Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - February 2026
- chicagoblueseditor
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for February 2026
Tinsley Ellis – Labor of Love
Alligator Records 5031
One of the most polished performers in the blues world, Tinsley Ellis has been blazing on the stage for decades, delivering some of the most intense blues-rock imaginable. But he’s also an accomplished fingerpicking guitarist, too. And he’ll dazzle you with this all-original, joyous celebration of acoustic blues. It packs a punch with six-string mastery throughout.
A follow-up to his BMA-nominated Naked Truth, this one’s full of traditional themes covering good times and bad as Tinsley reinvigorates sounds originally delivered by Skip James, Son House, John Lee Hooker and others who turned him into the musician he is today.
Don’t miss “Hoodoo Woman,” “Long Time,” “To a Hammer,” “The Trouble with Love,” “Sunnyland,” “Sweet Ice Tea,” “I’d Rather Be Saved,” “Too Broke,” “Low Land of Sorrow,” “Fountain of Love” and “Lay My Burden Down.”
Manu Lanvin – Man on a Mission
Gel Production
One of the most important names in the world of French blues, Manu Lanvin has piled up awards as a vocalist across Europe for decades. And he should break big into the American market with this 13-song pleaser, an international effort recorded in Paris, Nashville, Montreal, Great Britain and Florida.
A high-voltage showman, guitarist/vocalist who represented his homeland in the IBCs in the 2010s, Manu’s the son of Gérard Lanvin, one of the country’s most famous actors. And there’s definitely a cinematic quality in Manu’s music. Taj Mahal, Popa Chubby and other stars guested on his previous disc.
High quality and different, take a chance on “Just Need Me,” “I Can’t Get Enough of You,” “Change My Ways,” “I Got the Blues,” “What’s the Matter with U?,” “Saving Angel,” “Could It Be Love?,” “Make It Right,” “Man on a Mission” and “Une Nuit.”
Dave Keller – La Brea
Tastee Tone Records TT-3047
Based out of Vermont and a multiple BMA nominee, Dave Keller possesses a honeyed voice and strong guitar chops, making him an understated superstar in the soul-blues world. And he pours out his heart on his latest CD, delivering an unhurried wellspring of emotion akin to the fabled tar pits in Los Angeles, which bare fossils to the world and serve as this album’s title, too.
A collection of deeply moving ballads, this is a major change-of-pace for Dave, who frequently works in partnership with Johnny Rawls when not touring himself. He’s joined here by guitarist Kevin Barry, bassist Jesse Williams, percussionist Marco Giovino and organist Tom West.
Take a deep dive into “I Could Fall,” “Different Than I Planned,” “Your Touch,” “Singing in the Shower,” “Shiny Things,” “When You Land,” “With You,” “Onions,” “If You Don’t Mind Me Asking,” “The Promise” and “I’m Telling You Now.”
Kyle Rowland – No Holding Back
Little Village Foundation
A musician whose career began at age ten and the youngest ever inductee into the Sacramento (Calif.) Blues Hall of Fame, Kyle Rowland makes his recording debut in the best way possible. A mix of blues, Southern soul and a little country, too, it’ll show beyond a doubt that he deserves far more attention than already has come his way.
Produced by Rick Estrin and Kid Andersen, Kyle’s backed here by world-class talent, including guitarists Johnny Burgin, Anson Funderburgh and Bob Welsh, who contributes keys along with Jim Pugh, bassists Randy Bermudes and Ronnie James Weber and percussionists Paul Revelli and June Core.
Top cuts include “Convict No. 1,” “Wishing You the Best,” “I’ll Take You Back,” “We’re Still Friends,” “You Go the Never of a Brass Monkey,” “Gamblin’ Blues,” “E.G.O.,” “Coffee Man,” “Stockton Boulevard,” “Must’ve Been a Dream” and “The Country Pen.”
Paul Filipowicz – Breakwater
Big Jake Records BJ2025
A warrior who’s spent the better part of six decades delivering West Side Chicago blues the way it’s supposed to be, guitarist Paul Filipowicz cut his teeth learning at the feet of Otis Rush, Freddie King and Magic Sam. And his heroes live again through every note he plays on this powerful CD, which delivers the essence of a smoke-and booze-filled night along West Madison Street in the 1970s.
Chicago and Wisconsin blues royalty abounds in the lineup, including keyboard player Jimmy Voegeli, bassist E.G. McDaniel, harp player Martin Lang and drummer Stephen Dougherty. Adding to the mix are sax player Erik Beraud and Maggie “Blues Chic” Aliotta, who sings on one cut.
Groove along to “Tuff Girl,” “I’m Leaving You,” “Breakwater,” “Sonny Boy,” “This Time I’m Gone for Good,” “Lefty Philips,” “Conversation with JR,” “That’s the Truth,” “That’s Why I’m Crying” and “Rollcage.”
Frenchie Moe – Hi Class
Lightning in a Bottle Records
Born in France, where she was mentored by British blues superstar Victor Brox throughout her youth, guitarist Frenchie Moe isn’t that old, but she’s spent better than half her life on the blues highway in the U.S. Based in New Orleans, the soprano powerhouse lays down the funk in style on her latest album.
Delivering a deep funk from the jump, the roster includes Big Easy heavyweights Bruce Elsensohn, Scott Perro and Mikey B3 on keys, sax player Walter Smith, bassists Stephen Menold and Andy Villaferra and drummer Keith Hawkins.
Recorded live with few overdubs, put on your dancing shoes and tune in to “I Been Teasin You,” “Trailer Park Love,” “Happiness,” “Hi Class,” “The Hunter,” “Topped & Diced,” “Something Inside Me” and “I Want to Ta Ta You Babe.”
Leonard “Lowdown” Brown – Lowdown Street Party
MusicMaker Foundation MMCD224
Born into a musical family in Gary, Ind., Leonard “Lowdown” Brown produces a far slicker sound than many of his Music Maker partners. The new-school blues he delivers on this disc would be perfect for a barbeque with family and friends on the corner of a big-city block.
A highly autobiographical set, Lowdown takes listeners from the urban Midwest to Houston’s gritty Fifth Ward, where he toiled for years for an electric company. He handles guitar throughout with bassist John Kveen and drummer Keith Russell laying down the beat and The Crimestoppers adding harmony.
Tap your feet to “Street Party,” “I’m Gonna Take Care of You,” “I Need Help,” “Don’t Wanna Get Up Blues,” “Gotta Leave This Town,” “News with Blues,” “Houston Bound” and “Big Blue Show.”
Mike Dangeroux – 15 Shades of Blue
Self-produced CD
A veteran Chicagoan who’s worked alongside Koko Taylor, J.W. Williams, Nellie Tiger Travis and other legends, Mike Dangeroux has tantalized listeners with a couple of EPs in recent years. But he hits on all cylinders with this full-blown 15-tune effort, which explores love, loss and redemption.
If your tastes run toward smoky, original ballads, you’ll be captivated by this self-produced and self-engineered effort. Mike handles guitar, bass and vocals aided by Damon Casper Walker on drums and Eddie Mason on percussion.
Give a listen to “Deep in My Soul,” “Palm of My Hand,” “Walking Out That Door,” “Heart of Stone,” “Never Be Lonely,” “Day and Night Lover,” “No More Bad News,” “She Can’t Stop Rocking,” “Where Are My Friends Tonight,” “Midnight Sky” and “(Hope You) Feel the Same.”
Ross Neilsen – Within Tension
Self-produced CD
An award-winning blues-rocker who’s recorded with Anders Osborne and Corey Dickinson, Saskatchewan-based guitarist Ross Neilsen made it to the semi-finals at the 2025 IBCs. He celebrated his appearance by laying down this interesting, original CD at Sam Phillips Studio in Memphis, putting a different, gritty spin on Northern blues.
He’s surrounded by a crew of first-call Memphis talents, including Rick Steff (keys), John C. Stubblefield (bass), Jay Sheffield III (drums) and a horn section composed of Marc Franklin (sax) and Art Edmaiston (sax).
Take a break from the one-four-five blues and give a listen to “Rock Ranger,” “Best for You,” “Road to Memphis,” “Salt and Sea,” “Devil’s Picasso,” “Troubled Mind,” “Something Heavy,” “Good Enough” and “Bold & Beaten.”
GA-20 – Orphans
Colemine Records
Based out of Boston and united through their love for blues, rock and R&B from the ’50s, GA-20 are a retro group in every way, playing vintage instruments and recording the old-fashioned way…straight off-the-floor together. Their music’s fresh but echoes the raucous past, such as their hero Hound Dog Taylor.
Composed of guitarist Matthew Stubbs (a longtime member of the Charlie Musselwhite band), vocalist/guitarist Cody Nilsen and drummer Josh Kiggans, they’ve repeatedly topped Billboard charts in the past, and they’ll be doing it again with this one.
With a sound that could have emanated on the Windy City’s West Madison Street or the South Side’s Teresa’s Lounge back in the day, you’ll dig “Cryin’ and Pleadin’,” “I Love You, I Need You,” “I Don’t Mind,” “Stranger Blues,” “Hold On, I’m Coming,” “My Baby Sweeter,” “Just One More Time” and “Chicken Pickin’.”
Stew Cutler & Friends – Undercover (Mostly)
Self-produced CD
A guitarist extraordinaire, New Yorker Stew Cutler’s been delivering the sweetest music imaginable at the cusp of blues and jazz since turning pro as a kid to back the legendary Z.Z. Hill. His career has included Percy Sledge, Fontella Bass, Wilson Pickett, David Sanborn and other greats. And he simply dazzles on this mostly instrumental disc.
Stew reinvents and reimagines tunes from across the music spectrum here with helping hands from vocalist Bobby Harden, keyboard players Tom Wilson and Etienne Lytle and a rhythm section composed of drummer Bill MacLellan and bassist Chulo Gatewood.
If you like your blues with a touch of class, tune in to “Close to You,” “Fe Fi Fo Fum,” “Summer Breeze,” “At the End of the Day,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Buried Alive in the Blues,” “Betcha By Golly,” “Long Time Joe” and “Country Girl.”
Reckless and Blue – Seven Deadly Gins
Self-produced CD
A veteran five-piece ensemble who came together in 2017 and represented Colorado in the recent IBCs, Reckless and Blue deal with love, loss and more on their latest CD. The 10 tunes here pack an emotional punch in varied blues stylings…cocktails that will appeal to you no matter what your taste.
The group’s led by guitarist George Williams, who shares vocals throughout with Shaunda Fry. They’re backed by Allen Andersen on keys, Steve Gaskin on drums and Tom Dillard on bass. And they’re augmented by backup singers and horns, too.
Cozy up to the bar and take a swig of “Come Back,” “Seven Deadly Gins,” “Trifflin’ Blues,” “Burnin’ Daylight,” “Don’t Expect Me,” “Shimmy Shakin’ Blues,” “If the Blues Was Whiskey” and “Stormy Night in Denver.”
Tony O Blues – Free Life
Self-produced CD
A silky-smooth guitarist and harp player who recorded for Victoria Spivey in the ’70s, Tony O was a member of the Legendary Blues Band and toured with Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. New Yorker Tony O Melio is blue to the bone. And he delivers a masterclass of picking in this beefy, 14-song set.
Dedicated to James Cotton, Tony mixes four originals in a welcome serving of Chicago blues, doowop and country, all of which get an azure update. He’s backed by several of the Big Apple vets, including bassist/guitarist Bob Stander, keyboard player Mitch Marcus and drummer Mike Severino.
Classic ’50s and ’60s sounds at their best, you’ll love “Hard Day Blues,” “Free Life,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Lonesome in My Bedroom,” “Blues in D Natural,” “Miserable Woman,” “Off the Wall,” “Tony O Guitar Boogie” and “I’m Queens Bound.”
Greg Nagy – Just a Little More Time
Self-produced CD
Don’t be fooled by the simple cover art of this one…it smokes! Guitarist Greg Nagy’s a former BMA nominee for best new artist who’s toured and/or recorded with Larry McCray, E.G. Kight, Bobby Murray and Ronnie Earl. But he’s a dynamic performer in his own right.
He delivers refreshing, honest tunes across the blues, soul and gospel spectrum while aided by a deep roster that includes Murray and John Ford on second guitars, Jim Alfredson and Clif Metcalf on keys and five horn players, too.
You’ll be blown away by “Just a Little More Time,” “It Hurts to Love Someone,” “Breaking Me (But Making Me a Better Man),” “Between the Darkness and the Light,” “Love Letter,” “My Buddy,” “Big City,” “Rainy Night in Georgia” and “I’m in the Mood.”
Sugar Ray & the Bluetones – Blues from Sibculo
Natural Records
Rhode Island-based Sugar Ray & the Bluetones have been serving up award-winning albums since the 1970s, but they’ve outdone themselves with this disc. Like the classic records emanating from Chess Studios, it was recorded live off the floor in a small village in the Netherlands and delivers a masterpiece for modern ears.
The Bluetones – honeyed vocalist and harp player Sugar Ray Norcia, drummer Neil Gouvins and bassist Michael “Mudcat” Ward – joined forces with West Coast guitar legend Rusty Zinn and laid this one down with no overdubs or engineering tricks.
A must-have for your collection, tune in to “No More Chances,” “High and Lonesome,” “Mean Old World,” “Blind Date,” “Bloodstains on the Wall,” “Dream Girl,” “Rusty Nail,” “I’m Holding On,” “You Got Me Wrong” and “Wait and Watch.”
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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.
