​Last year, Atomicat launched the ‘Rock 'n Roll Kittens’ series with volume 1 subtitled ‘Friction Heat’. 'Rockin' House Cowgirl'(vol. 2),'Shakin 'The Blues' (vol. 3), 'Rock And Roll To Save My Soul' (vol. 4) followed and volume 5 'Forbidden Fruit' was just released. The forbidden fruits are handed out to the ladies in 24 tracks. Tracks that all contain a high sax content, which quickly results in impressive, swinging and rocking rhythm & blues.
That the women could stand their ground and sometimes left the opposite sex far behind them musically, can be heard on this ‘Forbidden Fruit’. Nice album, also for men by the way!

​The late sixties and early seventies were a time of paradoxes. In Great Britain and Ireland, folk music became immensely popular. Although its inspiration came straight from medieval times, the new movement was filed as ‘progressive’ and ‘alternative’.  Well, a paradox is not a contradiction. First of all, the music of  previous times was seen as more pure and more authentic than the commercialised music industry. Second, these folk artists did not turn to the past as such, but to a particular past, when witches, alchemists, polytheists, non-believers and more queer folk lived a world view that was soon to be killed off and buried by the mighty, including the Church. This is the ‘pagan’ world referred to in the subtitle of this magnificent 3CD box by Cherry Red. That pagan world could easily symbolize the alternative many youngsters were then looking for.
The sixty songs of this compilation transpire this alternative from the first to the last note: acoustic instruments, traditional vocals, pagan-inspired lyrics, ancient melodies, small compounds or solo artists … Considering the time of release (1965-1975), we are also treated to some psychedelia and plugged instruments, but these do not alter the overall feel.
Cherry Red presents a number of famous names which are firmly (Steeleye Span, Fairport) or loosely (Curved Air) linked to that folk revival, but wisely stresses a few dozen artists and groups whose contributions were essential though chances are you may never have heard of them. After all, this was an alternative movement.
This Cherry Red compilation is presented as a 3cd box set with the usual informative 40 page-booklet.
In ‘Rock On’, Radio 68 www.radio68.be plays choice tracks on Wednesdays 02 and 16 December from11 a.m. till 11 p.m.

​This is a debut big band album, that reminds me of the seventies. 

​An outstanding Christmas album, that you can now buy before the holidays. 

​In addition to Adams' hits ‘Shake A Hand’, ‘I'll Be True’ and ‘Hurts Me To My Heart’, this compilation includes all of her recordings she made for the Herald label, as well as her early Atlantic songs. It’s a fact that Faye Adams certainly paved the way for the ‘Queen Of Soul’, Aretha Franklin. Nice compilation!

​May I change the album title in Kiss Me Slow?  Deep emotional songs with a few beautiful duets from Peter Gallway and wife Annie Gallup.  They are made for each other.

​Although Greg is from Brooklyn, New York, he is one of the hottest newcomers to the Philadelphia blues scene. His success story is also largely due to the three Philly blues and rock veterans who can look back on a more than successful career with an extensive resume. And then we're talking bassist Garry Lee, guitarist Allen James and drummer Tom Walling. The album was recorded in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia and was co-produced by Garry Lee and Mike Tarsia. It's a six-track EP, firmly rooted in the British blues boom, a sound that was so lush in the early 1970s. And that is almost immediately characterized in songs like "Wake Up".
Greg Sover crosses his musical swords with heavy guitar work and blazing solos. The release ends with "Never Gonna Stop", a Jimi Hendrix inspired rock song. Well, the circle is so full for Greg Sover Band. 

​Slide guitar is a technique that was developed in the late 1920s and early 1930s and was mainly used in the Mississippi Delta blues. The intention is for the player to slide an object over the strings, creating a specific lilting sound.
The Jasmine label bundles 28 tracks on this collector, mainly focusing on the acoustic slide guitar. In addition to slide recordings by famous artists such as Homesick James, Muddy Waters, Robert Nighthawk, Johnny Shines and especially Hound Dog Taylor, this album also contains a number of less known artists.

​Like its predecessors, Volume 3 in the ‘Let's Throw A Rockin 'Soul Party’ again features 30 danceable songs that beautifully connect rock and soul. Well-known and less well-known artists give the best of themselves.
Also this time Koko-Mojo delivered another volume in the ‘Rockin’ Soul Party’ series, without inferior tracks. So you clearly get your money’s worth. There you can count on!

​Three years of writing songs in London shall give Rasmus Blomqvist not only flowers from Columbia Market but also spread wings to a big stage.  Beautiful album!

​This album is the fifth release in the series ‘Outside The Box’ with different recordings from artists all over the world. A fine way to celebrate the holidays!

​On this album, the Jasmine label brings together 30 tracks that showcase Sears' talent in the 50s. This compilation contains both recordings with his own orchestra, as well as recordings where Big Al put himself at the service of others, such as Jay Hawkins, Jimmy Witherspoon or Joe Turner. Great recordings that have not lost any of their charm in this time. Excellent rhythm & blues, with or without a soul, jazzy or rock-n-roll side.

​Ordinary Folks paints the hard live of people, the darker side of life indeed.  Nice to have The Pawn Shop Saints to confront us with this reality, gathered together around the campfire.

​This tribute album to “Ol’ Blue Eyes” is marvelous! Matt ranks among the best crooners and makes me wanna go dancing tonight! 

Eclectic songs from Scatterface (aka ChrisTechritz) with the collaboration of more than hundred musicians from all over the world.  It proofs the great creativity of the afflicted culture sector. Great collection!

​Bambaya Fire sets you in fire and makes you happy. Great performance from these Ghanese musicians.  The best Highlife music you can get!

​Jose Rizo, a Dj from LA, has a Latin jazz radio program. He loves that music and this album is recommended for a party!

​‘There's Gonna Be A Ball’ contains only gems from Chicano Rock. It is also commendable that the Chicano Rock managed to retain the dynamic, energetic and rebellious character of rock and roll while still leaving its own mark. Whether it concerns original songs, covers or hits translated into Spanish, these characteristics always remained emphatically present.
In the 8-page booklet you also get all the information about the artists and the recordings.
‘There's Gonna Be A Ball (Rock 'n' Roll Español)’ is definitely a must have for the straight-up rock and roll fan. Thanks Mark Armstrong, you did a great job!

​Billy J has recorded his most divergent album. From seventies rock, it goes to pleasant blues rock, some ballads and even some rare reggae tunes. Handsome release..! 

​A very nice album, that will certainly appeal to fans of soul, funk and fusion. 

​This double album proves that this trio, that has never stopped playing, still can warm your heart with their sound of Hammond, Rhodes, percussion etc. 

'It Takes A Believer' is an honest, intimate and intense album. The songs were created from the perceptions and feelings from the lives of Nils and Sara, but they also leave room for a personal experience of the listener. Love, transiency, failures, continuing to search but above all to continue to believe are the common thread through the 9 tracks. Beautiful album!

​This Jasmine collector contains, besides the full Blue Note album ‘Face To Face’, three tracks from the also by Blue Note released ‘Stop And Listen’, four bonus tracks from Willette's earliest recordings. From the first track, ‘Baby Face’ Willette emerge as an extremely creative organist, who knows how to combine jazz, gospel and blues in a masterful way. Let's hope Jasmine will release the rest of the ‘Stop And Listen’ album soon as well. After all, music by extremely talented musicians should not stayed unheard, especially not that of ‘Baby Face’ Willette. An absolute must have!

​This album ‘Reincarnated’ marks an new step in Hazar’s career! Together with a Blu-ray in 5.1 surround! 

​An atmospheric tribute and at once a very nice album.