Blues with a Feeling - The Official Podcast

  "This album is dedicated to my teachers and inspirations, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, B.B. King and Robert Jr. Lockwood and to the memories of Francis Snyder, Wilma Lieberman, Beth Christensen, and Arnold Hanson." Ronnie Earl Continuing my celebration of Blues With A Feelings 30 years on air in 2024 by reaching back to this classic Bullseye Blues release by Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters this week. Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Ruthie Foster, JD Simo Luther Dickinson, Jimmy Carpenter and Vanessa Collier. #blueswithafeelingpodcast #blues #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #ronnieearl #ronnieearl&thebroadcasters #ericbibb #ruthiefoster #jdsimo #lutherdickinson #jimmycarpenter #vanessacollierSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Recorded in Chicago's Cook County Jail on a hot fall day in 1970 and released the following year, the recording of this historic event was named #499 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, hitting #1 on the Billboard R&B charts, #3 on the Jazz charts and #25 on the Top 200. One of several live albums King released, it features a selection of his best-known songs. Includes "How Blue Can You Get?", "Please Accept My Love" and his signature classics "The Thrill Is Gone" and "Every Day I Have The Blues".Couldn’t be happier to be featuring this incredible record with you this week, in honour of BB’s 100th birthday.   Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Johnnie Johnson, Mike Henderson, Billy Branch, Alexis P Suter Band, Kirk Fletcher, Monster Mike Welch, Mud Morganfield, Tom Hambridge, Jo Harman, GA 20, Raphael Wressnig, Chris Wilson and Kent Burnside.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“No way was Dr. John was going to let Katrina pass into history without saying what he had to say. But no way could anyone have seen this coming. City That Care Forgot is at once the most fervent, acerbic, livid music Mac Rebennack has ever made; the most eloquent and probably the funkiest, too. Dr. John has never been one for grand statements or even topicality, but he’s rightfully, righteously pissed.His city, his people, those who made New Orleans home and love it as much as he does, were knocked down hard, but not out: that’s his message. “All you gotta do is want it bad enough,” he repeats in “You Might Be Surprised.” Others have said it in music since the catastrophic events, but perhaps none with as much clarity, force, optimism, fight and, ultimately, love. He wanted this record to be an event, so Dr. John brought in some heavies to augment his regular band: Eric Clapton is swampy and biting on three tracks; Terence Blanchard blows his trumpet with a heart full of soul on two. Willie Nelson lends his voice, Ani DiFranco hers.But it’s not the visitors who get noticed here; it’s the singer who names names and points fingers and demands closure. Dr. John may be the first artist ever to rhyme hurtin’ and Halliburton, but in this “second battle of New Orleans,” as he calls the city’s efforts at resurrection, in this place of “‘drowning victims’ full of bullet holes” (extra quote marks his-to indicate major skepticism), there is care after all.It comes from those, like Dr. John, who refuse to see their home die, and it’s all wrapped up in quintessential NOLA music that leaves no doubt this city’s still got plenty of living to do.” Jeff TamarkinWith it being 20 years in August since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans, I thought it was long overdue for me to feature this classic album. Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Janiva Magness, Mike Henderson, Candice Ivory, Kirk Fletcher, Alexis P Suter Band, Raphael Wressnig and Kent Burnside.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  “Anders Osborne “Coming Down” was his first studio recording in over five years. On Coming Down Anders sings about his two great loves, his wife and New Orleans. The CD finds Anders in a sparse setting that showcases his songwriting. One of the highlights of the CD is the song “Katrina.” Anders and his family moved backed to New Orleans six weeks after the devastating hurricane. Recorded in Nashville and New Orleans, Coming Down was co-produced by Anders and Troy Verges (BMI country songwriter of the year).” He's created one of the best albums of the year. Paste Magazine I’ve been hunting my copy of this sublime record for a decade and its finally returned to my hands and I can’t wait to feature it  for you this week. Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Tom Hambridge, Candice Ivory, Mike Henderson, Kent Burnside, Kirk Fletcher, GA20, Chambers DesLaurier, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Monster Mike Welch and the Alexis P Suter Band.            See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Known to music fans around the world as the “King of the Boogie,” John Lee Hooker endures as one of the true superstars of the blues genre: the ultimate beholder of cool. His work is widely recognized for its impact on modern music – his simple, yet deeply effective songs transcend borders and languages around the globe. Each decade of Hooker’s long career brought a new generation of fans and fresh opportunities for the ever-evolving artist. He never slowed down either: As John Lee Hooker entered his 70s, he suddenly found himself in the most successful era of his career – reinvented yet again, and energized as ever, touring and recording up until his passing in 2001.”   John Lee Hookers been on my mind in August,  after his birthday a couple of weeks ago and I thought I’d celebrate together by putting together a classic collection of his earliest and most successful songs, plus tracks from 1989s chart topping The Healer.   Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Charlie Musselwhite, Mike Henderson, Larry McCray, Candice Ivory, Monster Mike Welch, Alexis P Suter Band, Raphael Wressnig, Chambers DesLaurier and Willie Buck & Bob Corritore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The ultimate “blues brother”, Eric Bibb is known and revered globally as a fiery singer- songwriter with true soul, grounded in the folk/blues tradition but with contemporary sensibilities. Testament to his endurance as one of the most relevant, leading bluesmen of our time, Eric’s most recent album, Ridin’, has received a Grammy nomination in the Best Traditional Blues Album category. It sits in the Top 10 of multiple blues and roots charts, has over three million Spotify streams and been lauded by critics as his “late life classic” and “a fervent gospel-backed blues manifesto”. The past twelve months alone has seen his entire catalogue clock up 15 million streams. It is easy to point to Eric’s accomplishments. A five-decade career recording with folk and blues royalty. Three Grammy nominations and multiple Blues Foundation awards. A following that not only crosses borders, it crosses continents.” I’m super excited to feature Eric incredible 1999 Ruf Records release Home To Me this week. Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Mike Henderson, Candice Ivory, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Raphael Wressnig, Roomful Of Blues, Alexis P Suter Band, Jo Harman, Tom Hambridge and Monster Mike Welch.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Slant 6 Mind is Greg's thirteenth album on Red House Records and a Grammy nominee! It's got a swampy, funky, lowdown sound that ranges from driving rhythms to sensuous folk and back again. The musicians are great and the combination of guitar players Greg, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Bo Ramsey is superb. The feel of Slant 6 Mind reaches back to Greg's earlier albums, such as Down in There as it evokes the landscape and people that created him a world he sketches with the artistry of writers like William Faulkner, Bruce Springsteen or Robert Frost.”I’m excited about sharing this wonderful record with you this week. Plus plenty of the most exciting new releases hitting my inbox right now. With songs from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Candice Ivory. Monster Mike Welch, Mike Henderson, Chambers DesLaurier, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Raphael Wressnig and Jo Harman.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  “Blues scholar Guy Davis is an equally adept player, singer and storyteller in the tradition of his mentor, Taj Mahal. On Skunkmello, named for a legendary chicken thief who was caught and hanged for his crimes around 1900, rootsy troubadour Davis travels from the straight country-blues of “Natural Born Eas’Man” and his Piedmont-flavored original “The Chocolate Man” to the gritty South Side Chicago blues of “It Takes Love to Make a Home” without missing a beat.He blows some mean harmonica on a cover of the classic “Going Down Slow,” accompanied by former Paul Butterfield Blues Band keyboardist Mark Naftalin on Hammond B3 organ and John Platania of the Van Morrison Band on some piercing electric guitar. And he summons up some commanding Howlin’ Wolf-ish vocals on the haunting “Shooting Star.” Davis, a naturally gritty soulful vocalist, also demonstrates some authentic claw-hammer banjo technique on two old-timey unaccompanied numbers, “Shaky Pudding” and “Blackberry Ramble,” and also on the folkloric title track.The chilling closer, “Uncle Tom Is Dead (Milk ‘n’ Cookies Remix),” is an educated, old-schooler’s indictment of rap music that carries an important, socially charged message for a generation that has lost its sense of history.” Bill Milkowski 2006I’m beyond excited to finally feature for you this uncredible record this week. Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Janiva Magness, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Kirk Fletcher, Chambers DesLaurier and Larry McCray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The roots of the style that would become Otis Taylor’s most recognizable contribution to blues can be found on Truth Is Not Fiction (Telarc Records) released in 2003. Music critics were both enthralled and a bit mystified by Taylor’s signature “Trance Blues” electric, psychedelic style. Truth is Not Fiction earned a top 10 album of the year listing from the New York Times and was also featured with rave reviews from USA Today, Washington Post and NPR, and the record culminated in a Downbeat critics award for “Blues Album of the Year.”   Im excited to feature this 2003 from classic from Otis Taylor this week. Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Janiva Magness, DK Harrell, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Maria Muldaur, Kent Burnside, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Gerald McClendon, Chambers Deslaurier and Garry Burnside.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Tony Joe White's 2013 album is awash in danger, spiritual uncertainty and environmental fury. Hoodoo's lyrical concerns are matched by a particularly intense strain of White's trademark swamp funk. Hence the title's double edged meaning: 'hoodoo' referring both to the songs' ominous tone and the palpable vibe that filled the studio as the songs were cut. Cut mostly live to tape - vocals and all - much of Hoodoo consists of first takes. Culled from an initial stack of 17 tunes, the 9 songs that comprise the album come alive in the haunting atmosphere and intensity of the stripped down recording process…”With Tony Joe Whites birthday last week, I’m thrilled to feature this wonderful album this week. Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Southern Avenue, Little Charlie Baty, Kent Burnside, Jon Cleary, Kirk Fletcher, Tad Robinson, Larry McCray and Garry Burnside.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The return of the legendary harmonica giant from the 1950s Chicago blues scene. "A triumphant comeback"—Billboard   Billy Boy Arnold is back. With his 1992 Alligator Records debut, Back Where I Belong, Arnold firmly reestablished himself as one of the foremost practitioners of classic Chicago blues. His wailing harmonica playing and soulful vocals are a perfect match for his streetwise songwriting. The combination of Delta-influenced blues with a more urban sophistication not only defines Arnold's sound, but was also a significant contribution in the early, formative days of rock and roll.    I’m excited about featuring this wonderful record for you this week. With Billy Boy backed by a crack group of young West Coast hotshots, he sounds like he’s having the time of his life. Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Buddy Guy, TajMo, Janiva Magness, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Larry McCray, Chambers DesLauriers, Eric Gales, DK Harrell, Brandon Santini and Terry Hanck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Cotton’s long, fabled career is unrivaled in terms of its historic import….a name that is mentioned alongside some of the very best performers ever to play the instrument. Cotton’s playing has cemented his place in the top tier of blues harmonica masters: that muscular tone, those brawny wails, the stinging high note bends. …sends a shiver down the spine. Fiery, inimitable, ferocious attack, dominance and power. The well of talent he draws from is as deep as the blues he plays.” – Living Blues   With the great James Cottons birthday in July, I’ve pulled together a collection of some of the great mans finest tunes. And to put it all in context, I’m joined by another monster of the blues harmonica Kim Wilson, who was kind enough to share with us his memories of the man from Tunica Mississippi.   Plus tracks from the latest releases by Buddy Guy, Janiva Magness, Taj Mo, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell and Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albert Collins Classic Album Feature – Cold Snap “This Grammy-nominated album features some of Albert's most popular tracks like I Ain't Drunk, Lights Are On But Nobody's Home and Too Many Dirty Dishes. The Master of the Telecaster's last Alligator release, and his favourite, finds him backed by a hand-picked all-star band featuring organist Jimmy McGriff and guitarist Mel Brown, plus the Uptown Horns.” I’m excited to be featuring this Collins classic this week. Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Southern Avenue, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, TajMo, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Larry McCray, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson, Brandon Santini, Jon Cleary, DK Harrell, Terry Hanck, Carolyn Wonderland and All Things Swamp.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  “Genius doesn't even begin to describe the greatness of The Genius Sings the Blues. Comprised of a dozen songs Ray Charles made between 1952 and 1960, the collection was released in 1961 by Atlantic Records to counter the singer's migration to rival ABC Paramount. What Atlantic originally underestimated is that the album contained many of Charles' greatest works, all unified by their bluesy emotions and stirring arrangements. A classic of the soul and R&B canon, The Genius Sings the Blues is a snapshot of the evolution of timeless American music captured by the pianist's indelible rhythmic pace, gospel roots, jazz backgrounds, and Southern-styled accents.”Thrilled to feature for you this wonderful collection from Ray Charles this week. Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Jania Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Larry McCray, Southern Avenue, Christone Kingfish Ingram, TajMo, Jon Cleary, Terry Hanck, Kid Ramos, John Primer, Harrell Davenport and Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taj Mahal Classic Album Feature – Dancing The Blues   “Songs from Fats Domino to Louis Jordan. Etta James joins in on the classic “Mockingbird” along with a “slamming” band including Texacali Horns, Tony Braunagel, Chuck Domanico, Mick Weaver, Johnny Lee Schell, and Bill Payne & Ritchie Hayward from Little Feat. Dancing The Blues will get ya shakin’ your tail feathers!”                                                                                                             Tajmahal.com I’m excited to feature this wonderful record this week, a favourite of mine from the very early 90s, this is Taj Mahal sounding as good as it gets. Plus new releases from Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, TajMo, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell, Hat Fitz & Cara, John Primer, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Larry McCray, Terry Hanck and Dave Specter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 “The first of Freddie King’s three albums for Leon Russell’s Shelter label set the tone for his work for the company: superb electric blues with a prominent rock/soul influence. The massive Texan and the longhaired Oklahoman got it right the first time around with the aptly titled Getting Ready LP. Recorded at the legendary Chess studios in Chicago, it might well rank as Freddie King’s most creatively satisfying work.”   I’m super excited about featuring this classic from Freddie King from way back in 1971. Plus new releases from TajMo, Janiva Magness, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell, Tad Robinson, Jon Cleary, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dave Specter, Charlie Musselwhite, Brandon Santini, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson and Terry Hanck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Muddy "Mississippi" Waters Live - 1979 brings you the electrifying and unforgettable live performance of one of blues' most legendary artists, Muddy Waters. Capturing his raw energy and soulful presence, this live album is a testament to Muddy Waters’ profound influence on the blues genre. Featuring classic tracks like "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Mannish Boy" this collection offers an intimate experience of his unforgettable stage presence.”I’m excited to present this classic live set from Muddy Waters and his incredible band this week. Plus new releases from DK Harrell, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, TajMo, Jon Cleary, Janiva Magness, Poppa Chubby, Tad Robinson, Brandon Santini, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, GA20, Hat Fiz & Cara Robinson, Bernard Allison, Terry Hanck, Carolyn Wonderland and Dave Specter.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“When they referred to consistently amazing guitarist Snooks Eaglin as a human jukebox in his New Orleans hometown, they weren't dissing him in the slightest. The blind Eaglin was a beloved figure in the Crescent City, not only for his gritty, Ray Charles-inspired vocal delivery and wholly imaginative approach to the guitar, but for the seemingly infinite storehouse of oldies that he was liable to pull out on-stage at any second -- often confounding his bemused band in the process!” All MusicCan’t wait to share this wonderful record with you this week. His final studio album saw Snooks joined in the studio by Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen and the results are just glorious. Plus new releases from TajMo, Janiva Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tad Robinson, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson, Jon Cleary, DK Harrell, Terry Hanck, Dave Specter and Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The Blues Foundation has announced its 2025 Blues Music Awards winners. The winners were revealed on Thursday, May 8, in Memphis, Tennessee. Big winners from the night included Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Curtis Salgado, and John Primer, who all took home multiple awards. Ronnie Baker Brooks led the way with three wins.”With the announcement of the Blues Music Awards winners a couple of weeks ago, I thought it was overdue for me to shine a light on the winners. Featuring songs from the latest release from each, it’s easy to hear why they walked away with an award. Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Janiva Magness, Brandon Santini and Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Magnificent, staggering, almost beyond belief.  Utterly Blues approved.”--“GUITAR PLAYER” MAGAZINE, U.S.A.   “There’s no more explosive Blues guitar player in the world.”--“ESQUIRE”, U.S.A.     “DAVE HOLE is a musician whose time has finally come. In fact, considering the acclaim he's received in the past few months, it's hard to understand why he has remained unknown for so long. The reason is simple-Dave developed his amazingly intense slide guitar sound and strange playing style in almost total obscurity in one of the most isolated cities in the world: Perth, Australia. After playing professionally for over twenty years, Dave has finally broken out as the "overnight" phenomenon he deserves to be. A rave review of Short Fuse Blues in Guitar Player (which almost never reviews records available only as imports) led to a feature story in the same magazine. Buoyed by both stories, Dave has suddenly emerged into the international spotlight. Not only has he toured the cities of eastern Australia, but he'll be making his European debut later in1992.”I’m excited to feature this landmark album this week. Dave Holes break out release Short Fuse Blues. And to put it in perspective, I’ve enlisted the assistance of Alligator Records boss Bruce Iglauer, Guitar Player magazine editor Jas Obrecht and Dave Hole himself, to share their memories of this amazing moment in Blues history. Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Hat Fitz & Cara.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.