Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - November 2026
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for November 2026
Ruthie Foster – Just Say Yes
Sun Records
There’s no one in the blues world more soothing than Ruthie Foster, who won a best contemporary blues Grammy last year with the album Mileage. But she does something different on this follow-up, which is certain to compile awards, too. Sure, she delivers her usual collection of comforting messages, but she turns up the heat in a big way.
For the first time in forever, Ruthie foregoes the use of her regular, skintight ensemble. Instead, she’s supported by a lineup that includes Tyler Bryant on guitar, bass, keys and percussion, Kevin McGowan and Ben Satterlee on drums, Mike Seal and Michael Webb on keys and the Lovell Sisters on backing vocals.
Don’t mess around, just say yes to “Thank You,” “Come on Up,” “Hold On,” “Yes,” “Take Time,” “Doubling Back,” “Tangled,” “Sitting Still,” “Maybe It Up” and “Reachin’.”
Jad Tariq – Precious Company
MoMojo Records 414
Memphis-based guitarist Jad Tariq possesses one of the smoothest voices on the blues scene today. A fast-rising star, he’s paid his dues as a sideman for John Neméth, Charlie Musselwhite and – most recently – Bob Dylan. And he puts a modern touch on fresh songs with old-school appeal on this album. It swings from the hip while echoing the blues-infused past of R&B.
A mellow baritone who accompanies himself with fluid runs on the guitar, he’s accompanying by a roster of A-list Memphis talent here, including rhythm guitarist Jon Hay, bassist Matthew Wilson, keyboardist Wyly Bigger, drummer Earl Lowe, horn players Kirk Smothers and Marc Franklin and more.
A toe-tapper from the downstroke, tune in to “September Moon,” I Want a Mean Woman,” “Room for Two,” “Poor Me,” “Precious Company,” “Whiskey Ain’t But a Dollar,” “Inflation’s High Blues,” “Waitin’ and Wishin’” and “To My Used to Be.”
Kat Riggins & Her Blues Revival – Everyday Is Saturday
House of Berry Productions
A petite, powerful vocalist who travels the world delivering her own brand of smoking, contemporary blues, Kat Riggins is an unapologetic powerhouse who delivers in-your-face originals that dare listeners to be themselves without any regrets. But she changes the pace a little on her latest offering, which incorporates Latin rhythms as it celebrates the freedom a weekend brings.
Like the title infers, every day IS Saturday in this mix. It was co-written by Tim Mulberry, a multi-instrumentalist who handles everything but lead guitar, which is delivered by Erik Guess. With Shaelyn Mulberry joining in on backing vocals, the resulting sound is immense.
You’ll find it all but impossible not to dance to “Heads Gonna Roll,” “Do My Thang,” “I Say So,” “Tears Like Gasoline,” “Holy Water,” “Fear Slayer,” “’Til the Lights Come On,” “Hunger Games” and “Live in Peace.”
Michael Rubin – 5 Minutes of Passion
Many Hats Records
An artist who’s played on Broadway and shared the stage with Ruthie Foster and Cyril Neville, world-class harmonica player Michael Rubin has primarily worked as a sideman and teacher in his 40-plus year career. But the New Jersey-born Austin resident is a mighty fine songwriter, too, something he exhibited with his well-received debut album, I’ll Worry If I Wanna, four years ago.
And he follows up that one in style here, delivering a unique mix of blues infused with rhumba and Texas two-step beats, Windy City stylings and more…all driven home by masterful runs on chromatic harp. He’s backed by a deep roster of Lone Star State talent, and harp player Greg Izor makes an appearance, too.
Not your typical one-four-five blues, you’ll dig “Dirty Words,” “Doo Doo Daa,” “Big If,” “Alien in a Chair,” “5 Minutes of Passion,” “Dig That Ditch,” “Gravity,” “Nap,” “Propaganda” and “Grudge.”
John “Papa” Gros – Giants
Funky Krew Records FYK42
John “Papa” Gros has spent the past 30 years and more making a name for himself as a first-call keyboard player in New Orleans, where he’s worked alongside George Porter Jr., Anders Osborne, Better Than Ezra and dozens of other major talents. He pays tribute to the artists who influenced him the most with this funky Big Easy EP.
Papa breathes new life into tunes made famous by Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, The Meters, Levon Helm and Billy Preston. He produced it with support from both the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and the Threadhead Cultural Foundation, and he’s backed by top Big Easy talent that includes a full horn section and backup singers, too.
Slick and sassy covers that’ll float your boat, don’t miss “Quitters Never Win,” “Hurricane,” “All That I’ve Got,” “Yes We Can Can” and “Ain’t No Use.”
Eddie 9V – Down Here
Easy Eye Sound
Based out of Atlanta, Brooks Mason began touring at age 17; now known as Eddie 9V, he is one of the most soulful young artists on the blues scene today. And he’ll dazzle you from the jump of this set, his debut on Easy Eye Sound, the label owned and operated by Grammy winning producer Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
An excellent songwriter in his own right, Eddie created this one in Nashville in partnership with songwriters Pat McLaughlin (Bonnie Raitt, Tanya Tucker) and Daniel Tashian (Lee Ann Womack, Kacey Musgraves). The end product is contemporary with timeless appeal, and his best yet.
Don’t miss “Whole Lot Coming for You,” “Blowin’ Up,” “Everybody Knows by Now,” “Satisfy the Way I Do,” “Horses,” “Can I Sleep in Your Backyard,” “Rock Your Baby,” “Maybe That’s a Good Thing,” “Keep Turning Me Away” and “Come and Get Me Lord.”
Donna Herula – Cold Feet
Self-produced CD
A master slide player on resonator guitar, Chicago native Donna Herula hit the top of the charts and earned best traditional artist of the year in the Independent Blues Awards with her 2021 release, Bang at the Door. Five long years later, she finally returns to the studio with this welcome, sugar-sweet release.
Alternating from full-band to multiple other alignments, Donna’s primarily backed by her trio – Tony Wittrock on guitar and mandolin and Marc Edelstein on bass. But the varying lineups also include producer/guitarist Jon Shain, drummer Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, organist Alton Smith, harp player John Jochem and other familiar Windy City talents.
Blues you can use, you’ll dig “On My Way Home,” “Cold Feet,” “Honey Darlin’ Baby Please,” “Cypress Grove Blues,” “Backseat Driver,” “What You Gonna Do?,” “Things Can Change,” “Float to Heaven” and “Dust My Broom.”
Cimmeron 615 – Same Sky
Blue Élan Records
If you’re a fan of blues-rock infused with blue-eyed soul and plenty of downhome class, you’ll love this release from Cimmeron 615, a consortium of four of the best session players in Nashville. It’s a silky-smooth, never-forced effort that delivers a aural hug with every note.
Formed by three members of the supergroup Poco after the death of bandmate Rusty Young, the roster includes bassist/vocalist Jack Sundred, keyboard/mandolin player/vocalist Michael Webb and percussionist Rick Lonow as well as guitarist/vocalist Ronnie Guibeau who rounds out their sound.
Give a spin to “Your Turn Now,” “Comet in the Sky,” “Praying to St. Rita,” “Hard Way to Make a Living,” “The Intention of Your Touch,” “Kentucky Callin’,” “Broken and Blue,” “California” and “World Slidin’ Down.”
Janiva Magness – Truth in the Room: The Clearmountain Sessions
Blue Élan Records
One of the most decorated artists in the history of the Blues Music Awards, Janiva Magness has done almost everything on record in her illustrious career, but there’s one thing she’s never done: answered fans’ requests for a live album. But their wait definitely was worth it because she’s at her best in this project, which was captured on stage at Berkeley Street Studios in Los Angeles.
Mixed and mastered by the legendary Bob Clearmountain, who’s cranked out hits for The Who, Bryan Adams, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and other giants, Janiva delivers an intimate set that delves deeply into her own life story through original tunes have tugged at listeners’ hearts through the years.
Tragedy and perseverance abound in “My Bad Luck Soul,” “Slipped, Tripped and Fell in Love,” “You Were Never Mine,” “That’s What Love Will Make You Do,” “The Devil Is an Angel Too,” “Closer,” “Hammer,” “Love Wins Again” and “Things Left Undone.”
Arlen Roth – Blues Grass
MoMojo Records
A master guitarist, educator and author, Arlen Roth has recorded and toured with everyone from Bob Dylan and Duane Eddy to George Benson and Junior Wells in the past 60 years, but the native New Yorker has never released anything like this disc. Like the title infers, he emphasizes the blues in bluegrass, an artform that’s remained in the country/folk realm since its founding by Bill Monroe shortly after World War II.
There’s a dollop of honey in every note Arlen plays. He handles acoustic and slide while leaving vocals to Mukamuri and fellow guitarists Danny Knicely and Jimmy Vivino. Drummer Lee Falco and bassist John Previti are also present to drive the beat.
Kick back and enjoy “I’ll Fly Away,” “In the Pines,” “Rank Strangers,” “I Am a Pilgrim,” “Nine Pound Hammer,” “Bury Me Beneath the Willow,” “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” “The Little Girl and the Dreadful Snake” and “Angel Band.”
Miss Robin Banks feat. the Moeller Brothers – Lost in Austin
Dallas Blues Society Records
Born in Canada but making her home in Dallas since the late ’90s, Miss Robin Banks is powerful, honeyed vocalist who flew under the radar for decades before finally receiving the attention she deserves three years ago with the album Electric Blues. And she proves that prior success was no fluke with this emotive, expressive follow-up.
Robin fronts an all-star lineup that includes Lone Star State giants Johnny Moeller (guitar) and brother Jay (drums) with Drew Allain on drums and Bruce Bears (Duke Robillard, Curtis Salgado) on keys. Guest artists include harp players perennial Canadian blues nominee Steve Marriner on harp along with Roly Platt and pedal steel player Dale Rivard.
Choice cuts include “Not Today,” “Supersonic Rocket Ship,” “It’s My Time,” “These Days,” “It’s Too Late,” “Never 51/Maple Leave It Alone,” “Some Other Day Some Other Time,” “Cold Cold Feelin’” and “Talk Dirty to Ya.”
Keb’ Mo’ – The Breakdown
Concord Records
Every time Keb’ Mo’ releases an album, you know you’re in store for a musical treat that’ll free you from your sorrows. While that’s the case with this one, but it’s a far more personal effort because it explores the acoustic guitarist’s own emotions after having undergone lifesaving surgery in September 2024.
It’s perfect synthesis of intricate, delicate, unhurried, original country blues and roots, which he recorded solo at home in Nashville. His only assistance comes from the appearances of Take 6, a Grammy-winning acapella sextet that came together at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala., and the Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa.
Blues you can use, don’t miss “Fussing and Fighting,” “Every Step of the Way,” “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To,” “More Yesterdays,” “We Make Love,” “Walking on Water,” “Hand It Over,” “Living in the Moment,” “Stitched Up Heart” and “One Day Away.”
Wesley Stace – One Last Heist
Pravda Records
Looking for something that’s bluesy and jazzy, too? You can’t go wrong with this serving from British-born, Philadelphia-based Wesley Stace, a vocalist and novelist who’s also been recording under the name John Wesley Harding since the ’80s. It’s an easy-breezy romp that’s lush and mellow, but takes dramatic turns, too.
Written, produced and arranged by longtime collaborator David Nagler, who handles keys, the roster includes Eddie Carlson and Stephane San Juan, who handle bass and drums throughout, with Joe Gore (Tom Waits) and Justin Mazer (Bob Weir) sitting in on guitars along with string quartets, horns and backing singers, too.
Take a chance on “One Last Heist,” “Penelope,” “A Funny One,” “Hanging Up the Sickle,” “This Knowledge Dies with Me,” “In Our Own Time,” “I Say Lots of Things,” “Not My Speed” and “Hello Dead Horse.”
Sue Foley – Alone (Together): A Holiday Companion
Guitar Woman Records
A five-time Blues Music Award winner and Grammy nominee, guitarist Sue Foley can rock with the best of ’em, but she’s laid back in the best way possible for this sensational set. A perfect gift for the holiday season, she mixes five covers and three originals into a package that’ll warm your heart and leave you smiling, too.
Despite what the cover could infer, it’s not a solo performance. She’s joined by Reo Casey on guitar and keys with Jon Penner on bass and Arjuna Contreras and Chris Hunter on percussion.
Light a fire, make some cocoa, grab your honey and groove along to “Merry Christmas Darling,” “’Tis the Season,” “Christmas Blues,” “Just Another Day,” “Santa Claus, Do You Ever Get the Blues,” “Jingle Blues (Cha-Cha),” “I’ll Take Care of You” and “Ride On.”
Skip James – Devil Got My Woman
Craft Recordings CR00982
One of the progenitors of Delta blues, there was no one like Skip James. He possessed a hauntingly eerie, high-falsetto voice and his guitar play was usually in tunings that set him apart from the crowd. It made him a star in the 1930s, and his “rediscovery” was lauded as one of the major accomplishments of the folk music revival of the ’60s.
Two years before his passing in 1967, Skip recorded this solo set on six-string and piano for Vanguard Records in New York City. But he lives again through this welcome reissue on 180-gram vinyl.
There’s a metaphysical feel to this one. Give a listen to “Good Road Camp Blues,” “Little Cow, Little Calf Blues,” “Devil Got My Woman,” “Look at the People Standing at the Judgment,” “Worried Blues,” “22-20 Blues,” “Mistreating Child Blues,” “Sickbed Blues,” “Catfish Blues,” “Careless Love” and “Illinois 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.
