​Few artists in independent country command the kind of hard-earned credibility as Michigan native Rachel Brooke. Known for her uncompromising integrity and emotionally unfiltered songwriting, Brooke has built a legacy that resonates deeply within the underground—where authenticity matters more than arena lights.

Nicknamed the “Rattlesnake of Independent Country” and often hailed as the “Queen of Underground Country,” Brooke is an Ameripolitan Award winner with a fiercely diverse body of work. Over the years, she has moved seamlessly between gothic country, underground roots, avant-garde textures, and stripped-down traditionalism. Raised in a family band steeped in bluegrass and classic country, Brooke later cut her teeth in the punk scene—an experience that sharpened both her edge and her independence.

Her forthcoming album, The One’s For You, arriving April 24, marks what may be her most definitive country statement to date. Self-produced by Brooke and engineered by Grammy-nominated and Emmy Award–winning Jake Shives, the record leans fully into classic country tradition—timeless, sharp, and unapologetically direct.

While Brooke has never shied away from exploring life’s darker corners—including on her 2025 acoustic release Sings Sad Songs--The One’s For You balances shadow with wit. Humor threads through the storytelling, even when deeper truths linger beneath the surface.

“It’s a record that tells stories and asks questions, circling the world, the self, and what’s worth holding onto and what’s worth letting go,” Brooke says. “I poke fun at everything, including myself, and truly enjoyed every moment creating this record.”

That spirit shines through on the lead single, “I Chose Poorly,” where self-awareness meets sharp-tongued country realism.
The album follows a deeply personal chapter for Brooke, who stepped away from music and social media during what she describes as an “ego death and crippling internal despair.” Yet even in that darkness, creativity endured.

“Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind these last few years,” she reflects. “With everything going on in the world, I’ve often wondered what’s the point? I don’t know how else to say it, but this record saved me—and I cannot wait to share it all with you.”
​
With The One’s For You, Rachel Brooke delivers a bold reaffirmation of her artistry—classic country at its core, fearless in its honesty, and rooted in the kind of lived experience that can’t be manufactured.
​

Boston-based blues-rock powerhouse Delta Generators will release their highly anticipated new studio album, ON & ON, on May 22. Alongside the announcement, the band has unveiled the official music video for the album’s lead single, “I Got You,” directed by Jim Foster of Red 13.

Reflecting on the video’s concept, the band explains: “The theme is one we all can relate to—simply exploring the omnipresent reality that everyone has their demons.”
ON & ON was recorded live at Power Station N.E. in Waterford, Connecticut, with engineer Evan Bakke (known for his work with Warren Haynes and Prince). True to their roots, the band wrote, arranged, and rehearsed the material over an intensive eight-day period before tracking the album in just two days, capturing the raw, unfiltered energy that defines their live performances.

Brothers Charlie and Rick O’Neal—guitar and bass, respectively—have been playing together since their teenage years. Both previously performed in the band of Benjamin Orr of The Cars. Charlie’s guitar style reflects his deep blues foundation, drawing inspiration from legends such as Elmore James, Freddie King, and Albert Collins.

Formed in 2007, the band originally featured vocalist Craig Rawding, bassist Rick O’Neal, guitarist Charlie O’Neal, and drummer Jeff Armstrong. After early lineup shifts, the group earned widespread recognition by winning the Boston Blues Challenge in 2008 and advancing to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

In 2016, following Rawding’s departure, acclaimed vocalist and harmonica player Brian Templeton joined the lineup. Charlie O’Neal reflects, “Brian lifted the DGs to a new level with his showmanship and drive. I don’t think the band would have continued if Brian hadn’t joined.” Rick O’Neal adds, “Beyond his top-notch vocals, Brian brought a powerful stage presence, killer harmonica playing, and lyric writing that stands in a class of its own.”

Discussing the new album, drummer Jeff Armstrong notes, “Unlike the previous record, which felt more like a compilation of great songs, this new record stands on its own as a cohesive, complete work.” Charlie O’Neal agrees, adding, “ON & ON perfectly captures the live spirit of the band and is by far sonically superior to any of our previous albums.”

For Templeton, the heart of the band remains the live connection: “Making a spiritual bond with the people—our fans—is why we do what we do. There really is no other reason.”
​
With ON & ON, Delta Generators reaffirm their commitment to authentic blues-driven rock—delivering an album that is as immediate and electrifying as their live show.

​“Do You Feel Alright” is the second single from Mitch Ryder’s upcoming live album Songs From The Road, recorded on tour in Germany in 2025. A powerful fan favorite and one of Ryder’s classic songs that has appeared on compilations and anthologies over the years, “Do You Feel Alright” blends heartfelt intensity with gritty rock-and-roll fire — a performance rooted in personal emotion and deep musical history. The live version captures Mitch’s unmistakable voice and the raw connection that has kept audiences captivated for decades.

​Tourdates

17/02/26 - Lichtentanne, St. Barbara
19/02/26 - Hasselt, Macca Club
20/02/26 - Dortmund, Musiktheater Piano
21/02/26 - Rüsselsheim, Das Rind
22/02/26 - Bonn, Harmonie
24/02/26 - Kassel, Theaterstübchen
26/02/26 - Bremen, Meisenfrei
27/02/26 - Münster, Hot Jazz Club
28/02/26 - Flensburg, Roxy Concerts Flensburg
02/03/26 - Salzburg, Rockhouse Salzburg
03/03/26 - Rorschach, INDUSTRIE 36
05/03/26 - Bensheim, Musiktheater Rex
07/03/26 - Freudenburg, Ducsaal
08/03/26 - Siegen, Kulturhaus Lyz
10/03/26 - Nürnberg, Hirsch
11/03/26 - Lindewerra, Gemeindesaal
12/03/26 - Hamburg, Logo Hamburg
13/03/26 - Berlin, Quasimodo

​Valerie and the rain is het muzikale universum van componist en singer-songwriter Valerie Van Roey. Haar muziek is een gevoelige mix van folk, klassieke compositie en hedendaagse muziek. Geïnspireerd door artiesten als Joni Mitchell, Linda Perhacs en Vashti Bunyan schrijft ze intieme songs met een puur en verhalend karakter. 

Haar liefde voor muziek begon al op jonge leeftijd. Dankzij haar vader, een gepassioneerde muziekliefhebber, groeide ze onder andere op met de muziek van Arvo Pärt en Bach. Ze studeerde vervolgens ook compositie aan het Conservatorium van Antwerpen en Gent.  Later ontdekte en ontmoette ze Christian Wallumrød en Arve Henriksen, muzikanten die haar erg inspireerden en ook folk en een hedendaagse sound met elkaar verweven.

Op haar twintigste ondernam Valerie een reis die haar leven veranderde. Ze nam een sabbatjaar, liet het conservatorium in Antwerpen even achter zich en dook de wereld in. Al liftend legde ze 6000 km af doorheen Canada. Van Vancouver naar Toronto, over de enige highway die het hele land doorkruist. De reis was gebaseerd op een innerlijke houding van vertrouwen in de mensen en het leven. Gedurende deze weken werd Valerie verrast door de liefde, gastvrijheid en schoonheid van het innerlijke van de mensen op haar pad.  Tijdens de reis kocht ze haar eerste gitaar in Thunder Bay en schreef ze vervolgens de song 'Canada', na bijzondere ontmoetingen met de vrijgevige mensen van Canada en muzikanten op het folkfestival van Winnipeg. De reis vormt de basis van wie Valerie is als songwriter. 'Canada' was het begin van vele songs die zouden volgen.

Valerie is steeds erg gefascineerd geweest door zingen. Haar stem klinkt bijzonder eigen en krachtig door haar diepe toewijding aan het zingen, jarenlang improviseren met haar stem en ook de grote passie voor traditionele Iraanse zang. Ze volgde lessen bij o.a. Mahsa Vahdat en Rahele Barzegari, waar ze geïnspireerd werd door de fijngevoelige wereld van de Perzische melodieën.(met quarter tones). Deze invloeden geven haar zangstem en songs een unieke kleur.

Valerie ziet een song als een “micro universe” waarin ze je uitnodigt om mee te reizen in een ruimte van verrassende klankkleuren. Het medium song is voor haar het favoriete en eenvoudige voertuig om haar liefde voor zang en compositie met haar luisteraars te delen.
​
Na jaren te hebben geschreven en gespeeld met muzikanten als Ruben Machtelinckx, Thomas Jillings en Nicolas Mortelmans, heeft ze in de zomer van 2024 haar debuutalbum opgenomen. Samen met Felix Machtelinckx (Tin Fingers) die haar muzikale visie als producer volledig omarmde, hebben ze op 7 dagen tijd, in een stenen cabane in de bergen van Zuid-Frankrijk, een intiem album gemaakt.. Het resultaat is een debuutplaat (release: 5 maart) die haar klassieke opleiding verweeft met haar liefde voor zang, storytelling en folk.

Leading up to the release of their second album, PD Martin unveils their first single, “Overqualified,” to the public.
​

What started in 2019 as a straight-ahead blues trio has grown into one of the most dynamic acts on the Belgian roots scene. PD Martin featuring vocalist/guitarist Piet Vercauteren, bassist Joris Holderbeke, and drummer Rien Gees has never been content to stay within the lines of the genre. From day one, their gritty blues has been infused with flashes of funk and bursts of high-energy soul, all driven by a deep love of groove and feel.

Three years ago, the addition of keyboardist Hein Mandos expanded the band’s sound even further, adding new textures and depth. That evolution did not go unnoticed. In 2024, one year after the release of their debut album Soulbeat Incarnate, PD Martin won the Belgian Blues Challenge. The victory earned them the opportunity to represent Belgium at the European Blues Challenge in Split, Croatia. The momentum continued when frontman Piet Vercauteren also active as one-man band Peddlin’ Pete competed in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

While maintaining a busy live schedule, the band has also been hard at work on new material. Their second full-length album is set for release later this year, but fans can already get a taste with the brand-new single.

“Overqualified” is a swinging, feel-good track that revives the golden age of rock ’n’ roll in just under three minutes. A driving drumbeat, walking bass line, boogie-woogie piano, sharp guitar riffs, and spirited vocals come together to create pure dance-floor energy. The song captures a sense of nostalgia without sounding retro—it’s a celebration of playing for the sheer joy of it, and of sharing that joy with an audience.
​
With “Overqualified,” PD Martin confidently steps toward their second album energized, seasoned, and ready for what’s next.
​

At the start of 2025, J Lee & The Hoodoo Skulls shut the doors and headed into the studio. Months of writing, refining and recording have now culminated in the release of their third album, Bad Love, a ten-track statement bursting with attitude, groove and vintage swagger.

The album kicks off with the title track “Bad Love,” an immediate, riff-driven opener that tips its hat to the glam rock energy of the 1970s. From the first note, it’s clear the band means business.

Across its ten tracks, Bad Love moves effortlessly through the spectrum of roots music — from rock ’n’ roll and blues to country and straight-up rock. “Lonely Man” delivers an infectious rockabilly shuffle, elevated by a gritty, blues-soaked harmonica performance from Tom Julian-Jones of The Cinelli Brothers. Meanwhile, “You Say You’re Leavin’” leans into a sleazy, late-night blues vibe worthy of a scene from Peaky Blinders.

The album closes on a high-octane note with “Mean Little Woman,” an all-out rock ’n’ roll burner that captures the band’s electrifying live spirit.
Bad Love also features standout collaborations, including keys and piano from Tom Worrall and a punchy brass section arranged by Piers & Co, adding depth and dynamic flair throughout. Together, these elements shape an album that feels both classic and contemporary — raw, tight and undeniably feel-good.

Recorded at Global Fire Creative Studios, the album was written and produced by frontman J Lee — son of Shakin' Stevens — alongside guitarist Harun Kotch. With Michael Hartnett on bass and Wayne Riches on drums, the band crafted an eclectic yet cohesive collection rooted firmly in blues, rock ’n’ roll and Americana traditions.
​
After a year largely spent in the studio, J Lee & The Hoodoo Skulls are back , louder, tighter and more fired up than ever. Bad Love is a bold next chapter from a band hitting its stride.

Tracks:
01. Bad Love
02. Lonely Man
03. Big Desire
04. You Got Me Hooked
05. Black Cherry
06. You Say You’re Leavin’
07. Better Days
08. Crying
09. Small Town
10. Mean Little Woman
​
Website: 
jleeandthehoodooskulls.com

​

​East River Blues, the forthcoming CRS release from internationally acclaimed guitarist and singer Chris Bergson, marks 30 years of making music in New York City. A deeply personal statement, the album reflects Bergson’s three decades in the city while paying tribute to his core blues and jazz influences — from Muddy Waters and Ray Charles to Blue Note heroes of the 1960s such as Grant Green, Lou Donaldson and Herbie Hancock.

The album features Bergson in a powerhouse trio with premier bassist Larry Grenadier and master drummer Herlin Riley. On three selections, the group expands to a quartet with longtime bandmate, saxophonist Jay Collins.

30 Years in New York
In January 2025, Bergson celebrated his 30th year living in New York City — a journey that began in the mid-1990s with pre-dawn jam sessions at Smalls Jazz Club, studies with guitar legend Jim Hall, and classes at the Manhattan School of Music. Over three decades, New York shaped him not only into a respected guitarist, but also into a vocalist, bandleader, husband, father, and devoted student of the blues tradition.
To mark the milestone, Bergson set out to record an album that honored both his musical heroes and the city that forged his sound.
​
A Session Shaped by Fate
Initially, Bergson envisioned the trio with Grenadier and legendary drummer Al Foster, whose history stretches back to the quartet of saxophonist Joe Henderson. Bergson and Foster had previously shared the stage in New York, an experience Bergson describes as “life-changing.”
A June session was booked at NRS Recording in Catskill, NY. But tragedy struck when Foster passed away on May 28, 2025, just weeks before recording.
In a remarkable turn, Bergson reached out to New Orleans drum master Herlin Riley, whom he had recently met during a Jazz at Lincoln Center blues jam weekend. By coincidence, Riley was already scheduled to perform in nearby Connecticut the night before the session — with Larry Grenadier on bass. The alignment felt serendipitous. The trio entered the studio, and the chemistry was immediate.

The Music
From the opening bars of Muddy Waters’ “Mean Disposition,” the trio locks into a deep, gritty groove. Bergson’s pick-free approach on his Tele-style guitar produces vocal-like textures, complementing his soulful, unvarnished singing.
The standard “Little Girl Blue” (Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart) moves the album into jazz territory, with Bergson’s unaccompanied chordal introduction and a vocal interpretation inspired by Ray Charles’ phrasing and emotional depth.
The funky instrumental title track, “East River Blues,” channels the boogaloo spirit of Lou Donaldson’s Blue Note era, blending blues, soul, jazz, and groove. Saxophonist Jay Collins joins for playful exchanges and bold ensemble work. The album was largely recorded in first or second takes, preserving a spontaneous, live feel.
Other highlights include the jazz waltz “Sad Strains,” a poignant composition from Bergson’s college years, and the hard-swinging quartet interpretation of Herbie Hancock’s “Driftin’.” A soulful reading of Ray Charles’ “What Would I Do Without You” further underscores Bergson’s deep connection to the blues-soul continuum.

An Album of Flow
What began as a tribute project evolved into something even more profound — an album shaped by loss, resilience, and creative trust. With the empathetic interplay of Grenadier and Riley, and the dynamic presence of Jay Collins, East River Blues captures Bergson at a pivotal moment: honoring his past while sounding fully alive in the present.
​

​‘Another Way’ is de eerste single van Movin’, het album van Selah Sue en The Gallands. Wat startte als een samenwerking voor een live moment, bleef niet bij één keer. Er was meteen vertrouwen en goesting om verder te werken. Dat hoor je ook.

‘Another Way’ werd geschreven in een periode waarin Selah Sue het mentaal moeilijk had. Die kwetsbaarheid zit erin, maar het is geen zware song. Eerder een besef dat je niet alles kan vasthouden. Dat je soms een andere weg moet proberen.

Op Movin’ komen jazz, soul en hiphop samen op een heel natuurlijke manier. Het klinkt warm, live en ongeforceerd. Drums die ruimte laten, toetsen die zacht meebewegen, bas die alles draagt. De drie muzikanten houden hun eigen kleur, maar het klopt als geheel.
​
Het album werd gemixt door Russell Elevado, die eerder werkte met D'Angelo en Alicia Keys. Movin’ verschijnt op 20 maart 2026.
​

​LIVE
01/03: COOL Festival, Leuven
08/03: De Roma, Antwerpen
09/05: Uhoda Jazz à Liège Festival, Liège
28/06: Tournai Jazz, Tournai

 
VOLG SELAH SUE
Instagram - Facebook - Website

VOLG THE GALLANDS
Instagram - Facebook 

Chicago blues veteran Studebaker John releases Jumpin’ From Limb To Limb on March 13


Authentic, Powerful, Timeless: Studebaker John Delivers the Blues Like No Other 
​An Original Harmonica Virtuoso and Electrifying Slide Guitar Wizard
Studebaker John is one of Chicago’s most legendary blues musicians, renowned for his fiery slide guitar, soulful harmonica, and decades-long devotion to the Chicago blues tradition.

​
Studebaker John (John Grimaldi) was born in Chicago in 1952 and has spent more than five decades at the forefront of Chicago blues. A true original, he has built his career not on recycling standards, but on writing powerful, deeply personal songs that fuse raw intensity with masterful musicianship. His authenticity, relentless dedication, and originality have earned him international acclaim.

Raised in a tight-knit Italian-American neighborhood, John was first inspired by his father and began playing harmonica at the age of seven. Frequent visits to Chicago’s legendary Maxwell Street immersed him in the gritty, electrified blues that would shape his musical identity. A life-changing moment came when he witnessed Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers live. The searing slide guitar and unfiltered energy of the performance left a permanent mark, steering John toward slide guitar and defining his lifelong commitment to Chicago blues.

In the 1970s, he formed Studebaker John & The Hawks, releasing their debut album Straight No Chaser in 1978. By the early 1990s, albums such as Born To Win and Nothin’ But Fun established him as a major presence in Europe, expanding his audience worldwide. With 21 albums to his name, Studebaker John remains a commanding force on the international blues circuit. His live performances are celebrated for their explosive energy, emotional depth, and genuine connection with audiences.

John’s music has appeared in film and television, and critics consistently praise his ability to honor the foundations of classic Chicago blues while pushing the tradition forward. His work with the Maxwell Street Kings and releases on respected labels such as Delmark Records further underscore his standing in the blues community. Never content to stand still, John often addresses social themes in his songwriting, keeping his music both timely and timeless.
​​
Studebaker John delivers the blues the only way he knows how  raw, real, and uncompromising.
​

Tracks:
01. Shake That Thing
02. Sho-enuff Did
03. Do It Like You Should
04. Jumpin From Limb to Limb
05. That’s What [the blues is]
06. Well Allright
07. Wig Head Woman
08. Freighttrain
09. She’s Nice
10. This Lonesome Road
11. Stone Blind
​
Website: 
studebakerjohn.com