Marty Gunther’s Red, Hot ’n Blues Music Reviews - September 2026
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews/ September 2026
Albert Castiglia – Grits & Glory
Gulf Coast Records
With a bustling solo career along with gigging with Mike Zito in the Blood Brothers and touring with Bill Murray, guitarist Albert Castiglia is one of the busiest men in the blues world. But he still managed to find the time to fulfill a lifelong dream with this hard-hitting disc. He recorded Grits & Glory in London at the Abbey Road Studios, out of which the Beatles rose to fame.
Distinctive blues-rock, Albert infused this one with elements of the Hill Country, the Windy City and more. He holds nothing back as he and his trio – bassist Cliff Moore and drummer Ray Hangen – deliver 11 originals that present us with social commentary about living in the modern world. Bruce Bears, Lewis Stephens and producer Dave Gross all sit in on keys.
Don’t miss “Life in America,” “I’m Afraid to Fall Asleep,” “Uncertainty,” “Michigan Avenue,” “Slumlord Billionaire,” “The Milk Is Still Good,” “Don’t Burn Down the Bridge,” “When the Coin Came Calling,” “Afro Blue” and “Yer Blues.”
The Name Droppers – Let’s Live Together
Horizon Music Group
The Name Droppers – tunesmith/guitarist Rafe Klein and keyboard player Ron Rifkin -- have been swinging together from the hip since the ’80s. Formerly fronted by the Connecticut Blues Hall of Famer Charlie Karp, who died in 2019, the two remaining Name Droppers vowed to keep the band cooking – and, boy, have they! Charlie’s gotta be beaming from beyond because of this disc.
The band stands as an amalgamation of two great groups because the rhythm section consists of drummer Bobby T Torell and bassist Scott Spray, who were Johnny Winter’s final rhythm section. They’re joined here by backup vocalist Simone Brown with Crispin Cioe on sax and guitarist Jay Willie, who makes a special guest appearance, too.
Put on your dancin’ shoes, grab your significant other and get down to “Grey Haired Blues,” “Let’s Live Together,” “Heartbreak City,” “Gotta Serve Somebody,” “Don’t Cry Over Me,” “Talk Dirty,” “Love Lightnin’,” “Watch Pocket” and “Mannish Boy.”
Giles Robson – Nine Blues Originals
Self-produced CD
One of the most decorated artists in the European blues scene, UK-based harp player Giles Robson has been reinventing cover songs on the albums he’s released recently – one of which was recorded with touring partner and Hall of Fame guitarist John Primer. But he blows the back off of it in this self-penned set.
Recorded at Mojo Hand Studios in Nantes, France, under the supervision of Arnaud Fradin, Giles teams with another major talent -- Italian-born, London-based guitarist Manny Fizzotti -- throughout, delivering music that puts a fresh spin on the traditional Windy City sound.
Lend an ear to “Cheap & Blended,” “Me & My Righteous Girl,” “I Ain’t Got a Dog in That Fight,” “Town to Town (for Memphis Slim),” “Your Dirty Look & Your Sneaky Grin,” “Never too Clever for the Blues,” “The G.R. Shuffle,” “Miss Heaven & Go to Hell” and “Blues for Joe Louis Walker.”
The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra feat. Willy Jordan – What Can We Do
Nola Blue Records NBR 055
Show bands used to rule the roost in blues-drenched R&B, but they’re just as vital as ever in the San Francisco Bay area thanks to Anthony Paule and his ensemble, who are carrying forward the tradition for a new set of ears.
Led by the dynamic vocals of Willy Jordan, this powerhouse unit delivers on all fronts with deep grooves that’ll keep you up on your feet, moving and smiling all night long. The eight-piece orchestra features Anthony on guitar with Tony Lufrano on keys, Timm Walker on bass and Bowen Brown on drums with a full horn section. And they have backup singers, too.
Grab your honey and groove along to “Still Smellin’ Smoke,” “Too Late,” “Stranger,” “You Lie Like a Rug,” “Bigger Guitar,” “What Can We Do?,” “The Heart Never Says Goodbye,” “If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Two,” “Walkin’” and “Blue Moon Indica.”
Brad “Guitar” Wilson – Boundless
Cal Bee Music
An artist who’s been influenced by top names across the blues spectrum, West Coast-based Brad “Guitar” Wilson is a master picker with a style that’s all his own. Brad consistently delivers some of the most polished music in the blues world, and he shines with this follow-up to The Californian CD, a disc that topped charts last year.
This all-class set mixes 12 originals and four well-reinvented covers and was produced by Grammy winner Francis Buckley at Musician’s Institute Studios in Hollywood and in Belgium, too, with assistance from more than a dozen top session players.
Choice cuts include “The Thrill Is Gone,” “More of You,” “Gonna Stay or Go,” “Living Underground,” “Let’s Dance Together,” “Wild and Free,” “Home,” “Time Was,” “San Francisco Nights,” “Sundown and the Cowboy,” “Sky Full of Rain,” “Between the Hours” and “Blues Magic.”
Tas Cru – Might Give Out…But I Won’t Give In
Subcat Records SC 001-26
Tas Cru is self-described Don Quixote of the blues…a road dog who spreads the gospel out of western New York despite all the challenges he faces along the way. And the master singer/songwriter/guitarist will captivate you with this eclectic mix of Chicago, Delta, Big Easy, Hill Country and Okie blues and blues-rock.
Driving steadily from the jump and packed with plenty of emotion and wry observations, too, the lineup features Mia Casale, who shares lead vocals, Scott Ebner on keys, Jeremy Waltz on slide guitar, Nick Earl Erickson on harp along with percussion from Ron Keck, Andy Hearn and Colin Beatty.
Dial in “Might Give Out,” “Lucky at Love,” “Known All Along,” “Favorite Song,” “Pass Them Biscuits,” “Nasty Turn,” “Tulsa Tornado,” “Two Big Feet,” “Come to Be” and “Smell Like Whiskey.”
Grainne Duffy – What Am I Supposed to Do
Self-produced CD
A fiery blues-rock guitarist who grew up in a family band in County Monaghan, Ireland, Grainne Duffy possesses a distinctive, gritty voice, packing plenty of soul into her music, too. And she simply dazzles with this set, which was recorded in Los Angeles at the height of the wildfires that decimated the West Coast last year.
Co-produced by Justin Stanley and Marc Ford of The Black Crowes, the all-star lineup includes drummer Kenny Aronoff (Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney), bassist Jørgen Carlsson (Gov’t Mule), keyboard player Peter Levin (Jason Isbell) and longtime collaborator Paul Sherry.
Hard-driving and rock-steady, tune in to “Early in the Morning,” “What Am I Supposed to Do,” “Streets of Love,” “Tragedy,” “Hurts Just the Same,” “Taking My Heart Away,” “Got to Give Up” and “Need Your Love So Bad.”
Anthony Geraci – Where Were You
Delmark Records 900
Two-time BMA Pinetop Perkins keyboard player of the year, Anthony Geraci’s certain to get another nomination next awards season because this album. The former member of both Sugar Ray & the Bluetones and Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters, he makes his Delmark debut in style.
Recorded in Chicago, the album melds Windy City blues with jazz, soul and roots. Anthony shares the mic with Sheryl Youngblood and Barrence Whitfield, along with Dave Specter, Jon McDonald and Barrett Anderson on guitar duty. The star-studded lineup also includes drummer Pooky Styx, fiddler Anne Harris, bassist Rodrigo Mantovani and too many others to name here.
All class from beginning to the end, you’ll love “Where Were You,” “Brooklyn Bridge,” “All’s I Got Is You,” “Caterpillar Dance,” “Say La-Ti-Da,” “Flowers for Marianne,” “Even a Fool’s Right Once in a While,” “Breaking Bread,” “Dobiedoobie Man” and “Suite: Blues.”
Pokey LaFarge – Rent Money
ONErpm Records
His nickname may be Pokey, but Illinois native Pokey LaFarge is anything but slow or lazy. His rhythm section digs a propulsive, addictive beat from the downstroke as the guitarist/vocalist delivers a unique, blues-infused blend of sounds that incorporate gospel, reggae, electric country funk and much more.
This all-original mix is full of riffs that come with a twang – a sound, Pokey hopes, that can’t be replicated by artificial intelligence software. And his lyrics are loaded with personal experiences and down-to-earth views about living properly in the modern world.
For something different, dive in to “The Thing,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “Hambone,” “Rent Money,” “Work,” “Stranger,” “Can’t Take It with You,” “Told You No,” “Big Boss” and “On and On.”
Mike Wheeler – Chicago Blues with the Mike Wheeler Band
Delmark Records 896
There’s no one in the Windy City who’s paid his dues better than Mike Wheeler, and he and his skintight band deliver the gritty essence of Chicago with every note they play throughout this collection of slow-burners and shuffles.
Fronted by Mike on vocals and guitar, the band consists of bassist Larry Williams -- his longtime partner as a member of trombonist Big James Montgomery's Chicago Playboys, drummer Cleo Cole and keyboard player Brian James. They're joined by Dave Specter on six-string, Roosevelt "Hatter" Purifoy on keys and West Side giant Omar Coleman on harp.
Get up and get down to “Turn Up!!,” “Here I Am,” “Yeah,” “Chicago Blues,” “Brand New Cadillac,” “A Blind Man Can See,” “Serves Me Right to Suffer” and “That’s What Love Will Make You Do.”
Brigitte Purdy – Mother of the Crossroads
Dirt Shack Records
One of the most dynamic vocalists in the blues, Californian Brigitte Purdy is woefully under-recorded, too. This is her long-awaited follow-up to Still I Rise, which hit the street in 2018, and she’s at her most gritty best with this tender, but fiery mix of blues, blues-rock soul and more that’ll shake you to your roots.
The album was produced by multi-instrumentalist Dave Osti, who contributes guitar, bass, drums and piano. He also co-wrote all of the tunes with Brigitte, too. He’s joined by keyboardist Drake Shining with guest appearances from Michael Fell on harp and Jimmy Keegan on percussion.
A mix of personal memories and suggestions about making a better world, you’ll enjoy “Sugar Fried Candy,” “Blues Collar Woman,” “Memphis Hotline,” “Mother of the Crossroads,” “Losin’ Time for Love,” “Too Full of You,” “Come to Mama” and “Rise Like the Water.”
Michael Falzarano – Sunrise Over the Unknown
Hypnotation Records
Here’s one for you old-school hippies! Blues-rock guitarist Michael Falzarano is a 60-year music veteran who’s best known as a member of Hot Tuna and New Riders of the Purple Sage. Despite his road wear, Michael shows that he hasn’t lost a step with this upbeat album -- new tunes co-written with late Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.
Michael’s backed by guitarists Kevin Griffin and Tony Circosta, bassist Klyph Black, drummer Russell Steadman and 12 guests as he shines a positive light on unexpected illnesses, 12-step programs and roller-coaster emotions.
Not a conventional blues album but definitely worth a listen, tune in to “7 Year Itch,” “There’s a Rainbow,” “Coins in the Fountain,” “Mighty Mississippi,” “Cupful of Rain,” “Without a Net,” “Bird with a Broken Wing,” “One Brick at a Time,” “Everything Changes in the Universe” and “Take Back What’s Mine.”
Joanna Connor – Live on 11/11
M.C. Records MC-0097
A student of Buddy Guy and fellow Chicagoan Dion Payton, Massachusetts-born, Windy City-based Joanna Connor is the undisputed queen of blues-rock guitar. And she blazes from the opening notes of this live set, which was captured last November at The Fallout Shelter club in the Boston suburbs.
Running more than an hour, Joanna roars like a lioness one moment and drops to a whisper the next minute, with powerful backing from keyboard player Dan Souvigny, bassist Shaun Gotti Calloway and drummer Jason “JRoc" Edwards.
Fasten your seat belt and ride along as she puts her personal stamp on “Cissy Strut,” “Shake Your Moneymaker,” The Sky Is Crying,” “You’re So Fine,” “Are You Going with Me,” “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” “Magic Sam Boogie,” “Can’t Find My Way Home” and “When the Levee Breaks.”
Michael Hampton – King Kong
Into the Public Domain
A Cleveland-born Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famer who grew up listening to Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery and B.B. King, Michael Hampton rose to fame in the ’70s as the guitarist in Parliament/Funkadelic. Fifty years later, he makes his solo debut with this beefy and long-overdue 15-song set full of interesting, blues-infused tunes inspired by King Kong.
Co-produced by nine-time Grammy winner Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo and Phillip Samuel Smith, Hampton imaginatively mixes groove-filled music and narrations to describe the imaginary trials and tribulations of the titular ape colossus with life in modern times.
Grab a limb and swing along to “Savage Beat,” “Morning in the Jungle,” “I Ain’t Going to NY,” “Big Hands,” “Forever Flying On,” “Terror in the Jungle,” “Perfect First Date,” “Capture,” “Trouble in NY for the King,” “My Place” and “Beauty Killed the Beast.”
CD Woodbury Trio -- Bulldog
Lightning in a Bottle Records
A distinctively powerful vocalist from Seattle who delivers a sting with every note that emanates from his guitar, Washington Blues Society Hall-of-Famer CD Woodbury blends jazz, rock and New Orleans grooves into his music. And you’ll be sitting up and paying attention from the first notes of this one.
A mix of three deep-in-the-pocket originals and eight covers, Bulldog’s players include bassist/recording engineer Robert Baker and drummer Billy Ray, who’s won awards across the music spectrum. They’re joined by Joel Astley and Bill Davis on harp, Mike Marinig on flute and Jonathan Sayre on percussion.
Blues you can use, tune in to “Wicked Grin,” “Little Sister,” “Gaslight Road,” “Politician,” “Dollar Store Readers,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Spoonful,” “A Song in There” and “(Call Me the) Bulldog.”
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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.
