​Welsh singer-songwriter Laura Evans joins forces with award-winning blues outfit The Cinelli Brothers on her vibrant new single “Out Here on My Own,” released April 10, 2026 across all major streaming platforms.

Blending blues, pop and retro influences, the track arrives alongside a cinematic music video that captures its infectious, feel-good spirit. The collaboration was born following Evans’ support slot on The Cinelli Brothers’ 2025 UK tour. Reuniting months later at the band’s home studio, the artists quickly found a natural creative chemistry.

“The writing process with Ale and Marco was so easy and natural—we wrote this song really quickly,” says Evans. “It feels like the perfect blend of retro pop, blues and soul. At its heart, it’s a song about the highs and lows of chasing your dreams.”
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Produced by Marco Cinelli, “Out Here on My Own” combines warm, roots-driven instrumentation with driving harmonica, punchy rhythms, a soaring chorus and expressive dual vocals, all underpinned by the band’s signature soulful energy. Evans will join The Cinelli Brothers on stage to perform the single live at Cambridge Junction on release day, as the band continues its UK headline tour.
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​The Cinelli Brothers have become festival favourites across the UK, Europe and beyond. Fronted by brothers Marco and Alessandro Cinelli, the band blends Southern soul with Chicago blues-funk, driven by strong songwriting, dynamic performances and a modern rock and roll edge. Recently named UK Blues Band of the Year 2026 and featured in Drowned in Sound’s Class of 2025 Must-See Live Acts, they kicked off 2026 performing alongside Joe Bonamassa on his Keeping the Blues Alive Cruise in the United States as the only UK act on the bill. They are currently touring in support of their live album The Cinelli Brothers Live Here and There, recorded across more than 270 shows in 2025.

Laura Evans continues to establish herself as one of the UK’s most compelling voices in contemporary roots music. Blending soulful Americana and blues with heartfelt songwriting and a modern, radio-ready edge, she first gained widespread attention with her 2022 debut album State of Mind, which reached No. 1 on the UK Blues Chart. Her 2025 follow-up Out of the Dark broke into the Top 30 of the Official Americana Chart, while singles including “Honest” and “What I’m Made Of” received airplay on BBC Radio 2, supported by presenters Scott Mills and Cerys Matthews, helping her catalogue surpass 3.5 million streams.

A powerful live performer, Evans has toured with artists including Robben Ford, Walter Trout, King King and Robert Jon & The Wreck. Classic Rock Magazine praised her sound as “like Stevie Nicks jamming with Blackberry Smoke.”

​Acclaimed South African singer-songwriter Steve Louw has released his new single “Across The River,” offering a first glimpse of his forthcoming album Traces of the Flood, due May 15, 2026.

Released on April 10, the track is now available across streaming platforms alongside an official music video. Built around a restrained, slow-burning arrangement, “Across The River” places Louw’s songwriting at the forefront, exploring themes of distance, memory and connection. The motif of crossing runs throughout the song, functioning as both a physical journey and an emotional passage.

Lyrics such as “These four walls all I see” and “We’ll meet across the riverside” evoke a sense of isolation, while the recurring line, “I’ll be with you, my love,” introduces continuity and quiet resolve. The result is a composition that remains open to interpretation while anchored in a clear emotional core.

Musically, the single leans into minimalism, allowing Louw’s vocal performance to carry the narrative. Subtle instrumentation gradually builds, adding texture and movement without overpowering the track’s understated tone. Beneath this restraint, however, lies a more dynamic energy—recorded live in the studio with a full band, the performance carries an undercurrent of intensity that reflects themes of lost love, memory and redemption.

“Across The River” serves as the first introduction to Traces of the Flood, an album expected to further explore themes of time, resilience and reflection. While details of the full release remain limited, the single points toward a more introspective direction.

A longstanding figure in South African rock, Louw has been active since the early 1980s, working across album rock, blues rock and Americana. Born in The Hague and raised in South Africa, he developed his sound under the influence of artists such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and Neil Young. His early career included Atlantic Rose, followed by All Night Radio in the 1980s, and later Big Sky, whose 1990 release Waiting for the Dawn became closely associated with a transformative period in South Africa.

Over the decades, Louw has continued to release music and collaborate with producer Kevin Shirley, building a diverse catalogue that spans rock, blues and country. He was inducted into the South African Rock Hall of Fame in 2003.
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Blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa has unveiled a new live performance video for “Bullfrog Blues,” offering a preview of his forthcoming album The Spirit of Rory: Live From Cork, set for release on June 19.

Captured in Cork, Ireland, the video showcases Bonamassa’s commanding slide guitar work, delivering a raw, soulful interpretation of the classic track. The performance emphasizes both the intensity of the moment and his deep-rooted connection to the material.

The album serves as a tribute to the late Irish blues icon Rory Gallagher, whose influence has been a constant throughout Bonamassa’s career. Recording in Gallagher’s hometown added a profound layer of meaning to the project. In a personal foreword accompanying the release, Bonamassa reflects on that impact, noting that although he never met Gallagher, his music left a lasting impression. He recalls being captivated from the first listen to Irish Tour ’74, drawn in by the artist’s intensity and fearless approach to electric blues.

Recorded with the support of Gallagher’s family and performed before audiences closely tied to his legacy, The Spirit of Rory: Live From Cork carries both emotional and historical significance.
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Bonamassa is set to support the release with an extensive tour across the United States and Europe throughout 2026.
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Na 40 jaar ziet Eureka van The Western Front eindelijk het levenslicht 
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​Na vier decennia op de plank verschijnt eindelijk het bijna mythische album Eureka van The Western Front. Het album werd in de jaren 80 geschreven en opgenomen door supergroup Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders), Marty Walsh (Supertramp, John Fogerty), Darrell Verdusco (Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison) en top-sessiemuzikanten Richard “Moon” Calhoun (Chaka Khan, Andy Gibb) en Derek Bergmann (Yvonne Elliman, Jeff Barry), samen met gitarist en vaste samenwerkingspartner Dennis O'Donnell, om vervolgens nooit uitgebracht te worden, tot nu.

Het verhaal van Eureka – dat op 10 juli 2026 verschijnt via Music Theories Recordings, zo’n 40 jaar nadat het werd opgenomen – laat zien wat doorzettingsvermogen kan opleveren.

​Set Me Free is de eerste single van het album. Derek Bergmann legt uit: “Dat nummer begon echt als een speeltje voor de gitaristen. Waar Scott het zware gitaarwerk inbrengt, speelt Marty de meer cleane partijen. Als toetsenist moest ik daar iets tussen vinden dat muzikaal klopt, zonder hen te overheersen maar ook zonder weg te vallen in de mix. We wilden een sound zoals Foreigner of Journey, en dat hoor je in Set Me Free. Het is gewoon een sterk nummer.”
Om te begrijpen waar Eureka vandaan komt, moeten we terug naar Los Angeles in 1980. Na een reeks goed ontvangen maar kort bestaande bands besloten de twee sessiemuzikanten Marty Walsh en Derek Bergmann samen te werken met gitarist en songwriter Dennis O'Donnell om hun stempel te drukken.
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Luister hier naar de eerste single Set Me Free.

​“Dennis en ik zagen Richard ‘Moon’ Calhoun optreden met zijn band The Strand in een club in de San Fernando Valley,” vertelt Walsh. “Hij maakte enorm indruk. Daarna hebben Dennis, Derek en ik besproken om hem erbij te halen.” Ondertussen benaderde Walsh zijn oude vriend Scott Gorham van Thin Lizzy, met wie hij toen werkte in de studio van Supertramp-drummer Bob Siebenberg.

“Ik weet nog dat de Lizzy-tour eindigde in Los Angeles,” zegt Gorham. “Marty kwam langs. Ik had hem jaren niet gezien, maar het voelde meteen goed.”
De samenwerking klikte direct. De band werkte daarna twee jaar aan het schrijven en opnemen van Eureka. “Het was zo’n fijne groep dat ego’s geen rol speelden,” zegt Bergmann.
De nummers werden opgenomen tussen 1983 en 1984. Je hoort duidelijk invloeden uit die tijd, maar het klinkt nog steeds fris. Openers The Law Of The Jungle en Set Me Free vallen op door het samenspel tussen de gitaren van Walsh en Gorham. Bergmann neemt de hoofdrol met de synthmelodie in 1000 Nights, terwijl Just Go meteen in je kop blijft hangen.
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Bergmann schreef ook mee aan het refrein van If I’m The One en het stevige Rain. In Chain Of Light hoor je een sterke riff van Gorham en de krachtige zang van Moon. Danger heeft een lichte groove maar een scherpe tekst, en Heartland combineert een dystopisch thema met een synth die “dat gevoel van eenzaamheid versterkt”.

In een ideale wereld was dit album al midden jaren 80 uitgekomen. Atlantic Records had een deal beloofd, maar door veranderingen binnen het label verdween Eureka van de planning. “Dat was frustrerend,” zegt Walsh. “Het lukte gewoon niet. Scott ging terug naar Engeland en begon 21 Guns. Daarmee was het verhaal van The Western Front voorbij.”
In 2023 veranderde dat. Een platenman uit Stockholm hoorde online een paar nummers en vroeg waarom het album nooit was uitgebracht. Dat leidde tot nieuwe interesse van labels. Op aanraden van Steve Lukather (Toto) sloot Walsh uiteindelijk een deal met Mascot Label Group.

Gorham zegt: “Zonder het werk van Marty Walsh en Derek Bergmann aan de nieuwe mixen van dit 40 jaar oude album was het nooit uitgebracht. Toen ik de eerste mix hoorde, was ik echt onder de indruk.”

Het album is zowel een tijdsdocument als iets dat nog steeds relevant klinkt. Het laat zien wat er allemaal mogelijk is binnen rockmuziek.
“We hebben al die goede nummers gemaakt en daarna gebeurde er niks mee,” zegt Moon. “Maar nu, 40 jaar later, leeft Eureka alsnog. Voor mij is dit het beste wat ik ooit als zanger heb gedaan.”

“Eindelijk kunnen mensen horen waar we zo hard aan gewerkt hebben,” zegt Walsh.
Eureka is een laat maar verdiend succes en introduceert deze ‘nieuwe’ band alsnog aan het publiek. “Het was echt een project uit liefde,” aldus Walsh.

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Track listing
1. The Law of the Jungle
2. Set Me Free
3. 1000 Nights Away
4. Just Go
5. If I'm the One
6. Rain
7. Chain of Light
8. Danger
9. Heartland
10. I Would Rather Be Lonely
11. Man to Man
12. This Is War

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Although beloved in the San Francisco Bay Area for decades, vocalist Faye Carol has yet to receive the national recognition her extraordinary career merits. That may be about to change. With the release of her tenth album, Forever Dynamic, Carol makes a powerful case for broader acclaim, delivering a 20-track collection that highlights her singular interpretations of jazz, blues, and gospel-infused classics.

A leader on nine albums and a featured artist on more than a dozen recordings, Carol has built a legacy defined by versatility and emotional depth. Born in Mississippi and raised in the Bay Area from her early teens, she recorded her debut in 1967 and quickly earned the moniker “The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol” for her commanding voice and seamless fusion of Black musical traditions.

Long celebrated by local media, Carol has been hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as “steeped in jazz, blues, and R&B,” with performances that “turn every show into a triumph.” The San Jose Mercury News describes her concerts as “a master class,” while KQED has called her “the hardest-working live musician in the East Bay.”

Despite not yet becoming a household name, Carol’s résumé is nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, she has shared the stage with an extraordinary roster of legends, including Pharoah Sanders, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Gary Bartz, Houston Person, Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Joan Baez, Albert King, and Martha Reeves & the Vandellas.

Her contributions have been widely recognized with numerous honors, including the 2026 Comcast Black Joy Parade Icons Among Us Award, the Walter & Elise Haas Fund Creative Power Award, the Richmond Rainbow Pride Black Excellence Award in Music, the City of Berkeley Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Jazz Journalists Association Bay Area Jazz Hero Award. In addition, the cities of Oakland and Berkeley have each proclaimed official days in her honor.

Carol’s influence extends far beyond the stage. She is the founder of School of the Getdown, an organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black arts traditions through performance and education. Now in its 26th year, the program offers vocal workshops, masterclasses, youth camps, and performance opportunities that nurture the next generation of artists.

Forever Dynamic brings together a stellar ensemble of musicians. Pianist and musical director Joe Warner, Carol’s longtime collaborator, co-produced and co-arranged the album, marking their first recording together. He is joined by New York bassist Tarus Mateen, known for his work with Jason Moran and the Bandwagon, and acclaimed drummer Dennis Chambers, whose credits include Santana and Parliament-Funkadelic.

The album’s repertoire reflects songs Carol has carried with her for years. “I haven’t worried much about convention,” she says. “These songs have been with me for so long, I just wanted to record them so people could hear them. Joe and I share the same musical mind, so capturing this material felt natural.”

Anchored by Carol’s brassy, emotionally resonant voice, Forever Dynamic moves fluidly across genres—blending gospel, soul, jazz, blues, R&B, and more into a cohesive and deeply personal statement. Highlights include a funky, blues-tinged take on “Hello Young Lovers,” soulful reinterpretations of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Unforgettable,” and a powerful closing track, “I Rise, I Rise, Still I Rise,” inspired by the poetry of Maya Angelou.
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A revered matriarch of the Bay Area jazz and blues scene, Carol continues to defy categorization. Her artistry connects the shared roots of Black American music while remaining boldly individual. With Forever Dynamic, she affirms what audiences have known for decades: her voice is timeless, her vision fearless, and her legacy still unfolding.

​Tracklist:

1. Hello Young Lovers
2. Jitterbug Waltz
3. Can't Take My Eyes Off You
4. Groovin' High
5. Last Two Dollars
6. The Joint Is Jumpin'
7. Here's To Life
8. Body & Soul
9. Wild Women Don't Have The Blues
10. Nature Boy
11. Hallelujah I Love Him So
12. Unforgettable
13. 26-2
14. Hard Times Won't Last
15. Do What You Love
16. Just Friends
17. Maple Leaf Rag
18. Ceora (For Vertie B.)
19. Fine & Mellow
20. I Rise, I Rise, Still I Rise

​Website:
fayecarol.com
​

Op 29 mei 2026 presenteert King of the World hun negende album: The RAW Project. Waar de meervoudig Dutch Blues Award-winnaars voorheen bekend stonden om hun vlekkeloze producties, kiest de band nu voor een duidelijke koerswijziging. Het resultaat is een album dat de drang naar perfectie inruilt voor spontaniteit en ongefilterde emotie; een soundtrack voor de rauwe tijden van nu.
 
De essentie: minder productie, meer emotie
Tijdens het schrijfproces van ‘The RAW Project’ ontstond een fundamentele behoefte om het anders te doen. De band liet de gepolijste studiostandaarden varen en keerde terug naar de roots van de ‘old school’ blues. In een tijd van maatschappelijke onrust vertaalt King of the World de tijdgeest naar muziek die ontstaat uit pijn en verlies, maar evengoed uit veerkracht en hoop.
 
“We hebben de drang naar perfectie losgelaten voor pure expressie,” aldus de band. “Dit project is confronterend en zonder opsmuk, maar gebracht met volle overtuiging.”
 
Een gevestigde naam in een nieuw licht
Sinds de oprichting in 2012 heeft King of the World een onuitwisbare indruk achtergelaten op de Benelux blues- en rockscene. Met optredens op het North Sea Jazz Festival en in Paradiso, en een kast vol Dutch Blues Awards (waaronder Beste Band en individuele prijzen voor alle muzikanten), heeft de groep wellicht weinig meer te bewijzen.
 
Toch dwingt ‘The RAW Project’ de luisteraar — en de criticus — om opnieuw kennis te maken. Met gitaarfenomeen Stef Delbaere (door Gitarist Magazine gerekend tot de absolute top) en de onverwoestbare bezetting van Govert van der Kolm (toetsen), Marlon Pichel (drums/zang) en Ruud Weber (bas/zang), laat de band een kant zien die intiemer en urgenter is dan ooit.
 
Op dit album deelt Marlon bovendien de lead vocals met Ruud, wat de nieuwe koers een extra rauwe dimensie geeft. King of the World bewijst met dit project dat ze niet bang zijn om hun ziel volledig bloot te leggen.
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Tracks:
01 – The New King
02 – Rip It Up
03 – I’m Getting Used To It
04 – Mama’s Little Baby
05 – Love Me Or Leave Me
06 – It’s Gonna Take A Lifetime
07 – Hot Wire
08 – Blood On Your Hands
09 – Cheap Ass Bottle Of Wine
10 – The Devil’s Mind
 
Website: 
kingoftheworld.eu

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​Jacob Tolliver brings the fire in this wild, piano-slamming, one-of-a-kind cover of country music legend and fellow Southern Ohioan Bobby Bare’s “Tequila Sheila,” featuring vibrant mariachi trumpets added to give the song a fresh, celebratory twist.

Jacob first performed “Tequila Sheila” last year at Bobby Bare’s 90th birthday celebration at the Basement East, a show-stopping performance that earned praise from the Bare family themselves. The response was so electrifying that Jacob immediately went into the studio to capture the magic for the world to hear, working with legendary producer Kyle Lehning (Randy Travis, Bobby Bare, Waylon Jennings).

“Bobby Bare and I both grew up in Southern Ohio, so covering ‘Tequila Sheila’ feels like honoring a shared hometown legacy. It’s a wild & mischievous story, so getting to put my own spin on it - while tipping my hat to a legend who's become a friend - made it an absolute blast,” said Jacob Tolliver. 

Jacob has proven time and again that he can take any song, flip it on its head, and breathe new life into it, and this single is no exception. Released in time for Cinco de Mayo and alongside Bare’s birthday (April 7), the track stands out as a must-hear this season. 

Jacob was recently named a “Country Artist To Watch” for 2026 by Country Evolution and Dirt Road Country, and has received coverage from major outlets including Forbes, Parade, Saving Country Music, and more.

With a jam-packed 2026 already underway, Jacob has been hitting the road with a steady run of live shows, further cementing his reputation as a dynamic performer. As he continues to establish himself as a standout voice in country and roots music, his latest original release, “If The Phone Ain’t Ringing It’s Me,” has captured the attention of fans and media alike, building strong momentum throughout the year. 

About Jacob Tolliver
Jacob Tolliver is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist known for his energetic performances and genre-blending musical style. Hailing from Portsmouth, Ohio, Tolliver’s early mastery of the piano and love for classic rock ‘n’ roll shaped his artistic identity. Tolliver first gained widespread recognition in the Las Vegas production of “Million Dollar Quartet,” where his high-octane piano skills and dynamic stage presence made him a standout. Following this success, he had the rare opportunity to open on the road for Jerry Lee Lewis, further honing his craft and deepening his connection to the roots of rock ‘n’ roll. Now focused on original music, Tolliver is carving out his own lane with a sound that fuses rock, country, blues, and pop into something both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Recent single releases include “If The Phone Ain’t Ringing, It’s Me” and a spirited cover of Randy Travis’ “Honky Tonk Side of Town.” His viral “Boogie Woogie Country Man” (Hardware Store Cover) has surpassed 1.5 million views, showcasing the magnetic performance style that continues to fuel his rapid rise. Tolliver has worked with GRAMMY-winning producer Mark Neill, further elevating his evolving sound. His growing momentum has earned recent press mentions in Forbes, MusicRow, RFD-TV, That Eric Alper, Parade, The Tennessean, Saving Country Music, and more. He has also been named to Dirt Road Country Music and Country Evolutions 2026 Artists To Watch list, solidifying his status as one of the genre’s most exciting emerging voices. 
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Acclaimed guitarist, singer, and producer Rick Vito—renowned for his Grammy-nominated work and unmistakable touch—releases the official video for “Vegas Jump,” a lively new instrumental from his latest album Slidemaster, available now via MoMojo Records.

“Vegas Jump” is a spirited, groove-driven track that showcases Vito’s signature slide guitar style—sleek, soulful, and brimming with personality. The song captures an infectious energy, offering listeners a joyful escape through its irresistible rhythm and vibrant musicality.

Set against a nostalgic vision of classic Las Vegas, the “Vegas Jump” video brings the Strip to life with dazzling imagery—dancers, showgirls, casinos, and neon lights—all moving in sync with the track’s upbeat pulse. The result is a visually rich, feel-good experience that evokes the glamour and excitement of a bygone era, providing a welcome sense of fun and escapism.

“‘Vegas Jump’ was recorded in Nashville a few years back with my touring band, Charlie Harrison on bass and Rick Reed on drums. For the video, I wanted to capture the fun and excitement of the Las Vegas I first visited in 1973. Director Josh Dragotta did an incredible job bringing that vision to life.”

Widely respected as a virtuoso guitarist, Vito is perhaps best known for his work with Fleetwood Mac and for co-founding the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band. His career has earned him a Grammy nomination for Blue Again in the Best Traditional Blues category, both as an artist and producer.

Since launching his solo career with King of Hearts in 1992, Vito has toured internationally and contributed his distinctive guitar work to hundreds of recordings alongside legendary artists spanning rock and blues. His iconic slide guitar can be heard on Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock,” among many other notable collaborations.

A recipient of the Blues Music Award for Song of the Year for “It’s Two A.M.,” Vito’s compositions have also been featured across film and television, including multiple episodes of the acclaimed series Blue Bloods.

Following the success of his 2024 release Cadillac Man, Vito returns in 2026 with Slidemaster, a unique collection dedicated entirely to instrumental slide guitar. The album blends new material with carefully remixed and remastered selections from his catalog, highlighting the artistry that has defined his career.

Long requested by fans and peers alike, Slidemaster stands as a definitive statement of Rick Vito’s mastery—an inspired and deeply expressive instrumental journey.
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Robben Ford returns in exceptional form with Two Shades of Blue, a record defined by its sophistication, taste, and timeless musicality. The album will be released on 17 April via Provogue/Artone. To mark the announcement, Ford has unveiled the album’s first single, “Make My Own Weather.”

The record opens with the striking groove of “Make My Own Weather.” “That’s one of my favourite straight-up, hard-hitting blues tracks I’ve ever written,” says Ford. “It’s about a man reclaiming his freedom. I wanted the rhythm guitar to echo the rumble of a motorcycle.”

A five-time Grammy nominee, Ford has spent over five decades in constant musical evolution, moving fluidly between jazz, rock, fusion, and blues. Two Shades of Blue continues that trajectory—an album that took shape organically across sessions in the US and UK, capturing a sense of spontaneity, risk, and reinvention. “I don’t have two records that sound the same,” Ford reflects. “That’s just how I am.”

Set for release on 27 March 2026 via Artone/Provogue, Two Shades of Blue wasn’t the album Ford initially set out to make—but it ultimately became something more compelling. Recorded with two distinct bands on either side of the Atlantic, the album showcases his unmistakable style, from the gritty funk-blues of “Make My Own Weather” to expansive instrumentals that push his playing into new territory.

Ford’s remarkable career began in the 1960s, backing blues harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite and working with jazz vocalist Jimmy Witherspoon. In the 1970s, he joined Tom Scott’s influential fusion group, The L.A. Express, which led to collaborations with Joni Mitchell on two landmark albums—an experience Ford describes as “the most formative two years of my musical life.” He later toured with George Harrison and went on to collaborate with artists including Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, and Miles Davis.

The seeds of Two Shades of Blue were planted following Ford’s move to London, where he found fresh inspiration in the city’s vibrant music scene. Around the same time, launching the Robben Ford Guitar Dojo with Milam Kelly Roberts reignited his desire to explore new creative directions.

“I originally planned the album as a tribute to Jeff Beck,” Ford explains. “The Guitar Dojo had really reinvigorated my playing, especially for instrumental music. I even bought a Stratocaster specifically for the project and worked with Daniel Steinhardt to build a pedalboard inspired by Jeff’s setup. I wanted to challenge myself and do something different.”

Recording at Eastcote Studios with engineer George Murphy, Ford was joined by a stellar lineup of UK musicians, including drummer Ianto Thomas, keyboardist Jonny Henderson, bassist Robin Mullarkey, and a brass section featuring Paul Booth, Ryan Quigley, and Trevor Mires. Additional contributions come from bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Larry Goldings, and drummer Gary Husband on select instrumental tracks.
​
“I still love to play,” Ford says. “I’ve continued to grow as a writer and as a recording artist. My musical range has surprised people over the years, but I’ve always needed to keep moving, to keep changing. That’s been true since the very beginning.”
​

Track Listing
 
 1. Make My Own Weather
 2. Jealous Guy
 3. Perfect Illusion
 4. Black Night
 5. Two Shades of Blue
 6. Fire Flute
 7. The Light Fandango
 8. Feeling's Mutual 

Website:
robbenford.com

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​Ghalia Volt turns up the heat with “Let Yo’ Hair Down,” the second single from her upcoming album Burn The House Down. Built on a swampy, hypnotic groove, the track captures the raw, playful spirit of a truly organic studio session with producer JD Simo.


Letting the music flow naturally, the song blends gritty blues energy with a loose, feel-good vibe — even featuring candid studio moments, with Volt’s laughter and off-the-cuff comments woven into the track. Inspired by the spirit of artists like R.L. Burnside and the Fat Possum sound, “Let Yo’ Hair Down” doesn’t imitate — it channels that influence into something fresh, personal, and alive.


Raw, fun, and unmistakably real, it’s Ghalia Volt at her most spontaneous.
​

​No barriers. No boundaries. That's always been Ghalia Volt's approach to American roots music. 
 
It's a sound that reaches far beyond America itself. Ghalia grew up listening to the flamenco songs and traditional Spanish music that her grandparents loved. Her tastes expanded from there, making room for the fierce, guitar-driven sounds of punk, garage rock, and psychobilly. Digging into the roots of rock & roll, she discovered blues artists like Skip James and J.B Lenoir, setting the stage for an acclaimed songwriting career that would soon take her around the world — and up the Billboard Blues Chart. 
  
Burn the House Down, Ghalia's sixth album, makes room for it all. Recorded in Nashville with producer JD Simo, these 11 songs showcase the full range of her influences. There's the swaggering John Lee Hooker’s style shuffle of "Lucifer's Grip." The juke joint grooves of "Let Yo' Hair Down." The Hill Country blues of "Where Do We Go." The late-night rock & roll of "Mine." Even the flamenco textures of her childhood make an appearance. Tracked during a two-day session of live-in-the-studio performances, Burn the House Down charts its own geography, using the blues as a launchpad for an album that crosses borders and obliterates the very idea of genre.   
 
"Being true is always what resonates with me," says Ghalia. "Often, bands make music for the fans or to fit into a certain genre. I believe that if you make art for yourself — if it feels right, if you feel good doing it — then it will translate. People will appreciate it more because it’s real. It’s you." 
  
Burn the House Down was recorded with a small band — drummer Chris Powell, bassist Brian Allen, and fellow guitar slinger JD Simo — in a single room, amplifiers bleeding into each other. Working with Simo was an opportunity to get back to her roots, embracing the rough edges that have always been part of her favorite music. "I love to compare JD to a photographer," she explains. "He captures a moment, an energy, and all those action shots translate into a record. We only did a few takes of each song. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s simple. It's all about spontaneity and feel."  
 
Volt has released several albums since 2016, including Have You Seen My Woman (2016), Let the Demons Out (2017), Mississippi Blend (2019)—which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart--One Woman Band (2021), and Shout Sister Shout! (2023)—which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart.
Her music has seen her collaborate with notable artists and producers and perform at major blues festivals, solidifying her reputation in modern blues and roots music. 
  
Capturing a raw moment has been Ghalia's focus for years. A guitar player since the age of 11, she cut her teeth as a street busker in her hometown, holding an audience's attention with nothing to hide behind. Later, she started touring with her band in support of 2017's Let The Demons Out — then with Mississippi Blend — an album that reached Number 3 on Billboard's Top Blues Albums chart — until Covid hit, when she began performing as her road-tested one-woman band, simultaneously playing drums and guitar while delivering each song in her velvety voice. Burn the House Down marks a new milestone in that evolution, matching her multi-instrumentalist skills with the stomp and swagger of a taut studio band. Here, she trades licks with Simo, highlighting her skills as "a slide-ripping guitarist" (Guitar World) while delivering songs about the joy, pain, and challenges of the human condition.  
  
The result is an album that captures Ghalia Volt in all her gritty glory, and she is unwilling to answer to anyone other than her own muse. Flawlessness isn't the goal. Neither is "fitting in." "We're not looking at a polished jewel," she says of the record, "but more a raw diamond."  
  
From collaborations with Cedric Burnside and jamming on stage with Buddy Guy to sold-out shows on both sides of the Atlantic, Ghalia has already spent 10 years cementing her role as a leader of modern-day roots music. Burn the House Down looks ahead to the next decade. It's a reminder that true artists don't just honor the traditions of the past; they create their own traditions, too.