Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - July 2026
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for July 2026
Young Rell – Same
Little Village Foundation
Don’t be fooled by the cover photo of Young Rell – aka Harrell Davenport. He’s an old soul at age 19 and already one of the most accomplished singers/guitarists/harp players in the world today – so much so, in fact, that Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller and a long list of seasoned vets rave about him. And this debut release is certain to launch him into the blues stratosphere where he belongs.
The Mississippi native makes a statement in every note he plays or sings in this set, which was recorded by Kid Andersen in a lineup that includes Jim Pugh on keys, June Core on drums, Endre Tarczy and Daquantae “Q” Johnson on bass along with a full horn section.
A must-have, mostly self-penned set if there ever was one, don’t miss “Tomorrow,” “Fatherless Child,” “Spinning,” “Richland Swing,” “Hurt People, Hurt People,” “I Be Tryin’,” “I’ll Keep It Hot for You,” “I Hear Some Blues Downstairs,” “Nite Creepin’” and “The World Don’t Deserve Your Smile.”
Russ Green – Stone Cold
Overton Music
One of the most electrifying harp players in the world, Russ Green hasn’t released an album since City Soul took the blues world by surprise in 2019. But fans can rejoice because the former student of both Sugar Blue and Billy Branch makes an explosive, razor-sharp return with this thought-provoking, all-original set. It’ll keep you thinking as you bop along to the soulful, circular grooves.
A native Chicagoan, Russ is backed by some of the deepest talent the Windy City has to offer, including guitarists Giles Corey and Vince Agwada, longtime sidemen of Branch, Blue and others. Bassist Vic Jackson and drummer Felix “D-Kat” Pollard handle rhythm, and Joe Munroe sits in on keys, too.
Blues for modern times, give a listen to “Lint Redux,” “Stone Cold,” “12 Feet of Water,” “Waitin’ on You,” “Nobody Knows,” “Need You So Bad,” “I Believe,” “Troubled World” and “Boogie Joint.”
Dani Wilde – The VizzTone Sessions
VizzTone Label Group
The 2015 female vocalist of the year at the British Blues Awards, Dani Wilde possesses a powerful soprano voice that rings like a bell. A consistent chart-topper around the world, she celebrates her 20-year career on the Boston-based VizzTone label in style with this robust, 19-song retrospective.
Dani handles guitar on all tracks with a revolving lineup that includes her award-winning brother, Will, on harp along with Gregory Coulon on keys, Victoria Smith on bass and Alan Taylor on drums.
Available as a digital download, there’s a lot to love, including “Bumble Bee,” “Hound Dog,” “Deeper Than Black,” “My Old Man,” “Baby Please (Stop Smoking That Weed),” “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues,” “Don’t Fish in My Sea,” “High on Your Love,” “Refugee” and “Electricity.”
Peter Veteska & Blues Train – Key of V
Blue Heart Records
When Peter Veteska and Blues Train go into the studio, it’s an odds-on bet that they’ll record one of the classiest albums of the year. And that’s just what they do with their latest disc, delivering five originals, revamping five covers from as far back as the ’40s and giving you a taste of Frank Sinatra at his azure best, too.
A New York Blues Hall-of-Famer guitarist/vocalist who swings from the hip, Peter’s stellar backing ensemble consists of keyboard player Jeff Levine, drummer Alex D’Agnase and bassist Chuck Hearne augmented by harp player Mikey Jr., sax players Mike Scott and Danny Walsh and more.
You’ll dig “Checking on My Baby,” “Home of the Broken Heart,” “Falling Out of Love Again,” “Tuning Out the Noise,” “Your Learning the Blues,” “Watch the Love Grow,” “I Did All That I Could,” “Walking by Myself” and “Don’t Know Enough About You.”
Sherri Harding – Storyland
Instant Replay Music IRP-116
Songbird Sherri Harding captured this set in her hometown of Ottawa, Canada, but her ties to the sounds of Muscle Shoals, Ala., where she made her recording debut, run deep. So deep, in fact, that legendary guitarist Kelvin Holly traveled North of the Border to join her for this one and the Muscle Shoals horns contributed their hit-making runs, too.
Sherri’s warm, rich alto delivers a little honey with every note of this set, which was penned by producer Richard Cooper. And the lineup’s fleshed out with several top Canadian session players, including Clayton Connell and Jeff Rogers on keys and Robert Farrell on guitar.
Silky smooth and funky, too, you’ll be captivated by “All Around the World,” “Down in the Shoals,” “Money Man,” Rainy Day,” “Dark-Eyed Junco,” “Bad Weather,” “What’s the Matter (with My Heart),” “Tell Me Your Mine” and “Storyland.”
Bob Gaddy – Alone with the Blues
Blues Fidelity Records
A West Virginia native who started playing the blues in Oakland, Calif., after discharge from the Navy, Bob Gaddy became one of the top keyboard players on the East Coast after settling in New York City in 1946. He worked with Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Larry Dale and other giants of the post-War era but was woefully under-recorded despite possessing a rock-solid voice, too.
But he gets to live again through this solo effort, a set captured by late harp giant Paul Oscher and released on cassette a short time prior to Gaddy’s passing in 1997. Oscher dreamed about reissuing it, a task finally fulfilled by longtime Mink DeVille guitarist Louis Erlanger, who now runs Paul’s label. Lovingly remastered as a CD, it’s a strong testament to Gaddy’s greatness.
Turn back the clock a while and give a listen to “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Betty and Dupree,” “Pretty Girls Everywhere,” “Wee Wee Baby Blues,” “Call 694,” ‘I’m a Fool for You,” “Alone with the Blues” and “If You Need Me.”
Taj Mahal & Phantom Blues Band – Time
Resonatin’ Records
A genius who presents himself in many musical forms, Taj Mahal first assembled a group of top L.A. session players to form Phantom Blues Band in 1993, a partnership that’s won him two Grammys and earned the band honors on their own, too. And they’ll be in the front row for more with this cohesive package, which swings from the hip and will have you yearning for more.
The all-star lineup includes several of the busiest musicians in the world of blues: producer/percussionist Tony Braunagel alongside longtime members Larry Fulcher on bass, Johnny Lee Schell on guitar, Joe Sublett and Darrell Leonard on horns and Pugh, who took over keyboard duties following the death of the beloved Mike Finnigan.
Forty minutes of pure joy, don’t miss “Love of Life,” “Wild About My Lovin’,” “Crazy About a Jukebox,” “Time,” “You Put a Whammy on Me,” “Sweet Lorene,” “Ask Me ‘Bout Nothing (But the Blues),” “It’s Your Voodoo Working” and “Rowdy Blues.”
Beyond 1969 – Back to the Blues
Self-released CD
Led by veteran Tom “The Suit” Forst on guitar and vocals, Beyond 1969 is a veteran outfit who began life with a setlist that – as their name implies -- put a new spin on music from the hippie era. But they return to blues-rock roots in style with this interesting effort. It’s an all-original celebration of love, loss, lust, loneliness and laughter.
A Connecticut and New York blues hall-of-famer with a well-worn voice, Tom shares the mic with bassist Tony Delisio in an ensemble that features keyboard player Jeff Bousfield, and drummer Bryan Caudle.
Always in-control blues-rock the way it used to be, tune in to “I’m Never Gonna Leave You,” “Feels So Good to Be Bad,” “Consolation Man,” “Comin’ Back to the Blues,” “Darkest Before the Dawn,” “If I Stay with You Tonight,” “It’s My Own Damn Fault” and “When It All Falls Down.”
Anni Piper – Men Are Like Potato Chips
Sugar Daddy Records SD 2607
The First Lady of the Blues in her native Australia, now a Portland, Ore.-based bassist, Anni Piper possesses a sweet voice, but she’s a temptress who hypnotizes men with seductive lyrics that’ll captivate your soul. And the firebrand shines throughout this mix of straight-ahead blues and searing blues-rock.
Captured at Roseleaf Recording by perennial BMA nominee drummer Jimi Bott, Anni’s backed by guitarist Ted Swanson, Tim Langford who doubles on six-string and keys with Steve Kerin on keys along with Bott and Brian Foxworth on drums along with trumpet and tuba players, too.
Buckle up for the hard-hitting “Devil Bride,” “Naughty Nurse,” “Men Are Like Potato Chips,” “Cactus Girl,” “Cheetah,” “Stalker,” “Match with a Sasquatch” and “F.I.G.J.A.M.”
Earl “Guitar” Williams – Soul King of Bessimer AL
Music Maker Foundation
A six-string master with a fleet-fingered, stinging, single-note attack and a pleasant, well-worn voice, Earl “Guitar” Williams spent his youth traveling the soul-blues circuit before giving it all up to raise a family, work as a hairdresser and raise a family in the suburbs of Birmingham, Ala. But he finally gets to star again with this mix of witty originals and dusty oldies after competing in this year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Deep blue and steady-driving from the jump, Earl’s backed by Jimbo Mathus and The Crimestoppers in a set captured at the brand-new Music Maker Studios in Fountain, N.C.
Turn on “Flashlight,” “California Dreamin’,” “Howlin’ for My Darlin’,” “I Know You Love Me,” “Can of Alligator,” “Woke Up This Morning,” “74 Blues,” “Hey Mr. Gipp” and “Bring Me My Shotgun.”
Nicky T & the Snake Charmers – Ain’t Wastin’ Time
Self-produced CD
Possessing a strong tenor voice and guitar attack that cuts like a knife, Nicky T – aka Nick Tabarias – cut his teeth working with Alberta Adams, Bobby Murray and other top artists in Detroit and recorded five albums with Ronny Earl, but he’s a sensational frontman, too. And he’ll knock you out with this mix of West Side Chicago blues and more that that’s driven home by a propulsive beat.
Founded in 2019, his Snake Charmers include keyboard player Andy Szymanki and drummer Peter Berg and bassist Frankie Lee, a talented duo who’ll grab you from the jump. Ronnie makes a guest appearance, and Grey Nagy and Motor City Josh drop in for a spell, too.
Blues you can use, take a chance on “That’s All I Need,” “Mistreating Mama,” “Feel Like a Hundred,” “Guess Who,” “The Glass,” “Thank You Magic Sam,” “Ain’t Wastin’ Time,” “Lean on Me,” “Charming the Snake” and “Life on Life’s Terms.”
Ghalia Volt – Burn the House Down
Ruf Records
Ghalia Volt was a hard-driving rocker back home in Belgium, but the guitarist, drummer and vocalist has proven herself to be a quick study into Mississippi Hill Country blues, too. And R.L. Burnside and others who laid down the foundation for the music must be smiling from the beyond if they’re listening to this all-original set.
Delivering a sound suitable for any juke joint, this hypnotic disc was recorded by JD Simo, who contributes second six-string, at Nashville’s House of Grease with backing by the powerful backing of bassist Brian Allen and drummer Chris Powell.
Set the volume to 11 and dial in “No Ice Please,” “Mine,” “Ride,” “Where Do We Go Now,” “Wrong Horse,” “Wreckin’ and Rollin’,” “Burn the House Down,” “River Song,” “Let Yo’ Hair Down” and “Black and White.”
Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice – Who Knows What the Future Holds
MoMojo Records MMJ408
A two-time Grammy winner who spent 25 years fronting Roomful of Blues, sax player Greg Piccolo hits it out of the park every time he steps into the studio. And he serves up another easy-greasy pleaser with this effort. It’s a bittersweet effort because legendary producer Terry Manning (ZZ Top, Shania Twain) passed away shortly after shipping off his final mix.
Recorded in El Paso, Texas, and delivering a big-band feel despite a small-band arrangement, Greg’s honeyed, emotive tenor delights with backing from keyboard player Shinichi Otsu, guitarist Dean Shot, bassist Paul Tomasello and horns from Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff and Al Gomez.
Packed with emotion, give a spin to the all-original “I’ve Lost Faith,” “Truth Is a Sly Fox,” “People Are Hot,” “She Couldn’t Say,” “Don’t Tell Me the Truth,” “Dream Girl,” “Break in the Clouds,” “Guilty,” “Who Knows What the Future Holds” and “I’m Movin’ On.”
Cento Threeo – Halfway to Mellowtown
SecondBridge Records
Like your blues soft and easy? You’ll love this all-instrumental debut from Cento Threeo, an Austin-based ensemble who deliver on all counts with this debut effort. It’s a blues-adjacent mix of jazz and more that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits as it chases your blues away.
The trio’s led by guitarist/composer Don Cento, whose 30-plus-year career spans everything from metal and indie rock to Americana and jazz. His silky-smooth runs on the strings are supported by bassist Phil Spencer and drummer Norm Bergeron. The album was produced by Stewart Sikes (Loretta Lynn, White Stripes).
Mellow down easy with “The Judy Valve,” “It Takes What It Takes,” “G’Orangers,” “Halfway to Mellowtown,” “The Builder,” “Make the Silence Louder,” “No Fleas, Please,” “Filibuster in E-Minor” and “Seven Year Ache.”
Mike Zito – Outside or the Eastside
Gulf Coast Records
It’s no secret that Mike Zito is one of the most powerful blues-rockers on the scene today, but he’s also a deeply introspective and emotional artist, too. And both sides of his personality come to the fore in this explosive follow-up to his award-winning Life Is Hard CD.
A mix of five originals and six covers, this one delivers a tip of the hat to his hometown, St. Louis – where it was recorded, and all the ups and downs he’s experienced after moving to Texas more than a decade ago. Full of hard lessons, grit and renewal, Mike pours his soul into every note with backing from his regular touring ensemble: Lewis Stephens on keys along with BMA bassist-of-the-year Scot Sutherland and drummer Matt Johnson.
A winner on all counts, take a deep dive into “Outside or the Eastside,” “Don’t Take Advantage of Me,” “Downtown at Midnight,” “Grand Avenue,” “Too Broke to Spend the Night,” “Just Like I Treat You,” “Down Don’t Bother Me,” “Close to You” and “The Blues Lover.”
###
About the Author: The blues came calling for Marty Gunther in the 1960s, when he witnessed Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt, B.B. King and Howlin' Wolf perform at the Newport festivals in his native Rhode Island. A longtime Chicagoan who's now based out of Ohio, he's a professional journalist and harp player who studied under Sugar Blue before co-founding the Nucklebusters, a band that's filled clubs in south Florida since the '80s.