"The blues has never been about perfection. It's about telling the truth. When I listen to B.B. King, Buddy Guy, or Albert King, every note has emotion behind it. That's something I try to carry into everything I do. Technique is important, but feeling always comes first for me." By Linda Cain Photo/ Dianne Bruce Dunklau Ally Venable Interview By Linda Cain The label “child prodigy” is an often overused description, but in the case of Lone Star State blues-rock guitar slinge

"Granddaughter of the Blues“ Tomiko Dixon Walks the Walk The woman is brilliant, prepared and fired up. Granddaughter of the Blues, Tomiko Dixon, is running hot and ready for what comes her way. The talented singer, songwriter, producer, publishing company owner and career consultant forged this path for herself with experience, smarts, guts, and making the most of the gifts passed down through her grandfather, the legendary songwriter/bassist/producer/A&R man Willie Dixon.

Chicago's Omar Coleman teamed up with Brazil's Igor Prado to collaborate on their hot, new release Old New Funky and Blue. The result lives up to the album's title with songs that reflect early influences -- like Bobby Rush, Syl Johnson, Junior Wells, Albert King and Albert Collins -- that will help listeners get their groove on. Omar and Igor will join forces again for their album release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on May 15, 2026. Bring your dancin' shoes! Story and Ph

Together for 40 years, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials will release their first album in 10 years with a release party at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on Feb. 27, 2026. And we do mean PARTY! Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: by Peter Hurley Lil' Ed talks about Slideways , JB Hutto, his songwriting process and more By Peter Hurley We arrange to meet before the gig at “Chicago’s Friendliest Blues Lounge,” Rosa’s Lounge, where Little Ed’ Williams holds down the Thursday night

Recently retired radio host Tom Marker recalls highlights from his 50 year career that include close encounters with Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy and Keith Richards, to name a few. By Robin Zimmerman Mavis Staples & Tom Marker/Photo: Debbie Moore Tom Marker Interview By Robin Zimmerman Tom Marker proved to be the perfect person to have the proverbial cup of coffee with. Recently retired after an illustrious radio career spanning 50 years, he came ready to spill

Delta/Chicago blues veteran joins with Chicago jazz giants to come Full Circle and revisit his early hits Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: Peter Hurley Jimmy Burns Comes Full Circle By Peter Hurley Veteran Bluesman Jimmy Burns slipped into the booth at the Italian restaurant chain, the one with the free breadsticks, where he had arranged to meet for lunch. His beard was fuller and snowier than when last seen, his almond shaped eyes alive and dark with amber-tinged w

“I had to have some blues of my own to sing about….you don’t just get up and go outside and say, ‘Look at me, I’m a bluesman!’ You’ve got...

This independent-minded artist refuses to be pigeonholed and continues to blaze her own trail in the music business. This mindset is...

After 9 years without a new release, Mercer has just released an all-live, all-original recording Live at The Roxy . Recorded at the...

Ronnie makes his Alligator Records debut with Blues in my DNA ; the son of Lonnie Baker Brooks, he comes full circle and makes a life...

“I think every artist’s goal is to bring their music to a wider audience. I am always happy to see a wide demographic at my shows and I...

“I had once visited and I knew I had to move here,” German native Hillesheim says of his decision to become a Chicago bluesman. “It’s not...

The internationally acclaimed Chicago blues man discusses his third release for Alligator Records, Shut Up and Play. The official CD...

Nick Alexander releases debut CD, Lil Hoochie, an homage to his bluesman daddy, Linsey Story and Photos: Peter M. Hurley Photo: Peter...

Just released, One Guitar Woman honors eight solo acoustic female guitarists. “These trailblazing women weren’t just playing the guitar,...

“The Blues is our culture, it’s a way of life. Our children need to know where they come from, where we came from. The Blues was a form...

Chicago Blues Piano Giant of Profound Influence By Curt Brown He was a well-known figure on the blues scene in the 1940s, owning a...

“I have been singing since I was eight years old," says Precious Taylor, who is the niece of the late Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor. ...

Overnight Sensation? Or Old Soul? By Linda Cain Photo: Roman Sobus Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has arrived! At age 24, the Clarksdale,...

“I’ll always go back and forth with different genres. But my first love is pretty much the blues. It may sound cliché, but what I love...