Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - November 2025
- chicagoblueseditor
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ‘n Blues Reviews for November 2025
Mud Morganfield – Deep Mud
Nola Blue Records NB047
The physical embodiment of his dad, Muddy Waters, Mud Morganfield has faithfully kept his father’s memory alive through the years by frequently dipping into his forebear’s catalog on several previous albums. But he steps out of Muddy’s shadow in a big way here, delivering 13 originals in a 14-song set guaranteed to represent the family well in the 21st century.
Mud surrounded himself with Windy City royalty here. Rich Kreher and Mike Wheeler handle guitars with E.G. McDaniel and Rodrigo Mantovani on bass and Melvin “Pookie Styx” Carlisle on drums. Spicing things up are Sumito “Ariyo” Ariyoshi and Roosevelt “Hatter” Purifoy on keys and Studebaker John on harp.
Dad would beam if he could hear “Bring Me My Whiskey,” “Big Frame Woman,” “Don’t Leave Me,” “She’s Getting Her Groove On,” “Ernestine,” “Cosigner Man,” “In and Out of My Life,” “The Man You’re With,” “Carolina” and “A Dream Walking.”
Doc Pomus – You Can't Hip A Square: The Doc Pomus Songwriting Demos
Omnivore Recordings
If you’re a music lover who likes to take a deep dive into music history, you’ll adore this six-CD set, which is accompanied by a 48-page book. Tunesmith Doc Pomus was a hitmaker’s hitmaker, and if you’re too young to know his name, you’ll be shocked at the number of familiar tunes you find in this 160-song set.
Most of the demos feature Doc’s songwriting partner Mort Shuman at the mic showing off for the first time future hits across the blues, R&B, pop and rock spectrum. The set was curated and co-produced by Pomus’ daughter Sharyn and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski. They provide liner notes along with Peter Guralnick, one of the foremost music writers in the U.S.
A small sample of the songs you’ll hear here include “A Teenager in Love,” “Troubled Mind,” “Hello World,” “It’s a Man’s World,” “Icy Teardrops,” “Lonely Avenue,” “Here Comes the Blues,” “Viva Las Vegas” and “She’s Not You.” Pricy, but worth every penny!
Roomful of Blues – Steppin’ Out
Alligator Records 5028
They’re a beloved horn band who’ve been delivering the best of the blues out of Rhode Island since the ’60s, so you might think that Roomful of Blues can’t deliver something new with a lineup that’s included Duke Robillard, Curtis Salgado, Sugar Ray Norcia, Phil Pemberton and several other top vocalists at the mic. But that’s what they do here.
For the first time ever, they’re fronted by a female vocalist, and they don’t lose a step in doing it. They’re now fronted by DD Bastos, a powerful alto and music educator who’s been a presence in New England for decades, and she blows the back off of it! Longtime members Chris Vachon and Rich Lataille handle guitar and tenor sax in an eight-piece alignment that’s impossible to beat.
Percussive from the jump, swing along to “Satisfied,” “You Were Wrong,” “Steppin’ Up in Class,” “Tell Me Who,” “Good Rockin’ Daddy,” “Tend to Your Own Business,” “Well Oh Well,” “I’ve Got a Feelin’,” “Dirty People” and “Boogie’s the Thing.”
Garry Burnside – It’s My Time Now
Strolling Bone Records
The youngest son of Hill Country blues legend R.L. Burnside, Garry Burnside started playing professionally at age 11, spent years with mentor Junior Kimbrough, Jesse Mae Hemphill, the North Mississippi Allstars and other members of his extensive family. But with this set, he proves beyond a doubt that he deserves your attention, too.
A searing mix of nine originals and tunes penned by R.L. and Junior, the album was produced by Boo Mitchell at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis. Garry handles guitar and vocals with backing from Andrea Stanton on rhythm guitar, Pinky Pulliam on bass and Avery Dilworth on drums.
Tune in to “High,” “Young Country Boy,” “It’s My Time Now,” “Hanging in There,” “Holdin’ My Woman,” “I Been Looking,” “She’s Gone,” “AGF Out” and “Garry’s Night Out.”
Erin Harpe – Let the Mermaids Flirt with Me: A Tribute to Mississippi Hurt
VizzTone Label Group VT-EMH-01
Mississippi John Hurt had few peers in the world of post-War songsters, and there’s no better person to keep his passionate Piedmont playing style alive than Erin Harpe, the award-winning singer/acoustic guitarist who’s delivered the best of country blues to eager listeners across the Northeast for decades.
Erin’s a honeyed vocalist who delivers a master class on the strings here. Every note she hits rings like a bell, and her fingerpicking is beyond compare. She’s joined by hubby/bassist Jim Countryman who provides fit-like-a-glove support throughout.
Turn back the clock awhile with “Candy Man,” “Casey Jones,” “Let the Mermaids Flirt with Me,” “Got the Blues (Can’t Be Satisfied),” “Make Me a Pallet on the Floor,” “Nobody’s Business,” “Stagolee” and “You Are My Sunshine.”
Mississippi Heat – Don’t Look Back
Delmark Records 895
Led by fluid harp player Pierre Lecocque, Mississippi Heat has gone through multiple lineup changes since their founding in the ’90s, but that hasn’t hindered them from remaining a force to be reckoned with in the world of Chicago blues. And that’s crystal clear from the jump of this powerful disc, which features guest stars at every turn.
Produced by multiple Grammy winner Michael Freeman, Sheryl Youngblood handles most of the vocals but shares them with Inetta Visor, Danielle Nicole and Omar Coleman, too. Add guitarists Billy Flynn and Giles Corey and keyboard masters Johnny Iguana and Brother John Kattke along with other talents and you know you’re in for something special.
Fourteen tracks that sear, you’ll dig “You Ain’t the Only One,” “Third Wheel,” “Quarter to Three,” “Can’t Take It,” “Moonshine Man,” “Champin’ at the Bit,” “Shiverin’ Blues,” “Blue Amber,” “I Ain’t Evil,” “Don’t Look Back” and “Four Steel Walls.”
Anthony “Big A” Sherrod – Torchbearer of the Clarksdale Sound
Music Maker Foundation MMCD225
In a world where artists claim titles they don’t deserve, Anthony “Big A” Sherrod has earned the label that adorns this sensational EP. The son of gospel singer E.J. Johnson and godson of Big Jack Johnson, he started playing blues at age five. Forty years later, he’s a mainstay in the city where the blues was born.
Produced by Jimbo Mathus and laid down off the floor with two mics, Big A recorded this set at Clarksdale Reels, an old brick storefront, where the sound quality emulates what you’ll find across the city. He’s backed by bassist Heather Crosse and drummer Lee Williams.
Get down to “Baby That Hurt,” “Don’t Make Me Pay,” “Good Woman,” “My Life” and “Everybody Ain’t Your Friend.”
Kent Burnside – Hill Country Blood
Strolling Bone Records
Like his nephew Garry, Kent Burnside’s musical fruit grew from grandfather R.L. Burnside’s bountiful family tree. He’s one of the most deserving, but under-recorded, artists in the Magnolia State blues scene despite having been in the Squirrel Nut Zippers in the mid-2000s; he’s enjoyed a successful solo career ever since.
Kent finally gets to shine and bare his soul to the world in style with this release. Also produced by Boo Mitchell at Royal Studios, it contains eight passionate originals and two covers that put a new spin on the traditional Hill Country sound. Delivered in trio format, he’s backed with nephew Garry on bass and Jake Best on drums. Damian Pearson – a.k.a Yella P – sits in on harp.
Dial in “Daddy Told Me,” “Hill Country Blood,” “I Heard,” “I Go Crazy,” “One More Chance,” “Rob and Steal,” “I Can Feel It” and “I Miss You.”
Robbin Kapsalis – The Blues Is in the House
Blues House Productions RK 1005
A Chicago native who grew up in Atlanta, Robbin Kapsalis dazzled audiences for as the front woman of the band Vintage#18 for years with an act that’s one part Koko Taylor and one part Tina Turner. But she comes home to the South Side with this all-business debut solo release, and man does she shine!
It’s an international effort that includes new hubby Giles Robson, one of the top harp players in Europe, dobro player Arnaud Fradin --founder of the long-running French band Malted Milk – and countrymen Nicolas Deshayes and Francois Nicolleau who smoke on guitars throughout. The late Joe Louis Walker sits in, too. (Full disclosure: This writer penned the liner notes.)
Sultry and azure, too, you’ll enjoy “The Blues Is in the House,” “Up the Line,” “Lean on Me,” “The Comeback,” “Rollin’ & Tumblin’,” “Love Hangover (Redux),” “I Wanna Know,” “Shake Your Hips” and “Gotta Hear the Blues.”
Tav Falco – Desire on Ice
Org Music
An underground filmmaker/vocalist who’s fronted the long-running experimental band Panther Burn for decades, Tav Falco revisits original tunes he’s penned across his lengthy career and turns them inside out on this interesting set. It’s a cinematic, bluesy pleaser delivered with arrangements that would have fit comfortably in another era.
The all-star lineup includes harp master Charlie Musselwhite, multi-instrumentalist Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream, Reverend Horton Heat, guitarists Jon Spencer, Kid Congo Powers and Chris Spedding along with vocalist Ann Magnuson.
For something different, dial in “Prologue,” “Gentleman in Black,” “Cuban Rebel Girl,” “Sympathy for Mata Hari,” “The Ballad of Rue de la Lune,” “Lady from Shanghai,” “Chamber of Desire” and “Epilogue.”
The Lucky Losers – Arrival
MoMojo Records DCR 1509
Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz describe themselves as The Lucky Losers, but the San Francisco duo strike gold every time they enter the recording studio. And they do it again on this all-original offering. It’s a blend of blues that packs a punch, and delivers humorous funk, ’60s soul and more.
Cathy and Phil trade vocals and Berkowitz plays a mean harp with backing from a top-shelf lineup that includes keyboard player Chris Burns and guitarist Simon Govan Smith with guest appearances from Kid Andersen -- who’s produced all six of their albums -- and Danny Garon on guitar and horns from Doug James, Mike Rinta and John Halbieb.
Music with a message, take a deep dive into “S-C-A-M,” “Pull on the Rope,” “Play It from the Heart,” “I Believe (Because I Am Her),” “My Father’s Song,” “Pig Iron Tough,” “Misfit Kids” and “Ain’t the Marrying Kind.”
Robert Finley – Hallelujah! Don’t Let the Devil Fool Ya
Easy Eye Sound
A native of Bernice, La., Robert Finley spent decades as a street performer and gospel group leader before recording his first CD nine years ago at age 62. Three more albums and an appearance on TV’s America’s Got Talent have established him as a distinctive force who transcends blues, gospel, soul and more.
Label owner Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) produced this set and contributes guitar along with Tommy Brenneck (Sharon Jones) and Barrie Cadogan (Liam Gallagher). Malcolm Catto and Lewis Wharton compose the rhythm section. And Robert’s daughter, Christy Johnson, provides backing vocals.
A soulful, strong and weathered baritone, Finley will lift your spirit with “I Wanna Thank You,” “Praise Him,” “Holy Ghost Party,” “His Love,” “Helping Hand,” “Can’t Take My Joy,” “On the Battlefield” and “I Am a Witness.”
GeminiiDRAGON with Linwood Taylor – Midnight Movin’ & Groovin’
Self-produced CD
Based out of Thibodaux, La., and possessing a distinctively soulful, smoky voice, GeminiiDRAGON stretched the bounds of the blues with her previous album, but she returns to the root in style with this digital download, which teams with Washington, D.C., legend Linwood Taylor. A love letter to the music she loves, it’s a joyous affair.
Produced by Christian Simeon, Linwood’s bare-boned fluid guitar lines shine throughout as Geminii delivers her best recording yet. A full-band effort, Santiago Ortega is featured on second guitar and Julia Dill on harp.
Choice cuts abound among “Blues Is Good,” “Low Down Dirty (Duck),” “Pressure,” “Mr. Slip & Slide Man,” “Midnite Call,” “Rainy Wednesday,” “Sideways Down,” “Blues Party,” “Juke Joint Jumpin’” and “All Night (Bonafied Heartbreaker).”
Fred Hostetler – Blues Back Pages
Mukthiland Records
An acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter born in Indiana who possesses a well-worn tenor voice, Fred Hostetler has been performing since the ’70s, when he rejected an offer to join Gram Parsons and the Velvet Underground and sign with Max’s Kansas City Records. A former expat and prolific recording artist, he has a lot to say, and he lays it all on the line here.
Mixed by Eric Troyer and Robbie Cribbs, who also laid down backing vocals, this self-produced and recorded set possesses a deep sound despite being a solo effort.
Thought-provoking and interesting from the first note, give a listen to “Hey Corporate Vandals,” “Taming the Wolf,” “Deep Deep Well,” “Orphan Blues,” “Shelter from the Storm,” “What’s Ahead and What’s Behind,” “Rain on My Window Pane,” “New Man” and “You Found Me.”
Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band – Full Circle
Delmark Records 891
A beloved elder statesman in the Chicago blues community, Jimmy Burns may be in his mid-80s, but he sounds decades younger in the grooves of this slick, stylish LP/digital release. Composed of ten familiar, totally reworked set of dusties, they celebrate his journey from the Mississippi cottonfields to the bright lights and biggest stages of the big city.
If you like jazz, you’ll love this one. The lineup includes the legendary Chris Foreman on Hammond organ, Lee Rothenberg on guitar, longtime drummer Greg Rockingham, horns from Geof Bradfield, Greg Jung and Steve Eisen, and Typhanie Monique sits in on vocals on four tracks.
Groove along to “Express Yourself,” “World of Trouble,” “I Really Love You,” “Ain’t That Funk for You,” “Give Her to Me,” “It Used to Be,” “Since I Fell for You,” “Rock Me Mama” and “Where Does That Leave Me.”
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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.