Robbin Kapsalis - The Blues Is In the House

Release date: October 10, 2025

Blues House Productions Records

By Glenn Noble

Photo: Jennifer Noble

There’s a lovely bluesy selection of tracks on this cracking debut by Robbin Kapsalis for John and Lisa Primer’s independent label, Blues House Productions. Robbin was born into the blues sounds of South Side Chicago. Later, after spending some time in Atlanta, Georgia, Robbin found musical success, fronting Washington DC-based soul blues band “Vintage #18” for several years.

She is now doing her own thing, touring the world and collaborating with the likes of Chicago blues favourites John Primer and Billy Branch. Robbin also recently married Giles Robson, UK based harp master, who not surprisingly is featured on many of the tracks - as well as racking up a producer credit on this lushly packaged album!

The combination of Giles’ harp and Robbin’s velvety alto straight away makes an attention grabbing impression. With the opening cut of this set, they are inviting you to make yourself at home because “The Blues is In The House”.  With its uptempo, driving beat and a fine guitar solo from the late Joe Louis Walker, this song, from the pens of Chicago’s Terry Abrahamson and Derrick Procell, emphasises the power of the blues to energise and lift up the spirit.

There’s a well-chosen clutch of classic blues in this selection of 10 tracks - a little bit of Little Walter, a measure of Mississippi Sheiks, even a shot of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins!  In addition to the livelier tracks, for contrast, there’s an emotional rendering of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s soulful “Lead Me On,” deftly complemented by Robbin’s rich vocal. In addition to singing, Robbin also has won awards for her writing, which talent she exercises here on “Love Hangover,” a steamy slow blues with a piping hot harmonica accompaniment. Closing out the set is “Gotta Hear the Blues,”, a deep, spiritual track recalling the history, heritage and power of the blues, a kind of thematic counterpoint to the opening track (which was also written by Terry Abrahamson and Derrick Procell). The addition of the dobro, played by Arnaud Fradin) adds an atmospheric depth to this song, providing a satisfying end to an exciting album.

The backing is by a group of blues musicians from Nantes in the Brittany region of northern France (François Nicolleau, Nicolas Deshayes, Arnaud Gobin and Cyril Durand) collectively named “The Checked Shirts”. The exemplary support of these fine flannelled fellows provides a perfect platform for Robbin’s lead vocals and Giles’ harmonica excursions. All in all, this is quite a little gem of an album, and everyone associated with it, especially Robbin, should be very proud of their work. On the evidence of this strong debut, John and Lisa Primer’s Blues House Productions have made a great choice in expanding their roster, and hopefully will be able to attract more artists and fans alike. Best wishes for their future endeavours!

To buy the music, visit: www.blueshouseproductions.com

website: https://www.robbinkapsalis.net/