2008 TOP TEN Blues Releases

2008 TOP TEN Blues Releases
by John Kessler “ALL BLUES” Host

Otis TaylorOTIS TAYLOR, RECAPTURING THE BANJO, TELARC
Released 2/5/08
Blues Banjo? Actually, yes. The banjo came to us from Africa along with the blues, and helped to form the sound of American music from Dixieland to Bluegrass. This is a sometimes joyful, sometimes dark celebration of the instrument with the active participation of Guy Davis, Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Keb Mo and Don Vappie. Each musician brings a different sound and style of playing, making for a diverse and enjoyable listen. Includes fascinating notes about the banjo in history.
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Sean Costello SEAN COSTELLO, WE CAN GET TOGETHER, DELTA GROOVE
Released 2/19/08
On his fifth release Sean Costello has successfully defined his own brand of southern blues-rock, with a collection of mostly original tunes. He has the guitar chops to match anyone in the game, yet he concentrates on riffs and textures, not on extended solos. The combination of Costello’s songwriting and understated rhythm guitar work shows a young master just blooming. Sadly, he died at age 28, just 2 months after this release.
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Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater EDDY “THE CHIEF” CLEARWATER, WEST SIDE STRUT, ALLIGATOR
Released 3/4/08
Solid and authentic blues/rock from a guy who started making party music in the 1950’s. Once described as a Chuck Berry imitator, Clearwater actually fused Berry’s rock ‘n’ roll energy with the grit of Chicago blues. A great backing band featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks and Billy Branch provides the punch for a set of mostly original material that also includes some country and gospel.
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Jeff Healey JEFF HEALEY, MESS OF BLUES, RUF
Released 3/11/08
Jeff Healey may have known this was to be his last album, as it was released just 2 months after his death at age 41. He chose a widely ranging set of blues rock that includes some standards, “Sugar Sweet” and “Sittin on Top of the World”, as well as some nods to fellow Canadian songwriters—Robbie Robertson’s “The Weight” and Neil Young’s “Like a Hurricane”. Healey’s soloing is as intense as ever, with that sense that things are just on the edge of going out of control.
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Hans Thhesink HANS THEESINK & TERRY EVANS, VISIONS BLUE, GROOVE
Released 3/17/08
Casual and relaxed, this has the feel of a living room jam session. A really, really good jam session! Freely mixing blues, folk, soul and gospel, the mostly acoustic release has plenty of opportunities for both of these passionate yet subtle performers to express themselves. These are two guys who know how to have fun with a guitar.
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Sonny LandrethSONNY LANDRETH, FROM THE REACH, LANDFALL
Released 5/20/08
For this album, slide guitar wizard Landreth wrote songs for each of his musical guests, who include Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton and Robben Ford. There are some really exciting moments, such as “Howlin Moon” with Dr. John, and “Way Past Long” with Ford. Each are mature players in their prime, so there’s no showing-off here, just good songwriting and a lot of attention to sound and texture.
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Billy Boy Arnold BILLY BOY ARNOLD, BILLY BOY SINGS SONNY BOY, ELECTRO-FI
Released 5/20/08
A tribute to Billy Boy’s mentor, John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson, this is state-of-the-art Chicago blues performed by a true master of the craft. Billy Boy does emulate Sonny Boy’s voice and harmonica, but adds his own distinctive softer touch. Arnold has maintained his youthful sound even after 50 years in the business, and the veteran backing band keeps things sounding natural and loose.
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Janiva Magnes JANIVA MAGNESS, WHAT LOVE WILL DO, ALLIGATOR
Released 6/10/08
Another scorcher from the multi-award winning singer. Janiva keeps finding great material and musicians who can match her intensity. She has picked a challenging set of tunes that show her ability at many different energy levels, from the whispered “I Want a Love” to the rockin’ “Get It, Get It”. Have a hankie ready for a couple of her signature tearjerker ballads.
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Irma Thomas IRMA THOMAS, SIMPLY GRAND, ROUNDER
Released 8/12/08
A beautiful and stirring release featuring Irma Thomas backed by some of the piano greats of New Orleans. The production varies from full band to just voice and piano, and the vibe is a little loose, probably because they were having so much fun in the studio. Highlights include “River is Waiting” with Henry Butler and “Same Old Blues” with Marcia Ball.
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Taj Mahal TAJ MAHAL, MAESTRO, HEADS UP
Released 9/30/08
40 years into the business, Taj Mahal is at the height of his musical powers. This album is strong from top to bottom, and wanders in typical Taj-fashion between funk, blues, reggae, and folk. Fantastic supporting players include the Phantom Blues Band, the New Orleans Social Club, Los Lobos and his touring bandmates Bill Rich and Kester Smith. Soulful, fun and eclectic, Taj Mahal lives up to the title “Maestro” on this one.
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Also worth a listen:
James Hunter
The Hard Way
Buddy Guy
Skin Deep
Lil Ed
Full Tilt
Cassandra Wilson
Loverly
Paul Thorn
A Long Way From Tupelo
Lluis Coloma
Boogie Portraits
 Chris James & Patrick Rynn
Stop and Think About It
Rory Block
Blues Walkin Like a Man
Paul Rishell & Annie Raines
A Night in Woodstock
Eric Bibb
Get Onboard
Markus James
Snakeskin Violin
JJ Grey & Mofro
Orange Blossom