Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - June 2026
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By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for June 2026
Curtis Salgado – Legacy Rewind: Live in ’25
Nola Blue Records
Possessing one of the best set of pipes in the universe, Curtis Salgado has made plenty of magic in his 50-year career, but this stellar, hour-long pleaser is something else entirely. Captured at The Triple Door, a showroom in Seattle, Wash., it’s the first live set he’s ever recorded. Legacy Rewind: Live in ’25 features backing by a 15-piece orchestra – and, man, does it smoke!
As Curtis details in the liner notes, he’s dreamed of this project for decades without following through on it. But it finally came to fruition thanks to the urging and hard work of Randy Maag, a longtime fan. Randy suggested all 13 songs that grace this set, and Salgado breathed new life into them in the best way possible.
You’ll be playing this one on a loop! Choice cuts abound among “Sing My Song,” “Wiggle Out of This,” “Clean Getaway,” “My Girlfriend,” “Money Must Think I’m Dead,” “Sweet Jesus Buddha Doctor,” “Precious Time,” “Nobody But You,” “20 Years of B.B. King” and “Fine by Me.”
Carmen Ratti Band feat. Jill Dineen – Come to Me
MoMojo Records MMJ-405
Delivering a jazzy and funkified blend of blues, the Carmen Ratti Band made major waves out of Northern California in 2021 with their debut CD, The Road Back, and this long-awaited follow-up, which was produced by Kid Andersen at Greaseland Studios, is also destined to produce a tsunami of interest.
Guitarist Carmen produces sweet notes with a bite behind singer Jill Dineen, who soars at the mic. They’re backed by Tony “Macaroni” Lufrano on keys and deep beats from a rhythm section composed of Steve Hazlewood and Randy Hayes. Lisa Leuschner Andersen provides backing vocals on one cut.
Some of the classiest blues you’ll hear this year, give a spin to “No Delusion,” “Get in Line,” “Come to Me,” “I Can See,” “Riley,” “Blessing in the Blues,” “Coming Down,” “About You,” “Uncle Joe” and “Pretty Good Man.”
Zac Harmon & the Drive – Live
Self-produced CD
A musician who always honors the Farish Street tradition of his hometown, Jackson, Miss., Zac Harmon is a visionary artist who once was a songwriter for Michael Jackson, too. He delivers some of the silkiest, smoothest contemporary blues in the world. And he literally circled the planet to deliver this pleaser. It’s a rock-solid collection of live recordings captured during his travels.
Zac handles guitar and mic backed by the Drive – Corey Lacy (keys), Kingston Livingston (guitar), Nate Robinson (bass) and Gino Iglehart (drums) – who keep the pedal to the medal throughout, producing a set that’ll have you alternating between grooving with your better half and cuddling instead.
A treat for lovers of Southern soul or soul-blues, you’ll love “Ntro,” “Hump in Your Back,” “Blue Pill Thrill,” “Feet Back on the Ground,” “40 Days,” “Don’t Let the Devil Ride,” “Boogie Down,” “Little Blue Bird,” “Mississippi Bar B Q” and “Slide.”
Gina Coleman – Uncrowned: A Tribute to Ida Cox
Guitar One Records
Bessie Smith was the undisputed Empress of first-generation blues, eclipsing all of the other ladies who crossed her path. But one artist who shouldn’t be forgotten is Ida Cox, who was a star in her own right in the 1920s. Known as the Uncrowned Queen of the Blues, she gets to live again thanks to songbird Gina Coleman, who faithfully covers 11 of the dusty oldies that helped Paramount Records achieve prominence in the 1920s.
Much more than a note-for-note retrospective, Gina’s powerful alto and guitar shine in this live set, which features backing from several members of her Massachusetts-based powerhouse band, Misty Blues. Gaye Adegbalola and Jontavious Willis sit in, too.
Turn back the clock a while and give a listen to “Graveyard Dream Blues,” “Mail Man Blues,” “One Hour Mama,” “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues,” “Bama Bound Blues,” “You Got to Swing and Sway,” “Four Day Creep,” “Lawdy Lawdy Blues” and “Blues Ain’t Nothing Else But!”
Dan Penn – Smoke Filled Room
Last Music Co.
A master tunesmith who’s been at the forefront of blues and R&B since penning “I’m Your Puppet” with longtime partner Spooner Oldham in the ’60s, Dan Penn doesn’t release an album under his own name very often, but when he does…WOW…it’s guaranteed to be a treasure. And that’s exactly what you’ll receive with this mellow masterpiece.
Dan’s warm, rich tenor rings like a bell throughout this set, an unhurried roller coaster ride through the ups and downs of romance and a message of faith, too. The collection is culled from Penn’s archive of unreleased masters, and he’s accompanied by an all-star lineup of Memphis and Muscle Shoals talent.
Soft and tender, kick back and enjoy “Smoke Filled Room,” “Blues of the Month Club,” “There’s Nothing Out There,” “The Longest Day,” “Leave It Like You Found It,” “Battling the Blues,” “Crazy Ol’ Girl,” “Hellbound Snowball,” “Let Love Begin with Me” and “One Blue Light.”
Chuk Barber – The Moons of Io: Blues’ Next Evolution
Self-produced CD
For the past 30 years or so, Chuk Barber has been driving the beat for the Lowriders, the seven-piece ensemble formerly known as War. But he steps out of the shadows in a dramatic, percussive fashion with this bluesy disc, which fuses elements of his New Orleans, Brazilian and African heritage into the mix.
This project began taking shape during COVID and came to fruition with the assistance of studio musician/engineer Stan Joseph and contributions from several unnamed, but talented friends. It’s a silky smooth, self-produced, self-recorded and self-composed earworm, that’s both soothing and uplifting from the jump. And Chuk’s warm smile and spirit exist in every note.
A feel-good album if there ever was one, give a listen to “Tales from the Desert,” “Papa Dee’s Heavy Dream,” “Jupiter’s Calling,” “Baja Moon Dance,” “What Is It About Rio?,” “Africa, Africa,” “Cruising the Caribbean Sea,” “New Day in New Orleans Upgrade,” “Standing in the River” and “Take Us Out, King.”
Billy Price – Random Madness
Get Hip Records
There’s no one in blues better at delivering a love song than Pittsburgh-based Billy Price. But he’s also just as good admitting his own weaknesses in song, too. And that’s what the eight-time BMA nominee does with his latest CD. It’s a bumpy, but delightful ride through both joy and regret that’ll keep you up and dancing all night long.
Produced by Grammy winner Tony Braunagel, who also handles percussion, this deep-in-the-pocket treat features two of the Steel City’s best guitarists, Ian Arthurs and Steve Delish, along with a horn section composed of jazz giant trombonist Reggie Watkins, trumpet player Joe Herndon and sax player Eric Spaulding.
Don’t miss “I Was a Fool,” “I Got That Dog in Me,” “Hungry Ghost,” “I Said What I Said,” “Rent Free,” “Creature of Habit,” “Exit Strategy,” “Dirty Knee Revelation,” “Stickers on My Suitcase” and “Random Madness.”
Mick Kolassa – Blue to the Bone
Endless Blues Records
A master storyteller who puts a humorous spin on personal triumphs, tragedies and pain, Mick Kolassa consistently shifts stylings from one album to the next, donating 100 percent of the net proceeds to the Blues Foundation. And the former BF board member adds horns to the mix as he delivers wry, down-to-earth insights about aging, love and much more in this sprightly romp.
Produced by guitarist Jeff Jensen and featuring some of the top talent in Memphis and beyond, Mick gets helping hands from guests Bob Corritore and Eric Hughes on harmonica, trumpet player Marc Franklin and sax player Kirk Smothers with Rick Steff on keys.
Dial in “This Getting Old Is Getting Old,” “Bourbon and You,” “All It Takes Is the Blues,” “For Better or for Worse,” “Something to Look Forward To,” “I’d Like to Be Recycled,” “If My Nose was Runnin’ Money,” “Text Me Baby,” “Mr. Right” and “Please Don’t Right That Song.”
Joe Krown Trio +1 feat. Papa Mali – Qualified
Sledgehammer Blues 2-AQM-1090
The foremost piano player in New Orleans, Joe Krown has collaborated with everyone from Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Carlos Santana and Marva Wright to Jason Ricci and Kenny Wayne Shepherd in his 40-year career. But he teams with guitarist/vocalist Papa Mali to delivers the best of the Big Easy with this tasty treat.
Joe’s rhythm section – bassist Casandra Falconer and drummer Eric Bolivar – provide backing vocals with guest appearances from sax player Jason Mingledorff and trombone player Mark Mullins. And Crescent City superstar Cyril Neville sits in on vocals for one song, too.
Get up out of that chair and get down to “Qualified,” “Junco Partner,” “Mess Around,” “Fortune Teller,” “Going Down,” “Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” “Neck Bone,” “Honey Bee,” “Under the Influence” and “Last Train.”
Brother John – Black Crow
Self-produced CD
Composed of finger-picking and slide playing guitarist Johnny Never and harp player John Colgan Davis, who recorded with Bonnie Raitt in the ’70s, Brother John are a well-seasoned duo based out of Philadelphia. And they weave an interesting musical tapestry with this disc, a steady-driving set of acoustic blues that would make their first-generation forebears proud.
Their first release after performing throughout the Northeast for the better part of a decade, Never handles vocals atop Davis’ percussive fills and accompaniment. Guests include Chicago’s Carl Snyder -- who worked with Junior Wells, Otis Rush and Son Seals -- on keys.
A set of originals delivered in traditional Piedmont stylings, give a listen to “Bread and Salt,” “New Sovereigns Blues,” “Black Crow,” “Dirt Road Blues,” “No Place Like Home,” “That Thing You Did Last Night,” “Old Man Mose,” “Sexy Baby Blues,” “Whiskey Glass” and “Cook It to the Bone.”
Lester Winchester McKendree – They Got It All
Times Three Records 002
Here’s an interesting group for you. Lester Winchester McKendree is composed of three of the busiest and most proficient sidemen in Nashville. After working on and off together for decades, they joined forces for this debut collaboration. It’s true-blue mix of originals that include touches of Americana and roots rock, all of which possesses a locked-in feel that’ll keep you grooving.
The band’s fronted by bassist/vocalist/songwriter Mark W. Winchester (Brian Setzer, Emmylou Harris) with Kevin McKendree (Delbert McClinton, Lee Roy Parnell) on keys and Jimmy Lester (Webb Wilder, Los Straitjackets) on drums.
You’ll dig “I’m No Amateur,” “Delaney and the Ditch,” “They Got It All,” “Surf the Allman Ballroom,” “Baby’s Carburetor,” “Bad Mantras,” “Dylan Ain’t Spillin’,” “The Right Pose” and “Along with the Sunshine.”
Bill Kirchen – Cat Out of the Bag
Last Music Company
A master of the Telecaster whose fretwork graced hits for Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, Austin-based Bill Kirchen has been dazzling audiences since the ’60s. And he delivers an intimate wellspring of emotion on his latest disc, hitting home with every note.
It’s an intimate mix of blues, alt country and Americana that delves into the ups and downs of love before emerging and finding peace in spiritual redemption. Fellow Airmen keyboard player Austin de Lone, who passed recently, and guitarist Dr. John Tichy are in the lineup.
This one will pull at your heart strings. Give a listen to “Smoke Filled Room,” “There’s Nothing Out There,” “The Longest Day,” “Leave It Like You Found It,” “Battling the Blues,” “Crazy Ol’ Girl,” “Hellbound Snowball,” “Let Love Begin with Me” and “One Blue Light.”
Johnny Max Band – Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends
Self-produced CD
Based out of Ontario, Canada, vocalist Johnny Max is an award-winning tunesmith who’s been touring the world with his homespun originals for better than 30 years. And he outdoes himself with his latest effort. It’s a masterwork that includes his six-piece band along with eight friends.
Johnny’s tunes that are part Windy City/part Big Easy. He delivers lyrics that are packed with wry humor and witty images. And his behind-the-beat delivery keeps things swinging from the hip.
For something different, tune in to “You Can Do Better Than Him,” “How the Other Half Lives,” “I’ve Said All the Sorrys I’m Gonna Say,” “Might as Well Be on Mars,” “These Things Are the Things That Make Me Think of You,” “Kiss from Joanne,” “What’s Good for the Goose” and “Be Good to Yourself.”
Seth James – Motormouth
Qualified Records
Don’t be misled by the image on the cover of this one. While Seth James IS a Texan, he’s no simple cowpoke who operates a motorized steer. He’s one of the sweetest vocalists in the Southwest. And he’ll knock you off your feet with this remarkable musical journey that takes you from love and loss to the pursuit of “a brand new day.”
Laid down and produced by Kevin McKendree at Rock House studio in Franklin, Tenn., Seth’s backed by about 20 of the best session players and background singers in Nashville. Motormouth features full horn and fiddle sections with Kevin and Jeff Taylor on keys and Rob McNelley on guitar.
One part Western swing, another part Music City and a whole lot of fun, don’t miss “Why Should I Suffer,” “Motormouth,” “I’m in Trouble,” “It’s Later Than You Think,” “High Horse,” “I Can’t Find Your Mind,” “Just a Thought,” “I Gotta Know,” “Lonely Avenue,” “I Feel That Burden” and “Start a Brand New Day.”
Yank Rachell – Tappin’ That Thing 1929-41
Jasmine Records JASMCD3307
Mandolin player Yank Rachell was a key figure in the first generation of blues, working with Sleepy John Estes, Sonny Boy Williamson, Washboard Sam and other talents while recording hit after hit in the 1920s. And his early music is given a most welcome second chance in the best way possible with this lovingly re-engineered set.
A musician into his 90s, Yank died in the 1990s and was the last member of his generation to join the Big Band in the Sky. Rachell was the co-writer with Taj Mahal of the now-standard “She Caught the Katy,” and he’s at his youthful best here. His powerful vocals soar above his stellar picking, which is frequently accompanied by Sonny Boy on harp.
Turn back the clock and give a listen to “Little Sarah,” “T-Bone Steak Blues,” “Sweet Mama,” “Stack O’Dollars Blues,” “Gravel Road Woman,” “I’m Wild and Crazy as Can Be,” “Hobo Blues,” “Worried Blues,” “Biscuit Baking Woman,” “Tappin’ That Thing” and “Katy Lee 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.