Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - May 2026
- Apr 30
- 10 min read
Updated: May 2
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for May 2026
Freddie King – Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Jazz Pulsation Concerts
Elemental Music
The recent Record Store Day served up a major treat for blues fans: A compilation of live recordings of the legendary Freddie King at the height of his power and career. Captured at a series of concerts in the French countryside in 1975, the Texas Cannonball fires on all cylinders throughout this set, demonstrating why he was one of the greatest guitarists of his time.
Freddie possessed a style unlike his fellow Kings, B.B. and Albert. Born in Texas, and raised on the West Side Chicago, his life came to an end at age 42 just a year after these shows were recorded. But his brilliant, heavy-handed licks and extended solos will live forever, like his peers.
The 16 tracks in this release – which is available in both CD and three-LP formats -- deliver more than two hours of solid gold. You’ll groove along to every note, but yearning for more when it’s done. Too young to have heard Freddie in his lifetime? This one will show you what you missed.
Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart & Guy Davis – Fight On! True Blues Vol. 2
Yellow Dog Records YDR 2903
Three of the most foremost acoustic guitarists on the planet, Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Guy Davis struck gold in 2013 with True Blues, delivering first-generation African-American blues in a manner that proved beyond a beyond a doubt it’s just as vital today as when created. Thirteen years later, they re-team to carry their message forward.
Delivering a few originals that fit perfectly with reinvented covers, this mix of solo cuts was recorded in Virginia, Mississippi and New York. Just like heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, who graces the album cover, every tune packs a punch while delivering a sound that emulates a performance in your living room.
A winner on all counts, give a listen to “We Are Almost Down to the Shore,” “Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues,” “See Me When You Can,” “What’s That I Smell,” “If Blues Was Money,” “Deep Sea Diver,” “I Belong to the Band,” “Highway 61” and “Everything I Got Is Done in Pawn.”
Mike Finnigan – Same
Forty Below Records
There’s been a hole in the soul of the blues since keyboard st Mike Finnigan passed five years ago. A longtime member of Taj Mahal’s Phantom Blues Band and someone who worked with everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Crosby Stills Nash & Young to Buddy Guy, he was one of the most beloved figures in the industry. But he was one of the most honeyed, powerful vocalists as a soloist you’ve ever heard, too.
And he shines like the diamond he was in terrific set, which was produced by friend J.J. Blair, who added horns to the 11 tasty tracks, which include guest appearances from Joe Bonamassa, Smokey Robinson, Stills and others while showcasing Mike’s genius in the best way possible.
Don’t miss “20 Years of B.B. King,” “My Credit Didn’t Go Through,” “Don’t Answer the Door,” “Fool for You,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “It Ain’t Fair,” “She’s Not Just Another Woman,” “All That You Dream,” “Let That Liar Alone” and “Sing Me Back Home.”
Amani Burnham – Roots & Wings
Blind Pig Records
Born in Ethiopia and raised by a music-loving family in Connecticut, 21-year-old guitarist Amani Burnham explodes onto the blues scene with this one. Inspired by his heroes -- Hendrix, Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughan, he blazes from the jump and delivers sweet moments, too, while exuberantly announcing himself as someone who’ll be carrying the music deep into the century.
Since relaunching the Blind Pig imprint a couple of years ago, new owner Jeff Schroedl (guitarist for Altered Five Blues Band) has given us rising stars Jovin Webb and Sonny Gullage; Amari is sure to follow. Delivered in a three-piece format, he’s backed by drummer Ray Hangen and bassist Matt Raymond.
Blues-rock the way it used to be…raw and with deep grooves, tune in to “Fastlane,” “I Wanna Know,” “Roots and Wings,” “The Last Thing I Remember,” “You Can’t Heal What You Hide,” “Sideways Thru Time,” “Lovers Till They Die,” “Midnight Waterfall,” “Some Sorta Love and “Bleeding Heart.”
Bob Corritore & Friends – Ernestine Blues
VizzTone Label Group/SWMAF Records SWMAF 31
One of the busiest producers in the blues world, Bob Corritore gives his friends plenty of space to shine while lending his support on harp on his latest CD, and, man, do they! It’s a set of some of the deepest azure, most contemporary music you’ll hear this year.
All of the tunes here were recorded in the past few years with Teeny Tucker, Johnny Rawls, Sugaray Rayford, Oscar Wilson, Charles Wilson, Tia Carroll, Pat Thomas, Willie Buck, Bob Stroger, Jimi Primetime Smith and Tony Coleman handling vocals along with the sensational Carla Denise and backing from a rotating lineup of superstar talent.
Blue to the core, you’ll love “How’d You Learn to Shake It,” “Tell Me Darling,” “Blind Man Cry,” “Ernestine,” “I Love the South,” “Troubles on Your Mind,” “Wild as You Can Get,” “Pretty Girls Everywhere,” “Sorry to Leave You Behind,” “She Might Need Me” and “Shoes.”
Rick Vito – Slidemaster
MoMojo Records MMJ 404
Blues-rock guitarist Rick Vito has been dazzling audiences on stage and record since the early ’70s with Delaney & Bonnie & Friends before membership in Fleetwood Mac, work with Bob Seger and a host of others. But he’s just as vital as he was back then. Have any doubt? Give this stellar, all-instrumental album a listen.
Never overpowering and always deep in the beat, Rick handles almost all of the instrumentation here – six-string, bass, percussion and keys – with Rick Reed, Lynn Williams and Charles Johnson alternating on drums, Mark Horwitz and Kevin McKendree sitting in on organ and Charlie Harrison on bass.
Immensely soothing and groovy, too, you’ll dig “Vegas Jump,” “Steal Away,” “The Big Beat,” “The Danger Zone,” “Red Hot Baby,” “Soul Shadows,” “Slide the Blues,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “The Supernatural” and “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Alexis P. Suter Band feat. Garth Hudson – Just Stay Alive
Nola Blue Records
Here’s a treat! New Yorker Alexis P. Suter used to be a regular at the late Levon Helm’s Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, N.Y., when not appearing at other clubs in the Catskill Mountains. And it’ll be a blessing for your ears to hear this live performance, which finally sees the light of day 15 years after it was recorded at The Falcon in nearby Marlboro.
Possessing the deepest voice in the music world, Alexis shares the stage here with The Band’s pianist Garth Hudson in a spirit-lifting set that displays her deep gospel roots while being as bluesy as it gets. Suter’s full band shines along with guests, including Steely Dan guitarist Connor Kennedy and keyboard player Benny Harrison.
Music that’s good for your soul, you’ll enjoy “John the Revelator,” “Garth’s Piano Solo,” “Right on Time,” “It’s Not My Cross to Bear,” “Whistling in the Dark,” “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” “Hole That I’m In,” “Only I,” “Turn on Your Love Light” and “Isn’t It a Pity.”
Dana Fuchs – Live in Denmark
Ruf Records RUF 1335
An intense New York-born blues-rocker who delivers her lyrics with raspy grit and a distinctive bite, Dana Fuchs has depicted Janis Joplin on Broadway and has appeared in movies, too. But she’s never bared her soul and roared like a lion better than in this performance, which was captured last fall in Kolding, Denmark.
Simultaneously vulnerable and powerful, too, she’s backed by guitarist Jon Diamond, drummer Piero Perello and bassist Kevin Mackall as she relentlessly powers through a set of eight originals and two covers.
Buckle up and tune in to “Double Down on Wrong,” “Hard Road,” “Blue Mist Road,” “Superman,” “Nothing You Own,” “Home Is Where the Hatred Is,” “Borrowed Time,” “Battle Lines” and “Curtain Call.”
Ed Alstrom – This Idea of Humanity
Haywire Records
With a degree in classical organ performance, Ed Alstrom is a relative newcomer to the blues, making it to the semi-finals in this year’s IBCs after his debut album, Flee Though None Pursue, hit the top spot on Roots Music Report’s jazz-blues chart. If you’re a fan of stylists like Mose Allison, you’ll definitely enjoy this spirited follow-up.
Uptempo and full of energy, Ed handles piano, melodica, clavinet and more while singing with passion on this one. His top-notch backing unit gets a helping hand from former Conan O’Brien bandleader Jimmy Vivino on guitar and vocals.
Not your usual blues, you’ll dig “Put You First,” “All I’m Gonna Do,” “Humans,” “Nothing Good to Say,” “Party Planner,” “Understanding,” “Blues Keep Coming Back,” “Inquiring Minds,” “The Way Back,” “Got to Stop” and “Worry.”
Pat Pepin – What More Can I Do
Self-produced CD
A powerhouse saxophone player from Maine, Pat Pepin stands apart from the crowd by delivering original music that puts a Down East spin on homespun, mainstream blues. And she’ll captivate you with this mix of soulful ballads and uptempo pleasers, several of which put a humorous spin on the ups and downs of life.
Pat’s represented the Maine Blues Society in the IBCs three times, and this is her second disc that was in competition in the best self-produced CD category. She’s backed here by her longtime band The Boneheads: guitarist Steve Jones, keyboard player Bob Colwell, bassist Scott Elliot and drummer Richard Hollis.
A disc with plenty of old-school appeal, you’ll enjoy “Mother Nature Blues,” “What More Can I Do,” “Don’t Tie Me Down,” “Mean Woman,” “Little Things” “Call Me Up,” “Slow Down,” “Mae West,” “Ride with You,” “Sugar Mama” and “Try Me.”
Stefan Hillesheim – Live at the Chicago Blues Festival
Stella Blue Music
One of the most exciting, fairly new artists on the Windy City scene, slide guitarist Stefan Hillesheim was born in Germany, but there’s no doubt that he’s blues to the core. And the pleasant tenor shines in this ten-tune set, which was captured in front of an audience packed around the Rosa’s Lounge Stage at the 2025 Chicago Blues Festival.
Stefan’s four-piece unit is one of the tightest in the city. It features another treasured transplant, Sumito “Ariyo” Ariyoshi, on keys with Dionte McMusick on drums and Darryl Wright on bass.
Eight powerful, contemporary originals and two covers that touch on love and loss, you’ll adore “Always Get to Hear From You,” “My Poor Heart,” “The Love I Had for You,” “Big Legged Woman,” “On Down the Highway,” “You’re My Family,” “When I’m Gone,” “Better Man” and “Sick of Your Love.”
Emanuel Casablanca – Hollywood Forever
Emanuel Casablanca Foundation
The self-proclaimed Bad Boy of Blues, Brooklyn-born Emanuel Casablanca is an artist who’s established himself as one of the most interesting folks in the blues-rock field. And he outdoes himself with this bittersweet, mostly introspective and unhurried set. It’ll have you grooving along and thinking, too.
Casablanca’s shared stages and studio time with many of the top artists in blues, including Eric Gales, Albert Castiglia, Jimmy Carpenter and others. This over-the-top effort, 31-tune effort is chockful of excellent musicianship and gets a big boost up with the appearance of the dynamic Kelli Baker, who shares vocals on several cuts.
Tune in to “It’s Getting Strange,” “Woman of Gold,” “Give Me Peace,” “Did I Just Start a War,” “Just to Feel Whole,” “Touch Me,” “The Woman I Love,” “I Can See It in Your Eyes,” “Secret,” “Signs of Love,” “A Little Bit of Faith Can Move a Rock,” “Brooklyn Groove,” “Con-Woman” and “Starlight.”
Mike Guldin – While I Can
Blue Sky Tunes
Based out of Pennsylvania, guitarist Mike Guldin has been thrilling audiences with lyrics that tell a story and hit the heart for decades. And he takes an old-school approach as he takes his tunes forward with this set, which was primarily recorded live and off-the-floor by Grammy winner Kevin McKendree.
Captured in Nashville with backing from a group of A-list session musicians who dub themselves the Hot Licks, the lineup includes Kevin on keys, Songwriter Hall-of-Famer Gary Nicholson and James Pennebaker on guitar and Lynn Williams on percussion. Jackie Wilson and the McCrary Sisters provide additional vocals.
Blues you can use, give a listen to “Driving Rain,” “Heartbreak in Disguise,” “Always a Woman,” “Luck Runs Dry,” “Placencia Nights,” “Goin’ Back to Memphis,” “When the Bills Come Due,” “Roll Chattahoochee Roll,” “Oh Lonesome Me,” “Deadwood” and “Down the Hatch.”
Brother Ray Lemelin & the Matinee Kings – Stirring the Pot
Self-produced CD
A leading figure in the Canadian blues scene, guitarist/vocalist Brother Ray Lemelin has been swinging from the hip out of Calgary since the ’80s. He’ll have you swinging too with this tasty mix of five originals and five timeless covers that fit together like hand and glove.
Brother Ray’s Matinee Kings are a seven-piece, silky-smooth unit composed of accordion player Howard Scmenge Chapman, bassist Daniel Wilton and drummer/vocalist Kelly Kruse along with a horn section led by Pat Belliveau. Perennial Canadian award winner Steve Hill sits in on steel guitar, too.
Something old and something new, you’ll dig “Frosty,” “Never Good Enough,” “Please Send Me (Someone to Love),” “Mackin’ Out,” “Une Vie,” “I’ll Take Care of You,” “Walk On” and “Etta Jean.”
Squirrel Nut Zippers – Starring in Fat City (The Ballad of Lil' Tony)
Music Maker Foundation
Jimbo Mathus has been working behind the scenes as a producer and bandleader for Music Maker Foundation for the past decade. But he recently reunited his Squirrel Nut Zippers after a lengthy break, and they tear it up from the jump with this delightful, hard-to-define mix of blues and roots.
A 12-piece ensemble, the Zippers deliver a 23-tune opus in three acts here. It’s based on the life of Mathus’ grandfather, Tony Malvezzi, a bootlegger-turned-music promoter who booked big bands into showrooms at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and Old Absinthe House in New Orleans.
The group is currently fronted by singer Cella Blue, horn player Hank West and guitarist Jimbo; they are aided by a deep roster of talent that includes violin, banjo and more. If you like azure-infused hot jazz with a vaudeville aesthetic , then unzip the Zippers’ new musical treat.
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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.
