Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - January 2026
- chicagoblueseditor
- 7 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for January 2026
Kim Wilson – Slow Burn
MC Records MC0096
Harp player Kim Wilson has a deep respect for his forebears and his former musical partners, too. He pays tribute to three of them -- pianist Barrelhouse Chuck, bassist Larry Taylor and drummer Richard Innes – with this disc of previously unreleased material captured in 2014 and 2020. It’s a welcome follow-up to his Grammy-nominated The Bigtone Sessions.
In addition to those extraordinary talents, the roster runs deep with additional backing from guitarists Billy Flynn, Nathan James, Bob Welsh and Jon Atkinson along with drummers Marty Dodson and Malachi Johnson, bassist Troy Sandow and horn player Johnny Viau.
If you love deep, traditional blues, you’ll love “I’m Trying,” “Leaving You on My Mind,” “Sweet Little Angel,” “Boogie in E,” “Howlin’ for My Darlin’,” “The Time Has Come,” “Lowdown Women,” “Gotta Have a Horse” and “So Many Roads.”
Dave Keyes – Two Trains
MoMojo Records MMJ393
A four-time BMA nominee for keyboard player of the year, Dave Keyes teams with several of the biggest names in blues and roots for his latest disc. It’s a wide-ranging effort that traverses love, loss, joy and pain, and most of the tunes are co-written with Mark Sameth, the Nashville-based tunesmith who’s penned hits for Bettye LaVette, Loretta Lynn and others.
Joining the action are Bernard Purdie (the most recorded drummer of all time) harp player Rob Paparozzi (Blues Brothers), guitarists Chris Bergson, John Putnam and Woody Mann, vocalist Alexis P. Suter and percussionist Frank Pagano. The set was mixed by Grammy winner Dae Bennett.
Contemporary New York blues at its best, you’ll love “Blues Ain’t Looking for You,” “Boogie Till the Cows Come Home,” “Two Trains,” “I’m Alright,” “A Long Way from Right Right Now,” “What Just Happened,” “Trust in Love and Fate,” “Worried in Mind Blues” and “Rest in Peace.”
Lonnie Mack – Live from Louisville 1972
The Last Music Co. LMCD262
Here’s an oldie but a goodie for you: Lonnie Mack was one of the most influential guitarists in America during the ’60s and beyond, fusing blues, soul and rock into a musical stew that was way ahead of his time. Possessing a gospel-tinged voice and tone beyond compare, he’s at his all-time best on this live performance.
A long-lost treasure that was unearthed by Lonnie’s daughter Holly after his death, the Indiana native’s joined by Denzel “Dumpy” Rice on keys, Jeff McAllister on drums and Bucky Lindsey on bass for an hour-long show. This must-have set is the first release under Lonnie’s name since 1990.
Don’t miss “Camp Washington Chili/If You Have to Know,” “Satisfy Suzy,” “Got to Stop Hurting Me,” “Memphis/Wham,” “Oreo Cookie Blues,” “Tough on Me, Tough on You” and “Cincinnati Jail.”
James “JB” Barnes – My Mississippi Roots
Self-produced CD
A bassist who possesses a honeyed tenor voice, James “JB” Barnes is a New Jersey Blues Hall of Famer, but his soul’s rooted in the Delta, where his family originates, too. It delivers a tip of the hat to them and the Magnolia State, too, with this sophomore outing, which is infused with plenty of big city grit and is a winner on all counts.
Produced by Anthony Krizan, who handles guitar, JB’s joined by Jarred “ARKTNT” Barnes on keys, and Carmine Diorio on percussion in a set that includes eight originals and covers penned by Carey Bell, Mick Jagger and more.
Give a spin to “Get Up and Go Blues,” “Gotta Make a Change,” “Brown Eyed Blues Man,” “When Did Crime Become Legal,” “My Mississippi Roots,” “The JB Shuffle,” “Brush with the Blues” and “Stand Up and Give Peace & Love a Chance.”
Miss Emily – The Medicine
Gypsy Soul Records
A voice for the ages -- who honed her craft on the blue highway between Montreal and Toronto for decades before winning all of the top Canadian music awards -- Miss Emily returns to the studio at the top of her game with this release, which was produced by Grammy winner Colin Linden.
She’s backed by an all-star group of sessions players, including keyboard player Michael Hicks (Keb’ Mo’), and drummer George Recili (Bob Dylan). And she’ll take you on an emotional roller coaster ride here, delivering a powerful theme of survival in the midst of a whirlwind of chaos living in the modern world.
Give a listen to “My Freedom,” “Stand Together, Band Together,” “The Medicine,” “Maybe,” “You Make Me Believe,” “Running Again,” “Solid Ground,” “Smith’s Bay Drowning” and “Remember This Song.”
Keith Scott Blues – Back to State Street
Back to State Street Records
Guitarist Keith Scott has spent most of the past 50 years toiling in the best clubs across the city of Chicago. A student and longtime bandmate of superstar guitarist Jimmy Dawkins, he delivers modern blues with a definite old-school lump. And he does it in style here.
The veteran lineup includes six-string master/drummer Marvin Jackson (Albert Collins), keyboardist Carl Snyder (Junior Wells, Son Seals), Steepwater percussionist Joe Winters, The Las Vegas band bassist Adam Arling along with guitarist/producer Tony McQuaid and Avalon Days guitarist RB Green.
Toe-tapping from the jump, get down to “Back to State Street,” “Addiction,” “Ovanda Woman,” “Big Dog,” “Scruffle,” “Funky (I Need It),” “Vagabond Blues,” “Sometimes” and “Hot Toddy.”
Earnest Guitar Roy – This Is Earnest Guitar Roy
Music Maker Foundation MMCD223
A retired trucker from Clarksdale, Miss., and the son of a bluesman, Earnest Guitar Roy is someone you’ll love if your tastes run to Delta funk. He delivers a master class of it in this set, which is the first-ever recording in Music Maker’s new studios in Fountain, N.C.
Earnest’s only got a few 45s and one previous album to his credit, but he’s got a true blue background, having toured with Albert King in the ’80s after being discovered on Beale Street by first-generation superstar Big Joe Williams. He’s backed here by Jimbo Mathus and the Creatures of the Southern Wild.
Put on your dancing shoes and groove along to “Big Ol’ Smile,” “Body Shop,” “Dirty Hustlin’,” “Earnestly,” “God Knows I Tried,” “Hard Headed Woman,” “Going Out Swinging,” “Sneaky on the Weekend” and “I Wanna Talk to You.”
Mississippi MacDonald – Slim Pickin’
APM Records
One of the most soulful, vocalists in the UK, Oliver “Mississippi” MacDonald was born in London but his roots definitely reach deep into the soil of Memphis, too. An award-winning artist who’s primarily fronted electric bands in the past, he goes acoustic in the best way possible on this ten-track set.
Oli’s guitar picking is just as tasty as his gospel-tinged voice. His sole accompaniment is longtime bandmate Phil Dearing, who produced and handled keys and guitar, too. MacDonald penned four originals, which fit seamlessly with reworked classics from Blind Willie McTell, St. Louis Jimmy Oden, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Keb’ Mo’.
Groove along to “Trouble Doing the Right Thing,” “Slim Pickin’,” “My Bad Attitude,” “I’m Sorry,” “Got to Get to Walkin’,” “Goin’ Down Slow,” “Strange Things Happening Every Day,” “Sad Songs” and “You Can Love Yourself.”
JJ Grey & Mofro – Orange Blossoms
Alligator Records
JJ Grey & Mofro have been a fixture on the blues/roots scene for almost 25 years, delivering a soulful mix that embraces the dynamic rhythms of the swamp. They cemented their place in the music world with this pleaser, which gets a welcome second chance at life with this a deluxe, two-LP set, which is rereleased on sunburst-splash vinyl.
JJ penned all 11 of the originals in this 12-tune set, all of which are based on the observations and life experiences he picked up while growing up in North Florida. His gritty voice and guitar soar over a musical stew that swings with gospel overtones, Southern soul and much, much more.
Definitely worth another listen, you’ll enjoy “Orange Blossoms,” “The Devil You Know,” “Everything Good Is Bad,” “She Don’t Know,” “WYLF,” “On Fire,” “Higher You Climb,” “Dew Drops,” “Ybor City” and “I Believe (in Everything).”
Ryan Hartt – Be About It!
Far-Tone Records FT-5E3
Based out of Connecticut, from which he’s been delivering the best of West Coast jump and Chicago blues for decades, harp player Ryan Hartt swings from the hip from the jump and sets the stage on fire with this stunner of a solo album.
His first disc without his regular touring band, the Blue Hearts, Ryan spent extensive time in the studio in Los Angeles, working with Junior Watson and Rod Piazza. He teamed with guitarists Nick Adams, Jad Tariq and Tom Ferraro, keyboard player Brooks Milgate, bassists Jeffrey Berg and Mike Law and drummer Nick Toscano here.
Tunes that pack a bite, you’ll enjoy “Breakin’ Even,” “Queen of Everything,” “Old Habits Die Hard,” “Nothing as Sweet as You,” “Hawaiian War Chant,” “That’s Right, You’re Wrong,” “Lonely Hour,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and “You Belong to Me.”
Eddie Kold Band feat. Larry “Doc” Watkins – Blues in My Heart
L&R Records
A fixture of the German blues scene but someone who’s also been a part of the Chicago community since the ’80s, too, Eddie Kold is a hypnotic guitarist who spent time working with the Buddy Scott, Vance Kelly, LV Banks and Zora Young bands. And he hits on all cylinders on this disc, which teams him with stylishly relaxed vocalist Larry “Doc” Watkins, an expat from West Virginia.
It’s truly an international effort with the Windy City’s Melon Davenport sitting in on vocals on two cuts and six-string master Tom Holland sitting in on two more. Backing comes from Germans Klaus Brunschede (bass) and Christian Dewübb Wübben (drums).
Never over-the-top and always in-control, you’ll love “Around Three or Four,” “Backpain,” “Burnin’ Outta Control,” “Girls,” “Good Times Bad Times,” “Last Two Dollars,” “Lipstick on Your Bra,” “My Whole World Shook,” “Student” and “Threeway Combination.”
Dave Limina – Old Piano Blues
Stupid Books Records
The longtime keyboard player in Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters as well as the chairman of the piano department at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Dave Limina has being recording in support of others since the ’90s, but this special, sensational work is his first ever disc as a frontman.
Despite the title, this CD is thoroughly modern blues conceived in partnership with longtime collaborator/drummer Lorne Entress, who produced. The music they deliver might have an old-time feel, but it’s ear candy for a modern world. Kevin Barry and Ronnie handle guitars with Marshall Wood on bass. And harp player Darrell Nulisch is just one of several special guests. Give it a listen and you’ll be wondering why it’s taken him so long to step into the spotlight from the shadows!
Tune in to “I’m Lost Without You,” “No Use Crying,” “Just Gotta Play These Blues Blues,” “Nobody But You,” “An Old Piano Plays the Blues,” “Splanky,” “Ready to Die,” “Mourning Sunrise,” “Out of Sight” and “Broadcaster Blues for Ronnie Earl.”
Pink Anderson – Carolina Blues Man Volume 1
Craft Recordings CR00843
A revered post-War Piedmont-style guitarist (Pink Floyd took part of their name after him, quite an honor), Pink Anderson always considered himself to be a medicine show performer, never a bluesman. But his distinctive stylings played a major role in the rise of the introduction of the blues to a broader, white audience in the ’60s.
Produced by Sam Charters and originally released on Prestige Bluesville, this is Pink’s first full LP, and it gets deserving new life on 180-gram vinyl. Pink’s mix of humorous hokum, folk songs and popular tunes laid the groundwork for future stars who’ve walked the azure highway. If you’re a fan of old-school, this one deserves a spot in your collection.
Turn back the clock for a while and give a listen to “My Baby Left Me This Morning,” “Baby Please Don’t Go,” “Mama Where Did You Stay Last Night,” “Big House Blues,” “Meet Me in the Bottom,” “Weeping Willow Blues,” “I Had My Fun” and “Everyday in the Week.”
Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic – Live in Alaska
Self-produced CD
When you send zydeco master Corey Ledet and his red-hot crew from Louisiana to the frigid north of Alaska, the resulting music is capable of melting all the snow off Denali. And that’s what you’ll get on this disc, which celebrates the Cajun heritage and captures the accordion wizard across three nights at the Anchorage Folk Festival during the winter of 2025.
This could be the best live set you’ll hear this year. The Grammy nominee’s joined by Cecil Green (keys), James Adams and Gregg Potier (washboard), Lucien Hayes (guitar) and Je’an-Paul Jolivette (drums), and you’ll be jumping out of your seat from the first note.
Let the good times roll with “This Is All I Want,” “Boudin Man,” “I Just Wanna Be Your Loving Man,” “Alaska Funk,” “Creole Cruising,” “Push Me Away,” “Kofe T’Fé Ca,” “M’Apé Gonn a Dauphine” and “J’ai Parti Dans la Campagne.”
The Fabulous Thunderbirds – The Jimmie Vaughan Years: Complete Studio Recordings
Last Music Company
Since their founding in Austin in the mid-’70s, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have remained one of the hardest working and premiere blues bands in the world. And any fan will love to own this four-CD or eight-LP set, both of which are packaged within a richly illustrated hard-cover book.
It’s composed of all the albums they released between 1979 and ’89 with founder Kim Wilson sharing center stage with guitarist extraordinaire Jimmie Vaughan. The ever-evolving lineup of the band has always been beyond compare. And in the era of this discs, it included Keith Ferguson, Preston Hubbard, Fran Christina, Doyle Bramhall II and Allman Brother Chuck Leavell, too.
The 90 tracks kick off with 15 songs they cut before signing to a label and includes all of the discs they recorded on Takoma, Chrysalis and Epic. Pricey but worth it, it’s a must-have collection for any T-Bird fan.
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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.