Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - October 2025
- chicagoblueseditor
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for October 2025
Buddy Guy – Ain’t Done with the Blues
RCA/Silvertone Records
He may be 89 and someone who announced that he’s done touring, but Buddy Guy proves beyond a doubt that he isn’t done yet with this release, which is one of his best yet. It’s an hour-plus, 18-track epic that pays homage to his roots before exploding into a romp certain to keep you smiling throughout.
Produced by Tom Hambridge, who keeps the beat throughout and co-wrote several of the tracks, the diverse all-star lineup includes Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Joe Bonamassa, rockers Joe Walsh and Peter Frampton and the Blind Boys of Alabama, and bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, too.
Don’t miss “Been There Done That,” “Blues Chase the Blues Away,” “Where U At?,” “I Got Sumpin’ for You,” “How Blues Is That,” “Dry Stick,” “It Keeps Me Young,” “Love on a Budget,” “Jesus Loves the Sinner,” “Upside Down,” “One from Lightnin’,” “I Don’t Forget,” “Swamp Poker” and “Talk to Your Daughter.”
Candice Ivory – New Southern Vintage
Nola Blue Records NB 045
A 2025 BMA nominee, Queen of Avant Soul Candice Ivory is both the niece of Memphis blues giant Will Roy Sanders (The Fieldstones) and a master of her craft, keeping one foot in the past and the other in the future in whatever she does. She knocks it out of the box with this mix of seven originals and seven covers, all of which maintain a classic feel but feel brand new, too.
The revolving roster includes guitarist Robert Allen Parker -- who penned three originals and co-wrote another -- keyboard players Ben Levin and Chris Stephenson, harp players Jan Hartmann and Damian “Yella” Pearson, guitarists Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, David Evans and Andy Cohen. They’re backed by Parker’s band, The Blue Bloods, and others.
A sure winner, tune in to “Ain’t So Blind,” “Blue Blood,” “Foolish Pleasure,” “Looking for My Baby,” “Strong Black Mattie,” “Look Away,” “Catfish Blues,” “Crown Royal Bag Blues,” “World of Trouble” and “Shout the Boogie.”
Rory Block – Heavy on the Blues
M.C. Records MC-0095
Seven-time BMA winner Rory Block has been a standard bearer for classic country blues since the ’60s, when she was growing up in New York City’s music mecca Greenwich Village. Rory fell in love with the music thanks to Stefan Grossman of the Even Dozen Jug Band, who frequented her father’s sandals shop. She serves up another masterclass of guitar picking with this offering, her first on the M.C. label.
Rory plays the rhythm accompaniment in addition to gliding stylishly across the strings. Making the set even more special are appearances from longtime guitarist friends Ronnie Earl, Jimmy Vivino and Joanna Connor, who sit in on one song each.
Honey for your ears, dial in “High Heel Sneakers,” “Walking the Back Streets,” “What Kind of Woman Is This,” “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Down the Dirt Road Blues,” “Me and My Chauffeur,” “Can’t Quit This Stuff” and “Stay Around a Little Longer.”
Paul Pigat – Presents Cousin Harley Plays the Blues Vol. 1
Cellar Music Group
Do you like jump blues? You’ll adore this release from Paul Pigat, one of the top jazz and blues guitarists on Canada’s West Coast. He and his band, Cousin Harley, have been touring and recording internationally out of Vancouver for decades. He shines like a diamond in this rare offering under his own name.
This unit swings relentlessly from the hip with Chris Gestrin on keys, Derry Byrne on trumpet, Cory Weeds and Jerry Cook on sax and a rhythm section composed of acoustic bassist Jeremey Holems and drummer Jess Cahill.
Stylish and timeless, too, groove along to “Well Oh Well,” “You Upset Me,” “One More Kiss,” “Down in Mexico,” “Going Down to Big Mary’s,” “Now Baby or Never Mind,” “I’m Still in Love with You” and “Lonesome Train.”
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – Hard Road
Red Zero Records
Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram launches his own label with this offering, demonstrating that he’s big a talent on stage and in the studio, too. Now 26, but star since his early teens, he’ll surprise you with this one, toning down the fire a bit as he honors the blues tradition while carrying it into the future in a brand new way.
For the first time ever on disc, the Clarksdale, Miss, native bares his soft side, mixing R&B into the mix for the first time as he delivers lyrics that explore his personal growth, romance and more. It was co-produced by Ingram’s longtime bandmate, Patrick “Guitarboy” Hayes, Tom Hambridge and Nick Goldston.
Play it loud and play it proud. You’ll enjoy “Truth,” “Bad Like Me,” “S.S.S.,” “Nothin’ But Your Love,” “Crosses,” “Voodoo Charm,” “Back to LA,” “Clearly,” “Standing on Business,” “Hard to Love” and “Memphis.”
Jimmy Witherspoon & Robben Ford – Jump the Blues Live 1972
Liberation Hall Records LIB-2163
A star who rose to fame during World War II, velvet-voiced Jimmy Witherspoon was enjoying a second renaissance in 1972 when he got together in the studio Robben Ford for this stunner. Just 21 at the time, Robben was an unknown West Coast marvel who was destined to be known as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation.
One of his first recordings, Robben smokes in support of Jimmy in this never-previously-released set while Witherspoon is at his seasoned, bluesiest best. The lineup also includes keyboard player Paul Nagel, bassist Stan Poplin and drummer Jim Baum.
Old-school blues for new ears, get down to “Don’t Star Me Talkin’,” “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” ( which launched Jimmy’s career), “My Babe,” “Spoonful,” “Past Forty Blues,” “Kansas City,” “Nothing’s Changed,” “Around the Clock” and “Goin’ Down Slow.”
Blood Brothers – Help Yourself
Gulf Coast Records
Incendiary blues-rockers in their own right, longtime friends Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia have hit new heights since teaming as the Blood Brothers -- starring at Red Rocks and Ryman Auditorium -- and forming a musical partnership with Ghostbuster- turned-bluesman Bill Murray, too. And they keep the heat on high with this CD, their second studio album.
The almost all-original set features Mike and Albert’s world-class touring band: Scot Sutherland (Tommy Castro) on bass, Lewis Stephens (Freddie King) on keys and drummers Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley) and Ray Hangen (Joe Louis Walker).
Impeccably deep-in-the-pocket and true-blue throughout, you’ll dig “Help Yourself,” “Can’t Be a Prophet,” “Alive,” “Soulard Serenade,” “The Best I Can,” “Ol’ Victrola,” “Running Out of Time” and “Do What You Gotta.”
Long Tall Deb & Colin John – Light It Up
VizzTone Records VTLTDCJ-05
A musical marriage between a Texas-born, church-trained lady with a distinctive alto and a world-traveling, Ohio-born guitarist who’s worked with Teeny Hodges, Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sumlin, Long Tall Deb Landholt and Colin John are known for their original, cinematic blues-rock. And they outdo themselves here.
Mixing eight originals with one each from Willie Dixon and the Eurythmics, the set was produced by Chris Butler of The Waitresses and includes guest appearances from Canadian harp master Steve Marriner, West Coast guitarist Alastair Greene and other talents.
Buckle up for something different, and give a listen to “Light It Up,” “My Love,” “Lessons in the Ground,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Hear Them Moan,” “Deflection Blues,” “Black Light Wolf” and “Crooks, Thieves and Liars.”
Tom Hambridge – Down the Hatch
Quarto Valley Records QVR0200
There’s no one busier in the blues world than Tom Hambridge, who constantly turns out hit songs and hit records for others across the azure spectrum. And it’s always a treat when he turns the spotlight on himself as he does in this over-the-top mix of stylings.
And the stars came out to join him here: guitarists Buddy Guy, Rob McNelley and Bob Britt (Bob Dylan), keyboard player Kevin McKendree, bassists Glenn Worf (Brian Setzer) and Tommy MacDonald and other top names from the Nashville music scene.
The perfect balance of blues, rock and a taste of country, too, tune in to “Willie Dixon’s Gone,” “Everytime I Sing the Blues,” “I Want You So Bad,” “Hard Times,” “What Does That Tell You Baby,” “Believe These Blues,” “Making Lemonade,” “Start Drinking Early” and “I Wanna Know About You.”
Johnnie Johnson – I’m Just Johnnie
Missouri Morning Records
A fixture on hits for Chuck Berry for decades, keyboard player Johnnie Johnson didn’t release his first album until the late ’80s, but he quickly established himself as a star in his own right, too. And he’s at his best on this release, a two-CD offering that was captured a few months before his passing.
If you’re not familiar with Johnnie’s silky-smooth vocal delivery, you’re in for a treat. Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, Johnny Rivers, John Sebastian and Pat St. John sit in with backing that includes guitarist Max Baker (Mother’s Pride), bassist Gus Thornton and drummer Kenny Rice (Albert King) and vocals from NFL all-pro offensive tackle Henry Lawrence, too.
A toe-tapper from the jump, you’ll love “I’m Just Johnnie,” “I Get Weary,” “Lo Down,” “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Three Handed Woman,” “Broke the Bank,” “Blues in G,” “Johnnie Johnson Blues,” “Heebie Jeebies” and “Long Gone.”
Big Dave & the Dutchmen – same
Naked Records
An ensemble composed of artists from Belgium and the Netherlands, Big Dave & the Dutchmen make their recording debut in style with this pleaser. It’s a relaxed, but potent mix of ’50s-style Chicago blues interspersed with a taste of gospel, swing, twist and more.
Produced and recorded by Stef Kamil Carlens at Rabbit Field Studios in Antwerp, the group’s fronted by the harp and dusky vocals of David Reniers with Mischa den Haring on guitar, Roel Spanjers on keys, Darryl Ciggaar on drums and his brother Dusty on bass and six-string.
You’ll enjoy “Never Love Again,” “I Dig You Baby,” “Screwdriver,” “Daring Haring,” “Trouble of the World,” “Lonesome,” “So Sweet,” “This Work,” “When You Go to Sleep” and “Blues Jumps In.”
Mississippi MacDonald – Slim Pickin’
APM Records
A two-time UK Blues Awards acoustic artist of the year, Oliver “Mississippi” MacDonald is possesses a tenor voice that makes him one of the most soulful people in Europe. And he shows why with this tasty treasure, a mix of originals and timeless, updated covers that shines throughout.
The disc was recorded by MacDonald’s regular producer/second guitarist/keyboard player Phil Dearing with Brent Cundall -- a Nashville native who’s worked for years at Dollywood – on bass.
Tune in to “Trouble Doin’ the Right Thing,” “Slim Pickin’,” “My Bad Attitude,” “I’m Sorry,” “Got to Get Walkin’,” “Goin’ Down Slow,” “Strange Things Happenin’ Every Day,” “Sad Songs” and “You Can Love Yourself.”
Ron Hendee – Love One Another
Self-produced CD
A Kansas-born, West Coast-based trumpet player/vocalist/arranger best known for his work with Tommy Castro’s Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue ensemble, Ron Hendee hits nothing but sweet notes with this blues-drenched album, which focuses on the need for love, respect and understanding in the world.
The set was produced by jazz, blues and soul great Larry Batiste (Larry Williams, Anthony Paule, Sista Monica) and effortlessly includes a taste of gospel, reggae and greasy soul, too. Hendee’s strong tenor glistens atop the crisp charts.
You’ll enjoy “Love One Another,” “Turned It Over,” “Grown Ass Man,” “Peaceful Voice,” “Bound for Jamaica,” “Southern Fried Meets East Bay Grease,” “What Will Jesus Say,” “Your Truth” and “Funk Schwei.”
Kip London – The Last Dance
MoMojo Records MMJ 385
A fixture for decades in Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh-based Kip London left us suddenly in 2022, but not before the beloved guitarist/tunesmith left behind a series of skillful sessions captured by Norman Nardini at his East Side Sound Studio. He gets to shine one last time with disc, which was produced by three-time Grammy winner Kirk Yano.
Yano adds some guitar and bass along with a lineup that includes Blues Music Award winner Solomon Hicks and Cheryl Rinovato on six-string, Don Kreuger (Eric Carmen) and Tommy Rich (Donnie Iris) on drums, steel guitar from Tony Paoletta (Dixie Chicks) and harmonica from John Németh, too.
Bittersweet and beautiful, give a listen to “Hurricane,” “Drinking Tonight,” “What’s the Matter Now,” “Jitterbug Swing,” “What Am I Doing Here,” “Up Jumps the Devil,” “Useless,” “Roll Me Right” and “Death Letter Blues.”
Yates McKendree – Need to Know
Qualified Records
The blues world is blessed with an overabundance of young talents these days, but there’s no one more gifted than Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Yates McKendree, who follows up his debut album, Buchanan Lane, with this pleaser that’s guaranteed to knock your socks off.
Just 23 years old, Yates is a passionate vocalist with a delivery that would have fit into the golden era of the blues. He’s joined here by his dad Kevin on keys and more with Robert Frahm on second guitar and other top fixtures in the Nashville scene.
Don’t miss “Burnin’ Tears,” “Need to Know,” “I Don’t Care,” “Trick Bag,” “Something You Got,” “I Can’t Stop,” “Give Me Time,” “Good as Gone,” “I Wanna Go Home” and “Tide.”
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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.