Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - March 2026
- Mar 1
- 9 min read
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for March 2026
Duke Robillard – Blast Off!
Nola Blue Records NB 053
If you like your blues infused with a heaping helping of jump, jazz and more, you’re going to love Duke Robillard’s debut on the Nola Blue imprint. One of the most stylist guitarists on the planet, the two-time Grammy winner swings from the hip in style here, delivering a gold-standard brand of music that never ages.
The Rhode Islander’s backed by his regular quartet – keyboardist Bruce Bears, bassist Marty Ballou and drummer Mark Teixiera – along with a star-studded roster that includes Doug James, Mark Earley, Doc Chanonhouse and Billy Novick on horns. Guitarist Chris Cote also gives Duke a chance to soar even higher on strings as he handles some of the vocals.
Three originals and nine cleverly reworked covers, groove along to “When I Get Lucky,” “Feel My Tears,” “Lowdown,” “Play Boy Hop,” “Confusion,” “Blast Off,” “The King,” “Warm and Tender Love,” “Galactic Grease” and “Look a There Look a There.”
Mavis Staples – Sad and Beautiful World
Anti- Records
If you’re being crushed down by the weight of trouble circling the globe today and need a peaceful, sonic bath from your woes, you’ll thank heavens for Mavis Staples. At 86 years old, the Civil Rights icon/Blues Hall of Famer delivers a masterpiece of salvation here that delivers a big hug with every note.
Produced by Brad Cook (Bruce Hornsby/Nathan Rateliff), she called out the big guns for this one --Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Rick Holmstrom, Derek Trucks Eric Burton and Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy -- as she unhurriedly reinvents tunes culled from the American songbook.
Choice cuts abound among “Chicago,” “Beautiful Strangers,” “Sad and Beautiful World,” “Human Mind,” “Hard Times,” “Godspeed,” “We Got to Have Peace,” “Satisfied Mind” and “Everybody Needs Love.”
Charles Tiner – Good Soul
Self-produced CD
Describing himself as a “regular guy with a whole lot of soul,” Charles Tiner isn’t kidding. The son of a Baptist pastor who was raised in Springfield, IL., he started singing at age five and hasn’t stopped since. If you love your blues with a chunk of church-based sensibilities, you’ll really dig this self-produced disc.
Charles handles vocals and keys throughout, delivering the goods in a style that updates the sound produced by the R&B-infused blues bands that dominated Chicago’s South Side scene in the ’70s. He’s backed by a large, movable feast of session musicians, who sound great.
Put on your dancin’ shoes and give a listen to “Be a Man,” “Bad Woman,” “Blue Moon,” “Don’t Bau Me Nun,” “Peace by the River,” “Stick Around,” “She Made a Move on Me,” “Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right,” “Don’t Be a Fool too Long” and “Put Your Money on Me.”
BB & the Bullets – High Tide
DixieFrog Records
Based out of Whanganui, New Zealand, where they were founded by Brian Baker, a passionate singer/songwriter/guitarist, BB & the Bullets have been making waves internationally with their own brand of hard-driving, rock-steady blues since 2024. They make their recording debut on the French label DixieFrog, and it’s a winner on all counts.
A three-piece ensemble that includes drummer Brad McMillan and bassist Stu Duncan, they deliver an interesting originals that fit comfortably into playlist that includes tunes by Albert and B.B. King, Muddy Waters and other blues giants.
For something different, tune in to “Something in the Water,” “High Tide,” “I Can Tell,” “Seven Ways to Sin,” “Walking the Dog,” “Little Fishies,” “Letting Go,” “Brian’s Boogie (Hurry Home)” and “Big Boot Running.”
Altered Five Blues Band – Hammer & Chisel
Blind Pig Records BPCD5177
Milwaukee, Wis., is a chilly place, but one reason why the good folks there don’t freeze in the winter is Altered Five Blues Band. Fronted by Jeff Taylor, a wall-rattling baritone, the five-piece ensemble simply smoke throughout this contemporary set that’s guaranteed to warm your soul.
Produced by Grammy winner Tom Hambridge and led by Blind Pig honcho Jeff Schroedl on guitar, the group includes keyboard player Steve Huebler with bassist Mark Solveson and drummer Alan Arber forming a skintight rhythm section. They’re augmented by guest appearances from harp colossus Jason Ricci and horn players Max Abrams and Julio Diaz.
Buckle up and tune in to “I Got It Good,” “Dare Me to Do It,” “Who Can You Trust,” “Hammer & Chisel,” “Can’t Shake It,” “Headline Blues,” “Hell or High Water,” “My Love Ain’t a Lie,” “Crazy One” and “The Will of Man.”
Becca Hannah – Tonight in My Dreams
Self-produced CD
Possessing a honeyed soprano that’s one part Amy Winehouse, another Erykah Badu and delivering a hard-to-define mix of blues, jazz and R&B, Becca Hannah will wow you with this debut release. A 27-year-old Bostonian now based in L.A., she’s a sultry powerhouse who’s about to explode across the music spectrum.
An all-original set penned in collaboration with Tristan Jantz, Becca recorded this one live in front of a nine-piece orchestra, which was led by Grammy winner Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks, Tom Petty). She’ll take you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions as she deals with love, lust, fear, loss and more.
Hypnotic from the jump, take a deep dive into “Shine,” “Caramel,” “Thick & Thin,” “Empathy,” “Interlude (Where Did We Go),” “FutureTrip,” “Jaded,” “Miriam” and “Rewind.”
Terry Callier – The New Folk Sound of Terry Callier
Craft Recordings CR00844
An undeservingly overlooked acoustic star of the ’60s, Chicago acoustic guitarist Terry Callier was a contemporary of Curtis Mayfield, Ramsey Lewis and Jerry Butler. And he was light years ahead of his time, fusing folk, jazz and R&B into a style all his own. Listening to him today is like a breath of fresh air because of his rich vocals and relaxed, hypnotic delivery.
Recorded by Sam Charters for Bluesville in 1964 and reissued on 180-gram vinyl, he should enjoy a deserving turn in the spotlight with this set, which finds him backed by bassists Terbour Attenborough and John Tweedle.
Soothing and tender, you’ll dig “900 Miles,” “Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be,” “Johnny Be Gay If You Can Be,” “Cotton Eyed Joe,” “It’s About Time,” “Promenade in Green,” “Spin, Spin, Spin” and “I’m a Drifter.”
Ana Popović – Dance to the Rhythm
Electric Heel Records
Seven-time BMA nominee Ana Popović held nothing back on Power, her award-winning 2023 release, which documented her struggles overcoming breast cancer at the height of the pandemic. Two years later and cancer-free, the slide guitarist has plenty of reason to celebrate. And that’s just what she does with this set, which will keep you dancing the night away.
Uptempo and positive throughout, she co-produced the album with master bassist Buthel and was joined in the studio by several top talents from the Los Angeles music scene, including keyboard players Michele Papadia and Jeremy Thomas along with a full horn section.
Lift your spirits, get up and get down to “Dance to the Rhythm,” “Worked Up,” “California Chase,” “Hurt So Good,” “Sho Nuf,” “Dwell on the Feeling,” “Soulution,” “Hottest Ticket in Town” and “Sisters and Brothers.”
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials – Slideways
Alligator Records 5030
It’s been fa-a-ar too long – ten years -- since Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials have been in the studio, but they outdo themselves with this CD. Loaded with all of the dynamics that fans have relished since the ’70s, frontman Lil’ Ed Williams’ voice and guitar simply shine throughout, delivering a bittersweet wellspring of emotion with every note.
The Blues Imperials are one of the longest running groups in America, with a lineup that’s been together for so long (40 years!) that they’re really a family. As usual, Michael Garrett handles second six-string, real-life half-brother James “Pookie” Young is on bass and Kelly Littleton plays drums. They’re joined by young whiz Ben Levin, who sits in on keys for 8 of the 13 tracks.
Without a doubt the Blues Imperials’ best yet, you’ll love “Bad All by Myself,” “One Foot on the Brake, One on the Gas,” “Homeless Blues,” “13th Street and Trouble,” “Make a Pocket for Your Grief,” “If I Should Lose Your Love,” “Cold Side of the Bed,” “What Kind of World Is This?” and “You Can’t Strike Gold from a Silver Mine.”
Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps – Bad at Being Good
MoMojo Records MMJ 397
Possessing a voice that’s pure honey and an attitude that contains plenty of sass, Teresa James is part angel and devil, too. And the former Grammy nominee shines like a diamond on this pleaser, doing what she does best: delivering the best of the blues that Southern California has to offer.
You can’t get a roster that’s deeper than this one. Hubby/bassist Terry Wilson and guitarist John Porter co-produce with Tony Braunagel on drums, Darrell Leonard and Paulie Cerra on horns, Billy Watts on guitar, appearances from percussionists Richard Millsap and Jay Bellerose, accordion player David P. Jackson and Big Easy giant Jon Cleary, who joins Teresa on keys.
Take a bite out of “Love’s a Full Time Job,” “Is Anything Alright,” “All About the Benjamins,” “Angel on My Shoulder,” “Treat Her Like You Want Her to Treat You,” “Bad at Being Good,” “Say What You Will,” “Anytime Is Alright” and “Close Down the Blues Bar.”
Charlie Barath – Issaquena Getaway
Self-produced CD
A master harmonica player and tunesmith, Charlie Barath is celebrating his relocation to Oklahoma from his longtime home in the Pittsburgh suburbs in the best way possible with this CD, which was recorded at the Clarksdale Soundstage in Mississippi. It’s a steadily grooving treasure trove of story songs that will warm your heart and subtle runs on the reeds that will delight, too.
Co-produced with Gary Vincent, Charlie’s joined by a backing unit that includes guitarists Johnny Burgin and Andrew Sherer, pianist Mark Yacovone, bassist Mike Law and drummer Danny Banks with Shari Richards providing backing vocals.
Swing along to “I Gets Around,” “The Weekend Song,” “Waitin’ for the Queen,” “Cuban Getaway,” “The Best Thing You Can Do,” “Brass Monkey,” “Just Wanna Walk with You,” “That Wasn’t Me,” “Renee,” “Can I Have This Dance,” “Sugar” and “Honey I Got No Money.”
Dedicated Men of Zion – Coming Up Through the Years
Music Maker Foundation
Gospel and blues walk different paths, but they share more similarities than differences. And there’s no group better at serving up old-school, blues-infused music than the Dedicated Men of Zion, a four-piece ensemble based out of eastern North Carolina. The quartet is led by Anthony “Amp” Daniels, the son of Mattie Harper, a founding member of the legendary Glorified Vine Sisters.
Former Squirrel Nut Zipper Jimbo Mathus produced this set and penned most of the tunes, all of which will take you to heaven and more with Antwan Daniels, Tyrone Harris and Marcus Suggs joining Amp on vocals with Jimbo on drums, guitar and keys along with three other top talents.
Definitely in the church but a few steps away from the juke joint, too, raise your spirits with “Coming Up Through the Years,” “I Don’t Know Why,” “Jesus Is Waiting,” “Nobody’s Fault,” “Victory,” “Something Within Me,” “What You Gonna Do,” “Tone Them Bells” and “No Ways Tired.”
Davey Jones – Ball Cap Blues
Self-produced CD
A Hattiesburg, Miss., native who possesses a distinctive, slightly nasal tenor voice, Davey Jones may be a good ol’ boy but he plows his own path with this tasty, nine-track set. True blue from the jump, it’s an interesting mix of genres that incorporates the Delta, contemporary sounds, a little country and Southern rock, too, which work together to create a sound that’s all his own.
Davey’s a skilled instrumentalist who’s known for providing all the instrumentation on his records, and that’s the case with this one. Seemingly effortlessly, he layers keys guitar, keys and rhythm that drives steadily throughout.
For something different, lend an ear to “Banks of the Blues,” “New Groove,” “Walking Easy,” “Ain’t No Good for Me,” “Mid Memphis Blues,” “What You Gonna Do,” “Six Feet in the Ground” and “Woman I Love.”
Gina Coleman – Unequivocally Blue
Guitar One Records
Gina Coleman’s fronted the jazz-infused band Misty Blues out of the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts for the past 25 years, but she steps into the spotlight on her own for the first time with this emotion-packed set. Accompanying herself on cigar-box guitar, it’s one part Delta and another part chic, big-city nightspot, too.
Recorded by Chris Murphy in a single session, Gina’s backed solely by longtime Misty bandmate Scott Fleischmann on guitar and son Diego Mongue, a rising talent in his own right, on bass and drums.
Perfect for late-night listening by an open fire, you’ll enjoy “No More to Give,” “Days Gone By,” “Unequivocally Blue,” “Let Them Blues,” “Ain’t No Giving Tree,” “Fly with Me,” “How the Blues Feels,” “Nothin’s in Vain,” “Stoop Stomp” and “Will My Blues.”
Omar Coleman & Igor Prado – Old New Funky and Blue
Nola Blue Records NB 051
A meeting of the minds and talents of West Side Chicago harp master Omar Coleman, and Brazilian Igor Prado, one of the most decorated blues guitarists in South America, this deeply funky, sizzling hot disc delivers everything the cover announces it to be.
Omar’s powerful vocals take center stage here while Igor works his magic on the strings. The set was captured at Prado’s studio in Sao Paulo, and the duo are joined by several of the best talents south of the equator, including Omar’s brother Yuri on drums, too.
A not-to-be-missed set destined for awards, don’t miss “I’m Leaving My No Good Woman,” “I Only Have Love,” “Cut You Loose,” “Moving on to Better Days,” “Answer Your Phone,” “Brown Nosin’ Man,” “I Wanna Do the Do,” “Night Fishin’” and “Blue Line Train in Chicago.”
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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.
