Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - October 2026
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for October 2026
GA-20 with Charlie Musselwhite – Blues Now
New West Records
Led by Charlie Musselwhite’s longtime guitarist, Matthew Stubbs, Boston-based GA-20 are a trio who’ve rocketed to the top of the industry in the past few years with their own brand of modern 1950s West Side Chicago blues. And octonarian Charlie’s found the Fountain of Youth through his partnership with this band. They hit new heights with this disc with Charlie in tow.
Accustomed to his laid-back runs on the harp? Musselwhite turns back the clock on this one, riffing with the power that he exhibited during the ’60s, stinging one moment and floating freely the next, also teaming with second guitarist/vocalist Cody Nilsen on the mic and drummer Josh Kiggans in a set captured in Cambridge, Mass.
Certain to grab you from the jump, don’t miss “Crazy Love,” “I Can’t Hold Out,” “I’ll Change My Style,” “Universal Rock,” “The Blues Never Die,” “Strange Land,” “Stroll Out West,” “Short Dressed Woman” and “Cristo Redentor.”
Mitch Woods – A Night in New Orleans – Live & Solo at Snug Harbor
MoMojo Records MMJ 413
Every time Mitch Woods sits down at a piano, you can guarantee that a party is about to break out. And that’s what happened earlier this year when the boogie-woogie master gave the ivories a workout in front of an intimate, appreciative crowd at the Big Easy’s legendary Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro while the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was cooking across town.
A native New Yorker and perennial BMA nominee who’s been based out of San Francisco for decades, Mitch’s two-fisted attack and well-seasoned, old-school voice shine throughout this intimate performance, which would had made Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Henry Butler and other Crescent City masters shine in approval.
Five originals and seven familiar covers interspersed with between-song chatter, you’ll enjoy “Rock That Boogie,” “Mojo Mambo,” “Choo Choo Ch’boogie,” “Jambalaya (on the Bayou),” “Amber Lee,” “Rocket 88,” “Cryin’ for My Baby,” “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu” and “Broke.”
Gerry Hundt Trio – One More for Me
Self-produced CD
A multi-instrumentalist who’s worked with Nick Moss and dozens of other top Chicago talents and a fixture at Buddy Guy’s Legends, FitzGerald’s and other Chicagoland venues, Gerry Hundt dazzles as a both a one-man band and leader of a group. And he’s at his best throughout this effort, which was recorded during an off-day in Luxembourg during a recent tour.
Gerry plays everything from old-timey tunes to straight-ahead Windy City blues, and he delivers a dip of the hat to Bo Diddley, Lil’ Ed, Johnny Young and other influences. Hundt handles guitar, mandolin and harmonica with backing from two of Central Europe’s top talents: bassist/harp player/vocalist Renaud Lesire and drummer Tom Lehnert.
For something different, tune in to “Pimenta,” “Caught in the Middle,” “Pretty Baby,” “Kid Man Blues,” “Ruby Doobie,” “I’m Gone, Rambler’s Blues,” “Strange Things Happening” and “End of the Day Blues.”
Lexie Blue – Too Glam to Give a Damn
Self-produced CD
A powerful, smoky alto with plenty of sass, Lexie Blue captured the Michigan Music Award for best blues album last year for Break the Walls Down. She follows up that one in style with this effort, a soul-blues mix that’s imbued with funk, delivering a unified message that if you want to overcome heartbreak and other roadblocks, you should work on your self-confidence first.
Lexie drives home the lesson with a swagger and plenty of attitude with backing from guitarist Peter Bullard and keyboardist Mike Puelson, a rhythm section composed of Kevin Schoepke and Gary Marlin and horn players Mike Puelson and Joe Rodrick.
Looking for some inspiration? Give a spin to “Too Glam to Give a Damn,” “Break Up Kiss,” “Sit Down & Hush,” “Walk in My Shoes,” “Sneaking Out,” “Ain’t Good at Drinking,” “Darker Shade of the Blues,” “Get the Hell Up Outta My House” and “Chin Wagging.”
Jamiah Rogers & Dirty Chxrch – Chicago Cowboy
Delmark Records 898
A South Side Chicagoan who walks his own path blazing on guitar, Jamiah Rogers has been making his mark in the Windy City since age 15, and he explodes like out of the gate on this disc, his Delmark debut. Now in his early 30s, he delivers lightning-fast runs that can drop to a whisper like no one else, cutting a new groove in the city’s sound for future generations.
Jamiah penned ten of the 12 cuts. He’s joined in the studio by bassist Isaiah “Zay” Horne and drummer Tyvon “Tank” Rice. And the trio are augmented by guest appearances from bassist Larry Williams of the Mike Wheeler Band and vocalist Amyna Pearson.
Buckle up for “Mojo Man,” “Sacrifice,” “I Still Wonder,” “On and On,” “Let Me Live,” “Tell Me What It Is,” “Chicago Cowboy,” “Comin’ for Mines,” “I Know You Gotta Go” and “Do It Right.”
Big Harp George – No Shortcuts
Blues Mountain Records BMR CD08
A former law professor and expert analyst on the Middle East who’s appeared on CNN, George Bisharat has proven himself to be a master of the chromatic harmonica, too, since reinventing himself as Big Harp George a decade ago. He swings from the hip in this delightful follow-up to 2024’s Cooking with Gas, a chart-topper that earned him a Living Blues nomination for harp player of the year.
George penned all of the wry 16 songs on this set, many of which are colored with a deep social conscience. It was recorded at Greaseland Studios under the supervision of Kid Andersen. The roster includes more than 20 of the San Francisco Bay Area’s top talents.
Contemporary blues at its best, don’t miss “Come Out Swinging,” “Supplement Life,” “Yes Dear!,” “Ain’t My Circus,” “I Will Find You,” “Bury My Head,” “Be Adorable,” “Do You Remember?,” “What’s Wrong with Dying?,” “Mista Boins!,” “Rusty Spoon,” “Death Rattle of the Republic” and “One Day.”
Eric Jerardi – The Game
Alternator Records/Niche Records
Based out of Dayton, Ohio, Eric Jerardi’s a soulful guitarist who delivers intimate, soul-revealing tunes and more, and his latest album came about in the most interesting of ways. A fellow songwriter friend offered up a 12-week challenge: he’d send a suggestion on Wednesday mornings and they’d both have to pen a complete, new tune that included it by the next Tuesday night.
For Jerardi, the end result is a collection of unhurried pleasers that are full of grit, emotion and low-key, but deep grooves. Michael James, who produced, adds six-string and keys with Eric Colvin doubling on the 88s while contributing bass and drums, too.
A winner on all counts, get in the game with “I Don’t Belong with You,” “Setting Sun,” “A Man Ain’t a Man Until His Father Dies,” “Unexpected Connections,” “Thorns & Roses,” “Your Birthday,” “Lies and Truth,” “Dig Down Deep,” “Light Danced Through Your Window” and “When Nature Speaks.”
Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman – Wrath of Blues
Feverbarn Recordings
If you’re a blues traditionalist, you might be wary of Ryan Newman because of his nickname. But fear not! Sure, he’s a searing guitarist who was asked to leave Boston’s Berklee College of Music because he played too loud. But the devotee of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and John Mayall proudly carries those giants’ azure sounds forward in a manner that’s pleasing, too.
Named best new artist by the New England Music Hall of Fame, the Connecticut native blazes throughout this mix of originals and reinvented covers. He’s backed by a deep roster that includes Vic Washington and Mario E. Sprouse on keys, Bobby Torello on bass, a five-piece horn section, a few guest vocalists and more.
Music with a bite, take a chance on “Dust My Broom,” “Leaving This World Tonight,” “Your Mind Is on Vacation,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Be Careful with a Fool,” “Let Me Love You,” “Miss You,” “Baltimore Oriole,” “Come On” and “Good to Me as I Am to You.”
Dida Pelled – I Wish You Would
La Reserve
Like your blues old-school, swingingly playful and provocative, too? You’ll be hypnotized by this release from Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Dida Pelled, a former child prodigy who’ll captivate you with this collection of jazz-infused classics, all of which take on new life thanks to her laid-back charm.
Dida accompanies herself on guitar in a skintight quartet that includes Sullivan Fortner on piano and organ, Kenny Wollensen on drums and percussion and bassist Tony Scherr, who also adds six-string to one cut.
An easy-breezy performance that would have been perfect in a late-night café society nightclub in the ’50s, groove along to “Dimples,” “Hesitation Blues,” “Sister Kate,” “Since I Fell for You,” “Rosa Mae,” “I Wish You Would,” “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” “Blues in the Night” and “Trouble.”
Savoy Brown – Too Much of a Good Thing
Panache Records
Guitarist Kim Simmonds founded Savoy Brown in 1965 and was still fronting the band through its many iterations until his death four years ago. But he lives again through this loving collection…an anthology that Kim put together himself because all of the songs included appearances by favorite bandmates between 1992 and 2007.
Originally released in 2009 and now available as a digital download for the first time, it includes Simmons trading licks with Duke Robillard and keyboard player David Maxwell with backing from a rotating lineup that included seven different drummers, three bassists, harmonica and keys, too.
Always worth another listen, you’ll enjoy “Going to Mobile,” “Little Wheel,” “That’s All I Want Baby,” “The Blues Keep Me Holding On,” “Flat Out,” “When It Rains,” “Monday Morning Blues,” “Feel Like Crying,” “She’s Leaving,” “Where Has Your Heart Gone” and “Too Much of a Good Thing.”
The Shaelyn Band – Chapter 3
House of Berry Productions
Possessing a sinewy voice that’s one part blues shouter and one part dancehall queen, Shaelyn Murray and her six-piece ensemble hit the stage running and never let up throughout this intense, danceable effort. It takes the listener on a journey through love, loss and more.
Based out of North Florida, the band’s powered by drummer Tim Mulberry and bassist Curtis Harris with Erik Guess on guitar, Isaiah Gaylan and Moses Maldonado on horns with Win Carlson adding backing vocals.
Play it loud and work up a sweat to “Blues Chose Me,” “Gumbo,” “Cruise,” “Push,” “Carry On,” “Takin’ My Love Back,” “Make Ya Move,” “Music Make It Right,” “I’m Not Ready,” “I Won’t Sell My Soul” and “Just Keep Moving.”
Mark Hummel – Road Dog
Rocinitis Records 1006
Like the title infers, harmonica master Mark Hummel is a road warrior. He’s traveled the world relentlessly, delivering the best of traditional Chicago blues and more with star-laden lineups for decades. But he stayed at home in the Bay Area for this beefy, 14-song treat.
The grooves run deep from the jump. They’re propelled by a deep roster that includes Anson Funderburgh, Junior Watson, Rusty Zinn and the late Little Charlie Baty on guitars, keyboard players Bob Welsh and Chris Burns, bassists Kedar Roy and RW Grisby, drummer Wes Starr and others, too.
Put on your dancin’ shoes, grab your honey and take a dancefloor spin with “Black Nights,” “Jugglin’,” “Real Good Woman,” “I Got to Find My Baby,” “Road Dog,” “You Better Watch Yourself,” “Say You Will,” “Gypsy in My Soul,” “You Are Right,” “She’s My Baby” and “Gadjo’s Swing.”
Omari Neville & the Fuel – Voo Doo
Dice Lab
The youngest son of Big Easy percussionist Cyril Neville, Omari Neville carries the First Family of Funk’s heritage forward for a new generation with this powerful studio set. It’s an interesting, propulsive roux that includes some hip-hop, a little reggae and more that will keep you up and moving throughout.
Like his dad, Omari drives the beat and handles vocals alongside original Neville Brothers bassist Daryl Johnson with longtime friends and bandmates Gregg Moliaro and Austin Clements handling guitar and keys.
Get up and get down to “Voodoo,” “Normal,” “Funk Train,” “Still Learning How to Crawl,” “Black Soul Heart of Gold,” “Sweet Music,” “She Knows” and “Procrastination Blues.”
Cyril Neville – Don’t Wait Til I’m Gone
Dice Lab
And dad Cyril’s as vital as ever – something he proves beyond a doubt with this long-awaited follow-up to 2013’s Magic Honey. Produced by vocalist/trumpet player Shamarr Allen, he’s backed throughout by son Omari’s band with a revolving roster of Crescent City royalty passing through the studio, too.
Guests include guitarist Leo Nocentilli, sax player Donald Harrison, vocalist Kermit Ruffins and Cyril’s brother Ivan on keys along with a drop-in from Shamarr’s son Dante on trumpet.
Put on your dancing shoes for “Sunrise on the River,” “Don’t Wait Til I’m Gone,” “Lemonade,” “Poppa Wa Ditty,” “This Rat Race,” “Call on Me,” “Our Love,” “You Hold Me Down” and “Positive Is How I Live.”
Jimmy Reed – Jimmy Reed at Carnegie Hall
Craft Recordings CR00981
Long before B.B. King rose to prominence as the king of the blues, Jimmy Reed reigned supreme. A stunningly distinctive guitarist and harp player, the albums he released on VeeJay in the ’50s and ’60s were all chart-toppers, and among the best of the best that was none better than this set. And if you’re a fan of the era, you’ll adore this 180-gram vinyl reissue.
This truly was an all-star performance with Willie Dixon on bass, Lefty Bates, Eddie Taylor, Phil Upchurch and Lee Baker – the future Lonnie Brooks – on guitars and Earl Phillips on drums with Jimmy’s wife Mary adding backup vocals.
Turn back the clock a while and rock along to “Bright Lights Big City,” “I’m Mr. Luck,” “What’s Wrong Baby,” “Found Joy,” “Kind of Lonesome,” “Aw Shucks Hush Your Mouth,” “Tell Me You Love Me,” “Blue Carnegie,” “I’m a Love You,” “Hold Me Close” and “Blue Blue Water.”
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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.
