental boogie arrives in ‘Brittle Bone Boogie’. A song whose instrumental middle section spotlights his talent and craftsmanship. A little later, ‘It's All Too Much’ unfolds with a swinging flourish. Eylenbosch serves up a beautiful example of restraint in ‘Satisfy My Soul’, and with ‘Tico Tico’ comes the inevitable instrumental highlight that shouldn't be missing from an album by a man and his piano.
‘My Kind Of Blues’ contains 11 tracks, no fewer than 9 of which came from Tom’s pen.
It's incredibly gratifying that someone has finally emerged who holds the piano blues in high regard and completes the Belgian blues scene with it.
Tom's ‘My Kind Of Blues’ is undoubtedly the kind of blues that fuels our enthusiasm.

Very good blues buy, even when a low price scares you off!
The band is very inventive which you will definitely appreciate!

As we mentioned in previous reviews of the ‘Right Hand Man’ series, this series highlights the sidemen who put their talents and craftsmanship at the service of renowned and well-known artists. Many of them never received the attention they deserved, while others were able to gain a piece of the pie by recording under their own name. An influential figure in this series is finally featured: guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr., who played a key role in bridging the gap between Delta and Chicago blues. Lockwood's career spanned five decades. He played both traditional Delta blues in the style of his stepfather, Robert Johnson, and Chicago blues and rhythm & blues. Robert is widely considered the ideal sideman for both piano players and harmonica players.
Robert Lockwood Jr. was born in 1915 in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas. He began his musical career playing the organ in his father's church. After his parents divorced, Robert Johnson spent time with Lockwood's mother on and off. Robert Johnson undoubtedly influenced Lockwood Jr..
In the 1930s, Robert Lockwood Jr. was already working with blues giants like Sonny Boy Williamson II, Johnny Shines, and Elmore James. His musical career truly took off in 1941 when he played on the influential King Biscuit Time radio station.
In July 1941, he made his recording debut with Dr. Clayton. These recordings also form the starting point of this album and are categorized as piano Delta blues. Clayton is listed here as Peter Cleighton. It's worth noting that, although these songs were recorded in 1941, they are heard here in excellent sound.
On July 30th, Robert recorded four songs under his own name, and all four are featured on this release. You can hear his magnificent slide guitar performances on ‘Little Boy Blue’. He also delivers similar performances fingerpicking on acoustic guitar on ‘Take A Walk With Me’, ‘I'm Gonna Train My Baby’, and ‘Black Spider Blues’.
In 1951, he appears on recordings by Alfred Wallace, also known as The Fat Man, and on albums by the Sunnyland Slim Trio. These songs are also heard here and clearly demonstrate the evolution Robert Lockwood Jr. had already undergone in those few years. He swings with verve on ‘Glad I Don't Worry No More’. He also appears on the brilliant ‘Rhythm Rockin' Boogie’ by John Lee (Healey) in 1952, a song that wasn't released until 1958. A fantastic track!
He made his Chess Records debut in 1952 alongside Eddie Boyd, and here you hear Lockwood Jr. perfectly at ease in the role of a more sophisticated guitarist, who knows what the frontman wants. Be sure to listen to the instrumental ‘The Tickler,’ as well as ‘Nothing But Trouble’ and the slow blues ‘24 Hours’.
A year later, in 1953, we find Robert again on St. Louis Jimmy records, three of which can be heard here, including the sublime slow blues ‘Your Evil Ways’.
He also replaced Louis Myers in the band of blues harp virtuoso Little Walter in 1954. Little Walter is present on four tracks, including the instrumental ‘Teenage Beat,’ where Little Walter's blues harp perfectly matches Lockwood Jr’.s guitar playing. Superb! At that time, Robert Lockwood Jr. was a respected and sought-after session musician and co-responsible for creating that characteristic Chicago blues guitar sound. Jimmy Rogers also called on Robert for ‘You're The One’ and the well-known ‘Walking By Myself’. This first volume covers the period 1941-1956 and features, in addition to recordings he made under his own name, magnificent recordings by artists on whom Lockwood Jr. accompanied.
A follow-up volume, covering the period 1951-1961, is coming soon. Definitely worth keeping an eye on!

​With this album, Roomful Of Blues brings something new. After 19 albums with male singers, Steppin’ Out! is their first-ever album featuring a female vocalist, the masterful D.D. Bastos. Her powerhouse, soul-stirring voice and her charismatic stage presence bring a whole new spirit to the Roomful sound. 

​Because of Yates’s lifelong, intense dedication to blues and roots music, he has developed a direct line from his soul to whatever instrument he holds. When he sings and plays, you don’t just hear it, you feel it…deeply. On these recordings you will find him not only singing and playing guitar, but also playing drums, bass guitar, upright bass and organ.But, aside from Yates’s abilities and accomplishments, he is my son! It is the joy of my life to record and perform with him. The amazing musicians on this album are also our closest friends. We hope you will feel the love when you listen. Kevin McKendree

Jon Hines will release his first band recording, called Memphis Sun. Featuring seven masterfully crafted blues-roots songs backed by a powerful rhythm section. Memphis Sun highlights Hines’ swampy, gritty guitar playing, coupled with haunting vocals and storytelling.

In celebration of his 89th birthday, the album showcases Buddy’s unrelenting dedication to the blues. With featured artists such as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Joe Walsh, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Joe Bonamassa, and Peter Frampton, Ain’t Done With The Blues was produced at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, TN. With the passing of B.B. King in 2015, Buddy Guy is practically the only remaining legendary blues artist. And even though he's a shrewd businessman, he continues to amaze us musically. Buddy Guy no longer needs interpretation from a seasoned blues fanatic.

The release ‘Right On Time’ is Morgan's solo debut album and includes nine originals written or co-written by him, and four selected covers. Highly recommended! 

This is the third album from drummer, percussionist singer-songwriter Geoff Arsenault. His music is described as having “a real swampy, roots music style, tinged with Tex-Mex and a dash of New Orleans blues”. Highly recommended..! 

Texas Headhunters is what happens when three of Texas’ fiercest guitar slingers – Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller, and Jesse Dayton – finally collide on the same stage. Born from deep roots, old friendships, and a shared reverence for the swaggering soul of Texas blues, this is not your average jam. It’s a movement. A reckoning. A new chapter in the book of American roots music. Each member carries serious pedigree: Moore’s psychedelic fire, Moeller’s deep-pocket sting, and Dayton’s outlaw storytelling have powered everything from The Fabulous Thunderbirds to Austin’s Antone’s legacy to Grammy-nominated collaborations and cult favorite solo records. Individually, they’ve blazed trails. Together, they’re setting the whole damn map on fire. This isn’t a tribute, and it’s not nostalgia – it’s a revival with teeth. With roots tracing back to Antone’s and the late Clifford Antone’s last wave of discoveries, the Headhunters are here to remind the world what Texas blues was, is, and still can be.

After their self-titled debut album in 2019, was 'Remain' released on Gypsy Soul Records in 2022. This was followed by 'Sherpherd' in 2024, a full-length album that continually explored, experimented, and pushed so many aboundaries. All of this is practically a trademark for Bywater Call, a band that continues to develop with its unique voice. Their sound is an exploration. Singer Meghan Parnell enjoys being surrounded by guitarist Dave Barnes, Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), John Kervin (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet), and Julian Nalli (tenor sax). Live, everything sounds tight, an expression of joy with a dose of energy.

Revere Rivers has paid his dues performing in bands and opening for the likes of The Roots and Ivan Neville and studying piano and Hammond B-3 from the masters in New Orleans. After rambling from river town to river town, he settled down in Kansas City. With years of songs under his belt, Revere Rivers was ready to record an album. The VP of Virgin Music Group, Steve Weatherby, spots his talents and suggests connecting Revere with Los Angeles-based record producer Marvin Etzioni, who has worked with Lone Justice, Counting Crows, and Trombone Shorty, to name a few. Revere suggested to Marvin, let's try one song together and see what happens. After completing the Revere original "Lofty Politics," their fate had been sealed. They took their time finishing what is now the debut album I Was Born of Water. The album features James Gadson (Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, McCartney) on drums on the opening track and first single, "A Girl Named Happiness" (another Revere original). Horn arranger David Ralicke (Beck, The Shins, Morrissey) arranged horns for the entire album. Think Stax, early Van Morrison, and Gil Evans as influences.

American Singer, guitar player and songwriter Debbie Bond has been performing for decades in the Alabama backwoods and is now a regular on the Southern US and European club and festival circuit. Influenced by raw juke joint blues and the famed sounds of Muscle Shoals, Debbie's impressive story includes years of performing with traditional Alabama blues musicians, like Johnny Shines, Eddie Kirkland, Willie King, Shar Baby, Little Jimmy Reed and more. Immersion in Alabama roots music has deeply flavored her guitar playing, soulful voice and original song writing, giving her a contemporary and original sound, with soul, blues, and jazz influences. Debbie Bond’s “Live at the Song Theater” is a testament

‘Our Time to Ride’ is a soundtrack to love, resilience, and the road ahead. Fronted by the magnetic duo Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers, this band unites two celebrated artists whose music and story inspire audiences worldwide. With its high- energy fusion of blues, soul, and rock'n'roll, it perfectly captures the heart and spirit of Chambers DesLauriers. The album, produced by Eric Corne at Studio Mix-Art in Montreal, showcases the duo's undeniable chemistry, with Paul's searing guitar work and Annika's commanding gospel-soul vocals taking center stage. From the heartfelt "Love You Just the Same" to the rebellious groove of "People Gonna Talk" to the soaring anthem "Sing" and the liberating title track "Our Time to Ride", Chambers DesLauriers delivers a dynamic soul-stirring experience.

So get ready to tap your feet, dance the night away and embrace the music and performance of the ‘Soulkeeper’. Gerald, known in Chicago as the “Soulkeeper.” One of the most reminiscent and versatile soul, R&B, singer/songwriter/performer in the recording industry. His artistry and songwriter style allows him the rare ability to take a song that has been ingrained in the public consciousness, reshape it, and make it his own without losing the emotional essence. If you love R&B soul music, you'll absolutely love Gerald McClendon and his extraordinary style of performing R&B classics, classic soul music, and the sounds of Motown, Stax, and Atlantic. Highly recommended! 

Garry has now created a unique, personal style. A style with interesting rhythms and changes, colored with many great blues-rock guitar tunes. Great stuff! 

VizzTone is proud to present KEEP ON PUSHING, the latest album from internationally hailed blues guitarist/vocalist Kirk Fletcher, working with co-producer JD Simo and a dream team of Nashville players for a “live in the studio” album that captures the immediacy of some of his favorite recordings. The album mines some classic songs by Big Bil Broonzy, Arthur Crudup, Percy Mayfield and more, along with originals by Fletcher and a tribute to Robert Nighthawk co-written with JD Simo.

"Hill County Blood" is an energetic, deeply authentic blues experience. A musical development that honors the past while simultaneously charging into the future. Wonderful! Highly recommended….

Connecticut based Blues Rock recording artists “The Name Droppers” completed work on their 5th full-length album titled “Cool Blue Shoes,” Highly recommended! 

On ‘Keep Living Til I Die’, renowned blues guitarist and three-time Blues Music Award winner Monster Mike Welch reteams with producer Kid Andersen to deliver searing guitar and impassioned vocals on a set of original songs and covers of Robert Johnson, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan among others, exploring themes of life, death, love, joy and heartbreaklip 

The band Ticket West is back on board with Greg Izor, who now also serves as producer after a previous collaboration on the 2023 release "Chucufu,", featuring Izor as vocalist and harmonica virtuoso. The eleven tracks were penned by Pascal Wilhelm, who sings and plays guitar. His brother Walter provides the bass lines, Paolo de Stigter sits on drums, Bas Kleine is adept on the harmonica, Roel Spanjers plays the keys on "Paying The Price," and Izor plays additional harmonica and guitar parts in addition to his production duties. Wilhelm's atypical blues voice is prominently featured throughout the songs, creating a fresh sound. Ticket West grows as a band with every album and continues to reinvent itself. Impressive! Highly recommended…

Forrest McDonald, a seasoned singer-songwriter, unveils Songs from My Soul, a heartfelt collection of authentic storytelling rooted in the experiences of everyday life. With a shift from the "Forrest McDonald Band" to a solo focus, this album dives deep into themes of love, hope, hard times, and faith. Blending his blues and blues-rock foundations with influences from Americana and folk, Forrest crafts songs that resonate emotionally, forging a powerful connection with listeners. Songs from My Soul is more than music—it’s a shared journey through the human condition.