Erja is looking back on her 20 years of blues Rock. And a true document it has become, this recording of her jubilee show where
many of her (ex) colleagues were invited to share the stage. The package includes 2 CDs and DVD

SLIDE GUITAR BLUES
January 17  release
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​ 20 Years of Blues Rock! Erja Lyytinen's 20th anniversary concert, recorded on the stage of the Tavastia club in Helsinki in the fall of 2023, contains a comprehensive overview of the guitarist-singer's career. During the three-hour spectacle, the original rhythm compositions of Erja Lyytinen's bands will take the stage. Featuring Davide Floreno, Harri Taittonen, Miri Miettinen, Juha Verona, Kai Jokiaho, Timo Tuppurainen, Rami Eskelinen, Iiro Kautto and also special guests Heikki Silvennoinen and Maria Hänninen!
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​ SET 1
Baking Blues
Long Ago
Grip of the Blues
Let it Shine
Skinny Girl
Oil and Water
Bed of Roses
Lullaby
Erja's Contribution to Jazz
Everything's Fine
Change of Season

SET 2
Stolen Hearts
24 Angels
Silloin Nyt Aina
Bad Seed
Black Ocean
You Talk Dirty
Wedding Day
Dust my Broom (E.James)
 
 2 CD/DVD

Vanwege organisatorische redenen wordt de Belgian Blues Night die was voorzien op 13 december 2024 uitgesteld naar 28 maart 2025. Die dag zullen ook de Belgian Blues Awards worden uitgereikt. Meer info volgt binnenkort via de kanalen van de Belgian Blues Federation.


Pour des raisons organisationnelles, la Belgian Blues Night initialement prévue le 13 décembre 2024 est déplacée au 28 mars 2025. Ce jour-là, les Belgian Blues Awards seront également remis. Des des informations complémentaires seront communiquées prochainement via les canaux de la Belgian Blues Federation.

Due to organizational reasons, the Belgian Blues Night scheduled for December 13, 2024, has been postponed to March 28, 2025. On that day, the Belgian Blues Awards will also be presented. More information will follow soon via the channels of the Belgian Blues Federation.​

Website:
www.belgianbluesfederation.be

Ash Wexley steps into the spotlight with his debut album, Deadman’s Chord a raw, gritty collection of blues tracks that delve into themes of regret, redemption, and reckoning. Each song unveils a dark narrative, exploring the haunting truths of facing past demons and confronting an inevitable future with raw emotion and intensity.

Deadman’s Chord is more than an album; it’s a journey for those who have walked the hard road, battled their inner shadows, and felt the heavy weight of their choices. Every note digs deep, and every lyric leaves an indelible mark, making it a blues experience like no other.

Now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms, immerse yourself in the darkness and discover the power of the blues.

Ash Wexley brings a voice that fuses the grit of classic blues with a modern edge. His music reflects the raw, unfiltered truths of life, touching on survival, inner battles, and the price of redemption. With haunting sounds, powerful lyrics, and captivating performances, Ash creates a unique space in the contemporary blues scene.

Whether through soulful melodies or hard-hitting riffs, Ash Wexley leaves a lasting impression, embodying intensity and authenticity in today’s blues revival.
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More info:
Ash Wexley

Na een reeks concerten doorheen Amerika komen Talking Heads-gitarist en toetsenman Jerry Harrison en de gerenommeerde sessiemuzikant Adrian Belew naar Europa. Op zondag 1 juni brengen ze Talking Heads’ klassiekers als 'Once in A Lifetime’, 'Psycho Killer’, 'Take me to The River’ op hun eigenzinnige manier tot leven in het Koninklijk Circus, Brussel.

Tickets zijn te koop vanaf vrijdag 6 december om 10u00 via greenhousetalent.com
 
Jerry Harrison speelde eerst nog bij Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers voor hij in 1977 een officiële Talking Head werd en mee aan de wieg stond van de legendarische scene rond de Newyorkse CBGB club waarvan ook Blondie, The Ramones en Television deel van uitmaakten. Met Talking Heads schreef hij muziekgeschiedenis door new wave, pop en funk te versmelten met Afrikaanse ritmes en voor die tijd vreemde elektronica. Die combinatie bereikte een hoogtepunt met het in 1980 uitgebrachte "Remain In Light” in een productie van Brian Eno. "Once In A Lifetime” of "Born Under Punches” blijven tijdloze songs die de verbeelding prikkelen. Jerry is lid van de Rock N Roll Hall of Fame en ontving in 2021 een 'Lifetime Achievement Grammy’. Als producer werkte hij voor Foo Fighters, No Doubt, Kenny Wayne Shepherd en vele anderen.

Robert Steven 'Adrian’ Belew was als sessiemuzikant betrokken bij de opnames en de bijbehorende tournee van "Remain In Light” met zijn kenmerkende, onorthodoxe gitaarstijl die hoekige funk combineerde met geluidseffecten die je eerder met machines of dieren zou associëren. Belew bracht heel wat soloplaten uit maar verdiende als multi-instrumentalist - al is hij voornamelijk bekend als zanger en gitarist - zijn sporen bij o.a. David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Tori Amos, …. Zijn meest experimentele kant mocht hij botvieren binnen King Crimson waarbij hij speelde van 1981 tot 2009. 
 
Op zondag 1 juni, in het Koninklijk Circus, Brussel worden beide heren door een geweldige live band ondersteund en spelen ze naast een selectie songs uit "Remain In Light” en enkele Talking Heads-klassiekers ook nummers uit hun eigen muzikale verleden waaronder werk van King Crimson en Harrison’s "Casual Gods”. Verwacht een eigenzinnige kijk op songs die muziekgeschiedenis hebben geschreven!

​Larkin Poe, the GRAMMY® Award-winning duo of Georgia-bred, Nashville-based sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, have released their latest single, “Little Bit,” available now via their own Tricki-Woo Records. An official music video for the song premieres today on YouTube.

“Little Bit” offers a powerful message about mindfulness and living in the moment, with Rebecca Lovell's heartfelt vocals emphasizing the value of presence. The song serves as a preview for their highly anticipated new album, Bloom, set to drop on January 24, 2025.
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Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, Rebecca Lovell shares, “From the word go, it feels like we’ve been tempted to live life leaning forward. As touring musicians, we’ve cultivated a pedal-to-the-metal, high-octane culture, but the shine has slowly worn off that penny. ‘Little Bit’ is all about slowing down and savoring the precious little details. As the lyrics say: ‘more ain’t always more than a little bit.’”
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​Following their 2023 GRAMMY® Award-winning album Blood Harmony, Larkin Poe is set to release their eagerly awaited new album, Bloom, on January 24, 2025. The album’s announcement followed their "Duo/Group of the Year" win at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards, further cementing their status as a powerhouse in contemporary American music.

Bloom features singles like the introspective opener “Mockingbird,” the blues-infused “If God Is A Woman,” and the genre-blending “Bluephoria,” each accompanied by music videos streaming on YouTube. These tracks highlight the sisters’ evolving sound and dedication to authenticity, blending their roots in blues, rock, and Americana with rich storytelling.

Produced and co-written by Rebecca and Megan Lovell alongside Tyler Bryant, the album showcases a refined synergy that goes beyond their musical partnership. The Lovell sisters explore themes of self-acceptance and individuality, weaving personal narratives into songs that resonate universally. Reflecting on their journey, Larkin Poe continues to push creative boundaries, marking 2024 as a landmark year with significant achievements, including their GRAMMY® win for Best Contemporary Blues Album and ongoing recognition in the Americana music scene.

​With their signature blend of poetic lyricism, masterful instrumentation, and soulful harmonies, Larkin Poe's upcoming album Bloom promises to be a powerful statement of authenticity and self-discovery. Tracks like the reflective “Little Bit” and the gritty, punk-infused anthem “Pearls” showcase the duo’s commitment to addressing real-world themes while honoring their deep roots in American music. This collection affirms their status as modern torchbearers of roots music, inviting fans to flourish alongside them.

“Bloom is about finding oneself amidst the noise of the world,” explains Rebecca Lovell. “It’s about wholeheartedly embracing the flaws and idiosyncrasies that make us real. Nearly every song on this album touches on the theme of self-discovery and separating personal truth from societal expectations.”

Their musical journey has also led to exciting collaborations with legendary British artists. Larkin Poe features on Elvis Costello’s King Of America & Other Realms box set, contributing a fresh rendition of “That’s Not The Part Of Him You’re Leaving.” They also performed with Costello and T-Bone Burnett, appearing as The Coward Brothers, on CBS’s Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS Saturday Morning. Additionally, the sisters joined Ringo Starr on his upcoming album, Look Up (set for release January 10, 2025), contributing to the new T-Bone Burnett composition “Rosetta” alongside Billy Strings.
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Renowned for their electrifying live performances, Larkin Poe will kick off their Bloom world tour on April 8, 2025, in St. Louis, MO, with shows across North America, Europe, and the UK through November. Fans can expect an immersive experience celebrating the duo’s evolving sound and unyielding dedication to their craft.

Bospop heeft de eerste artiesten aangekondigd voor de 43e editie van het festival, dat plaatsvindt op vrijdag 11, zaterdag 12 en zondag 13 juli 2025 in Weert.
​Grote namen zoals Simple Minds, Snow Patrol en The Black Keys zijn bevestigd voor het evenement. De kaartverkoop begint op vrijdag 6 december om 10:00 uur.
Ook Manic Street Preachers, Natasha Bedingfield, Beth Hart, Melissa Etheridge, Roxette, Joe Bonamassa en de Nederlandse zangeres Davina Michelle zullen optreden op het Bospop-podium, wat zorgt voor een veelzijdige line-up vol internationale en nationale topartiesten.

Line-upTot nu toe bevestigd zijn…

Vrijdag 11 juli:
Snow Patrol, Franz Ferdinand, Manic Street Preachers, Natasha Bedingfield, Dizzy Mixx Lizzy, Maerzfeld, King of the World, Absolutely Floyd, Marlon Pichel
Zaterdag 12 juli:
Simple Minds, Beth Hart, Melissa Etheridge, Roxette, Davina Michelle, The War and Treaty, The Fortunate Sons, Remme, Def Americans, Century’s Crime, Dirty Sound Magnum, The Brood, The Bruceband
Zondag 13 juli:
The Black Keys, Joe Bonamassa, Warren Haynes Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band and Bobby Rush, Ray Wilson, Orianthi, LeNoise, Bywater Call, Uncle Lucius


Stichting Bospop & MOJO presenteren:
BOSPOP 2025
Vrijdag 11 juli, zaterdag 12 juli en zondag 13 juli 2025
Evenemententerrein A2 Weert Noord
Dagkaarten: €107,50 (inclusief servicekosten)
Weekendkaarten (vr, za, zo): €235 (inclusief servicekosten)
De kaartverkoop start op vrijdag 6 december 2024 om 10:00 uur.

​On Friday, February 7, 2025, Alligator Records will release CLOSER TO THE BONE, the new album from award-winning, California-based blues and rock sensation Tommy Castro. Castro is the guitar slinging, soul-singing leader of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers. With CLOSER TO THE BONE, Castro -- the four-time Blues Music Award-winner for the B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year -- delivers what he calls, "a record I've always wanted to make." CLOSER TO THE BONE is the most unvarnished, straight-ahead blues release of Castro’s career, one that bristles with every ounce of his dynamic energy and raw emotion.

On CLOSER TO THE BONE (Castro’s 8th Alligator release), Castro and his Painkillers – bassist Randy McDonald, keyboardist Mike Emerson and drummer Bowen Brown – mix new Castro originals (Ain’t Worth The Heartache, Can’t Catch A Break, Crazy Woman Blues) with songs originally performed by many of Castro’s friends and heroes. Artists and their songs include Johnny Nitro (One More Night, on which Castro plays his treasured 1966 black Fender Stratocaster, a guitar once owned by Nitro himself), Magic Slim (Hole In The Wall), Ron Thompson (Freight Train) and Mike Duke (Keep Your Dog Inside). Castro additionally chose obscure songs by Wynonie Harris (Bloodshot Eyes), Eddie Taylor (Stroll Out West), Jimmy Nolen (The Way You Do) and Johnny “Guitar” Watson (She Moves Me). According to Castro, “These are not the obvious artists people generally cover, and that was most definitely on purpose.”

Castro has released 17 previous albums over the course of his four-decade career as a professional touring musician. Each record has its own individual sound and style, ranging from horn-fueled R&B to piping hot blues and soul to fiery, stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll. With CLOSER TO THE BONE, Castro has returned to his roots, delivering what he calls “a real blues record, the way they would have made them back in the day.”

CLOSER TO THE BONE was produced by master guitarist and studio wizard Christoffer “Kid” Andersen (producer of over 100 albums), at his now-famous Greaseland Studio in San Jose, California. On song after song, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers deliver one raw, inspired performance after another. Says Castro, “Here, I’m not the contemporary guy, not the rock guy, not the soul guy. This is the deeper blues side of me. I know, with these songs, I am at my most authentic.”

Of the album's first single, Woke Up And Smelled The Coffee (a song written by Castro's Alligator label-mate Chris Cain), Castro says, "I always liked the song. Since it's been almost 40 years since he recorded it, I thought I would do my own version. People cover B.B. King and Buddy Guy, why not Chris Cain? He’s as relevant an artist as anyone who ever played the blues."

Graham Nash, Grammy-winnaar en tweevoudig opgenomen in de Songwriters Hall of Fame, treedt op 24 oktober 2025 op in het Koninklijk Circus in Brussel. Tijdens deze show brengt hij nummers die zijn zestigjarige carrière omvatten, van The Hollies tot Crosby, Stills and Nash (& Young), en zijn geliefde solowerk.

Tickets zijn te koop vanaf vrijdag 6 december om 10 uur via greenhousetalent.com.
 
Nash wordt op het podium bijgestaan door Todd Caldwell (toetsen en zang), Adam Minkoff (bas, drums, gitaren en zang) en Zach Djanikian (gitaren, mandoline, drums en zang). Zijn indrukwekkende oeuvre omvat klassiekers zoals Marrakesh Express, Teach Your Children en Our House evenals solofavorieten Chicago/We Can Change the World en Military Madness. Zijn meest recente album, Now, uitgebracht in mei 2023, toont Nash's voortdurende relevantie en creatieve kracht.
 

Baba Sissoko, born in Bamako, Mali, is a celebrated master of the tamani (the original talking drum), an instrument he began playing in childhood under the guidance of his grandfather, Djeli Baba Sissoko. He is also a talented multi-instrumentalist, proficient in the ngoni, kamalengoni, guitar, balafon, calabash, and sildrum, all complemented by his captivating voice. Baba hails from a distinguished lineage of Malian griots, carrying forward a rich musical tradition.

His performances offer a unique fusion of deep blues, blending Malian heritage with Afro-American rhythms, Afrobeat, funk, and even psychedelic influences. His project, Mediterranean Blues, highlights this blend perfectly: his powerful and evocative voice intertwines with energetic beats and soul-stirring harmonica flourishes, creating a vibrant and spellbinding musical experience.

Each piece in his repertoire carries "Blues" in its title, featuring rich grooves, dynamic funk, and the mesmerizing pentatonic scales that evoke vivid emotional landscapes. His music seamlessly connects the listener to deep cultural roots while exploring new sonic territories.

Baba Sissoko collaborates with exceptional musicians in his group, Taman Kan: bassist Roger Sabal Lecco, known for his work with legends like Manu Dibango, Miriam Makeba, and Fela Kuti, and percussionist Reynaldo Hernandez, who has performed with the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba and the Gipsy Kings. Together, they merge diverse cultural influences, Mandinka, Bambara, Songhai, Yoruba, and Kongo—infusing their sound with elements of blues, jazz, and rock.
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With over five albums to his name, Baba Sissoko is not only a prolific recording artist but also a dedicated educator. He has taught traditional drumming in Brussels and delivered lectures at the Art, Music, and Performance Center at the University of Calabria in Italy, furthering his mission to share and preserve the rich musical heritage of Mali.

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​Tracks:
01. Hey Baby Blues
02. Bakadaji
03. Amadran Blues
04. Ebi
05. Masaya
06. Mediterranean Blues
07. Djarabi Blues
08. Bibisa

Website:
​Baba Sissoko & Mediterranean Blues