Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - December 2025
- chicagoblueseditor
- 5 hours ago
- 9 min read
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for December 2025
Sean McDonald – Have Mercy!
Little Village Foundation
Augusta, Ga., native Sean “Mack” McDonald is an old-soul in a young man’s body. Only 22 years old and a recent college graduate, he’s a guitarist/vocalist who debuts here in the best way possible, blending classic and contemporary stylings into an attack all his own -- something certain to establish him as a giant in the blues and soul markets very soon.
Recorded at Greaseland Studios in California under the supervision of Kid Andersen, who co-produced and handles second guitar, Mack possesses a precise, single-note attack and a voice that will touch you to the core. He’s backed by June Core (drums), Jim Pugh (keys) and D’Quantae “Q” Johnson (bass). Mike Rinta, Eric Spaulding and Jack Sanford add horns.
Don’t miss “My Soul,” “Fakin’ It,” “Killing Me,” “Rocking in the Same Old Boat,” “Shuffleboard Swing,” “Angel Baby,” “Don’t Let the Devil Ride,” “That’s All I Need” and “Let’s Call It a Day.” Give it a listen and you’ll be saying: “Have mercy!”
Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames – Bluesin’ Through the Years
Delmark Records 894
Fronted by J.B. Hutto-trained guitarist Dave Weld and his vocalist wife, Monica Myhre, the Imperial Flames have kept the heat on high out of Chicago since the ’80s, and they celebrate their longevity in style with this disc, a red-vinyl LP/digital offering that includes nine tracks culled from their long partnership with Delmark.
It’s a raw, take-no-prisoners set that features guest appearances from Bobby Rush, Dave’s former bandmate Lil’ Ed Williams, sax players Abb Locke and Sax Gordon and Grammy winner Tom Hambridge, who sits in for regular drummer Jeff Taylor on one cut.
Play it loud and play it proud! Choice cuts include “Don’t Ever Change,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” “Red Hot Tabasco,” “Lookin’ for a Man,” “May Be Right May Be Wrong,” “Ramblin’,” “Slip into a Dream” and “She’s Lyin’.”
Al Basile – Blues in Hand
Sweetspot Records 9952
One of the deepest thinking artists in the blues world, cornet player/vocalist Al Basile is far more than an eight-time Blues Music Award nominee, he’s a master wordsmith and poet, too. And – for the first time ever – he turns to contemporary recording equipment as he updates his sound for the next generation.
Captured at Lakewest Studios in West Greenwich, R.I., and at Greaseland, too, Al’s trumpet soars with backing from the Duke Robillard Band -- keyboard player Bruce Bears, drummer Mark Teixeira and Brad Hallen, Doug James on tenor sax and Jeff “Doc” Chanonhouse on trumpet. Jhett Black sits in on six-string for one cut, and Kid’s on guitar, too.
Choice cuts include “All of Your Lies,” “Blues Is My Roommate,” “Blues After Blues,” “Good Friends,” “Leave It All Behind You,” “Ain’t What You Say,” “Older by the Minute,” “Think, You Fool,” “My Dearest Dream,” “You Ain’t That Fine” and “When You Lose Your Money.”
Ben Rice & the PDX Hustle – Fallen Angel
Self-produced CD
A small-statured man who’s larger than life with a guitar in his hand, Ben Rice possesses a powerful voice and an inventive, in-your-face and fearless playing style on six-string. And the Oregon native holds nothing back on this satisfying horn- and keys-filled set that covers the gamut of blues, R&B, folk and more.
Ben surrounded himself with several stalwarts from the Pacific Northwest blues scene for this one: keyboard player Pat McDougall, horn players Pete Petersen and John Dover, a funky, skintight rhythm section and a guest list that includes percussionist Chuk Barber (WAR, Lowrider Band) and others.
You’ll dig “Good Lord Bad Lord,” “Get Down,” “Even on a Good Day,” “Trust,” “Fallen Angel,” “Storm,” “Trouble,” “Crushing on the Bartender,” “Retreat” and “I Like It Better Lonesome.”
The Name Droppers – Cool Blue Shoes
Horizon Music Group
An organization born out of the last bands of Johnny Winter and Connecticut Blues Hall of Famer Charlie Karp, who worked with Buddy Miles and penned tunes for Joan Jett and Joe Perry, The Name Droppers haven’t dropped a beat since forming in 2019. They’re a high-octane quartet that swings from the hip as they travel a path that honors their fallen leaders but cuts new ground, too.
The group features Karp regulars Ron Rifkin on keys and vocals and Rafe Klein on guitar anchored by Winter’s rhythm section: drummer/vocalist Bobby T. Torello and bassist Scott Spray. Singers Carole Sylvan and Simone Brown sit in along with sax player Bill Holloman and keyboardist/producer Vic Steffens.
Rock along to “Killing Floor,” “Cool Blue Shoes,” “Be Alright,” “Keep Pushin’,” “Hard Way,” “I Cry for You,” “Yes I Will” and “Out of This Blue.”
The Grocery Story – Situation on Aisle #3
Ma’s Records
They’re based out of Fort Collins, Colo., but the eight-piece band The Grocery Story delivers blues with a heaping helping of the Big Easy thanks to former Subdudes keys/accordion player John Magnie and percussionist Steve Amadee. And they’ll keep you up and dancing with this groovy debut.
The group features three lead singers – Peaches Embry, Rhonda Merrick and Erik Lunde – with Mike Finders on lead guitar and a steady-driving rhythm section that includes bassist Marty Rein and drummer Jess Amadee, too.
Get up and get down to “Situation on Aisle #3,” “Plaquemines Parish,” “You Don’t Knock,” “Call Me Up,” “Big River,” “Far Country,” “Always Come Back Home” and Too Hurt to Cry.”
Billy Branch – The Blues Is My Biography
Rosa’s Lounge Records
Chicago’s beloved Northwest Side club, Rosa’s Lounge, launches its own label in world-class style with this offering from Billy Branch, the dean of the city’s harp players and one of its brightest stars. It delivers the best of Windy City blues, and it’s full of cautionary tales and sound advice -- something certain to make it a contender when the next awards season comes around.
Produced by Larry Batiste, Billy’s joined by Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Bobby Rush with backing from the Sons of Blues – Branch’s partners for decades: Sumito “Ariyo” Ariyoshi and Tony Lufrano on keys, Giles Corey and Wilton Rabb on guitars, Ari Seder and Troy Lampkins on bass, Dionte Skinner and Aaron Greene on drums, along with the best horn section in the city.
Don’t miss “Hole in Your Soul,” “Call Your Bluff,” “Beggin’ for Change,” “Blues Is My Biography,” “Harmonica Man,” “Real Good Friends,” “How You Livin’,” “The Ballad of the Million Man March,” “Toxic Love” and “Roaches.”
Various Artists – Jack Town USA
Mija Records
Forget Clarksdale for a moment. The musical hotbed of Jackson, Miss., deserves your attention, too. And this digital download shines the spotlight on nine of its biggest current stars across the blues and soul spectrum. A companion piece to a book of the same name, it’ll having you up and moving from the jump.
The project was conceived by Jackson attorney/author Kamel King, and the outstanding roster here includes not-to-be-missed appearances from Dexter Allen, Eddie Cotton, Zac Harmon, Stevie J Blues, Rashad the Blues Kid, Chad Wesley, Four Washington and Jacktown Sons.
A winner on all counts, you’ll love “Hold Up,” “Hooked,” “Delivered by the Blues,” “Dancing in Our Love,” “Juke Joint Lover,” “I Still Got the Blues,” “Slow Down” and “Girl You Got It Going On.”
Emanuel Casablanca – Jubilee
Self-produced CD
Known as The Bad Boy of Blues, Emanuel Casablanca is a blues-rocker who’s a cut above. A guitarist and songwriter, he’s taking the music in entirely new directions, and he’s doing it in partnership with a rotating cast of Grammy and Blues Music Awards recipients, too.
This disc is a welcome continuation of 2024’s Strung Out on the Blues, which set the stage for this one in style. His minor-key delivery comes baked into a cinematically gritty feel. His originals are loaded with contemporary themes, some of which are targeted for adults only.
Hide the kids and give a listen to “Kiss So Good,” “Dick in My Hand,” “Pistol,” “I Don’t Need to Be Your Lover,” “Jubilee,” “Hate to Break the News,” “Rain on My Window,” “Put on Your Groove,” “Leave” and Rock Me All Night Long.”
Shirley Johnson – Selfish Kind of Gal
Delmark Records 893
A polished alto who’s been delivering stylish blues in Chicago for decades, Virginia native Shirley Johnson celebrates her legacy with this disc, which features ten tracks that have made her as a crowd favorite. It’s released digitally and as a mocha-colored vinyl, too.
Shirley’s backed by a top-shelf lineup that includes Luke Pytel, Herb Walker and Robert Ward on guitars, Roosevelt “Hatter” Purifoy on keys and horns from Hank Ford, Lawrence Fields and Willie Anderson. The late Tim Austin, Buddy Guy’s longtime drummer, sits in on two songs, too.
Sultry and smooth throughout, grab your honey and dance to “I’m Going to Find Me a Lover,” “Selfish Kind of Gal,” “You Shouldn’t Have Been There,” “Your Turn to Cry,” “Blues Attack,” “My Baby Played Me for a Fool,” “Take Your Foot off My Back” and “The Blues Is All I’ve Got.”
The Soul of John Black – Soul Salvation
Yellow Dog Records YDR 2878
Lovers of groove-filled blues and roots will rejoice with this long-awaited release from The Soul of John Black. A “band” composed solely of multi-instrumentalist, vocalist/songwriter John Arthur Bigham, the “group” returns to the studio in style after a nine-year absence here, delivering original material that delivers a vintage sound with contemporary vision.
A native Chicagoan who grew up on Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters, Bigham spent his youth playing percussion with Miles Davis and enjoyed an eight-year run with the ska-rock group Fishbone. He’s graced tours and albums for Dr. Dre, Eminem, Nikka Costa and Everlast, but he’s all azure through and through – something you’ll understand from the first notes.
Give a listen to “Begging You Baby,” “Georgia Peaches,” “Take Your Time,” “Been Gone too Long,” “That Thang,” “Right Now,” “Get Closer,” “The First Time” and “Saving It All for You.”
Albert White – The Definitive Albert White
Music Maker Foundation MMCD222
A stylish guitarist with an expressive, sugar-sweet voice, Albert White’s professional career began with his uncle, Piano Red, in the late ’50s. A longtime sideman with Clarence Carter, Ben E. King, Joe Tex and others, he’s now in his mid-80s but remains as timeless throughout this album as the many hits he recorded.
A cherished member of the Music Maker Revue, Albert released one previous CD as a frontman. This is his second CD as a frontman. He puts his own energetic spin on several familiar tunes here with a helping hand from a lineup that includes Blues Hall of Famer Elvin Bishop.
Turn back the clock for a while and enjoy new takes on “Let’s Go,” “Untie Me,” “Little Mixed Up,” “Tore Down,” “What Am I Living For,” “Rivers Invitation,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “Times Getting Stronger” and the Ann Peebles classic, rebranded as “Feel Like Breaking.”
Captain Buckles – Hurry Up!
Self-produced digital release
Do you love deep funk bands like The Meters, the Allman Brothers and The Band. If so, you’ll adore Captain Buckles, a skintight confederacy of first-call New Orleans sidemen. Despite working together in different formats for decades, this is their first-ever release as a group, and it comes to you thanks to a grant from the Threadhead Cultural Foundation.
Artists who’ve toured with Eric Lindell, Samantha Fish, Russell Batiste, John “Papa” Gros and others, the lineup includes guitarist Alex Mallet, keyboard players Rob Davis and Phil Breen, bassist Smitti Supab and drummer Ezell “EZ” Smith Jr. Together, they’ll rock your socks off.
Get up on the dance floor and groove along to “Hurry Up,” “Bus Station Blues,” “Itis,” “Cringe,” “This Time,” “Acting Up” and Raindrops on Mardi Gras.”
Jay Hooks – Tequila & Bullets
Joplin Street Music
A Houston native who cut his teeth in the ’90s backing firecracker vocalist Lavelle White, guitarist Jay Hooks is an explosive blues-rocker, too. And he lays down an intense, driving beat as he powers through this raw, but enjoyable set, which comes with a definite Gulf Coast swagger.
Jay’s a woefully under-recorded-but-deserving talent whose career was interrupted thanks to an extensive break to care for his family, Jay’s most recent album was issued by Provogue in 2002. A powerful guitarist, notes fly off his strings like bullets, delivering originals that would have made Johnny Winter smile. Produced by Matthew R. Johnson, it’s delivered in a power-trio format.
Down a couple shots and buckle up for “Evinrude Boat Motor,” “Tequila & Bullets,” “A Woman Like You,” “Your Touch,” “Left Me Cold,” “Mind Full,” “Mississippi Sheiks,” “I Was Wrong,” “My Kinda Fine” and “Mexican Larry.”
Bob Corritore & Friends – Early Blues Sessions
VizzTone/SWMAF Records
One of the world’s most dedicated folks in keeping the memory of blues originators alive, harp player Bob Corritore has recorded dozens of albums that shined the spotlight on others throughout his career. But he steps out of the shadows and turns the light on himself in this dazzling 16-track effort.
Bob blows the back off it here, but there’s plenty of giants lending support throughout, including vocalists Little Milton, Sam Lay, Jimmy Rogers, Chico Chism, Robert Lockwood Jr., Henry Gray, Lil’ Ed, Clarence Edwards and Lowell Fulson -- all of whom are backed by Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Rusty Zinn, Richard Innes and far too many other familiar talents to name.
Old-school, golden and true blue, don’t miss “I Want to Be the One,” “So Glad I’m Living,” “She Loves Another Man,” “Five Long Years,” “Naptown Blues,” “Hip Shakin’,” “Showers of Rain,” “Hear That Rumblin’,” “Ramblin’ on My Mind,” “Tired of Being Alone” and “West Texas Blues.”
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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.