PhillyCheeze’s Favourite 25 of 2023 (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

Forming in Boston round forty years in the past as 11^th Hour Blues Band, guitarist Paul Lenart, bassist Invoice “Coach” Mather, drummer Chuck Purro, and harmonicist Richard “Rosy” Rosenblatt performed the native membership and bar scene there earlier than reducing their first album Sizzling Time within the Metropolis in 1985.  Now generally known as 11 Guys Quartet, their newest album 11 x 11 has grabbed my consideration in an enormous manner.  This follow-up album to their critically acclaimed 2020 launch Small Blues and Grooves, packs eleven authentic tracks into one disc for a implausible blues listening expertise.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/11/647-11-guys-quartet-11-x-11.html

Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos – Cheat the Satan

The most recent album from Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos is appropriately named Cheat the Satan, ‘trigger it’s scorching as hell.  Produced by Tab Benoit, this report is filled with ten searing guitar-centric blues tracks that may shake the ground beneath the audio system.  With Rosano on lead guitar and vocals, the Conqueroos are comprised of Kyle McCormick on drums and Jake Fultz on bass.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/09/634-anthony-rosano-and-conqueroos-cheat.html

Blackburn Brothers – SoulFunkin’ Blues

SoulFunkin’BLUES, the newest album from the Canadian multi-award-winning blues band Blackburn Brothers, is likely one of the most fun releases of the yr.  Brothers Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals), Cory (drums, concord vocals), and Robert (guitar, concord vocals), together with cousin Nathan (bass guitar) have crafted a strong album of funk and soul which is garnering large consideration from the music group.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/09/636-blackburn-brothers-soulfunknblues.html

Jimi Primetime Smith & Bob Corritore – The World in a Jug

I discover the Blues remains to be fairly alive when listening to The World in a Jug, the brand new collaboration between Maxwell Road blues veterans Jimi “Primetime” Smith and Bob Corritore.  The 2 reconnected seven years in the past in Arizona, and this album paperwork ten songs they’ve recorded since.  With Smith on vocals/guitar and Corritore on harmonica, the album contains a forged of fifteen backing musicians and vocalists coming collectively in several configurations on every monitor.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/02/597-jimi-primetime-smith-bob-corritore.html

Boo Boo Davis – Boo Boo Boogaloo

At nearly eighty years outdated, St. Louis bluesman James ‘Boo Boo’ Davis remains to be busy creating a few of the most genuine blues being recorded in the present day.  Born in Drew, Mississippi in 1943, Davis grew up being surrounded by music, taking part in drums in a household band.  In 1972, he landed an eighteen-year-long gig taking part in weekends at Tabby’s Purple Room in East St. Louis.  In 1999, Davis reduce his debut album known as East St. Louis and he’s been busy making data since.  His twelfth and newest launch Boo Boo Boogaloo options ten authentic tracks as actual and uncooked because the blues can get.  It’s the form of blues that slow-drips and settles within the intestine.  I really like the way it feels to listen to it.  Produced by Chris Millar, LA Jones, and Paul Niehaus IV, the album options Boo Boo on lead vocals and harmonica, Jones on guitar, Adrianna Marie on bass, Millar on drums, and Niehaus on keys.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/05/615-boo-boo-davis-boo-boo-boogaloo.html

Cedar County Cobras – Homesick Blues

Cedar County Cobras, a blues and roots duo from Iowa has grabbed my full consideration with their new album Homesick Blues.  Comprised by Tom Spielbauer and April Dirks, the Cedar County Cobras had been shaped in 2014 and have logged a whole bunch of reveals throughout the state and Midwest.  In 2022, Spielbauer received the Iowa Blues Problem for solo artists, securing a spot on the 2023 Worldwide Blues Problem in Memphis, Tennessee the place he positioned as a semi-finalist.  The duo’s songs are soaked with a pre-war blues essence and are splendidly carried out with Spielbauer on guitar and foot-drum and Dirks on mandolin and upright bass.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/12/651-cedar-county-cobras-homesick-blues.html

Chickenbone Slim – Rattling Good and Prepared

San Diego-based musician Larry Teves aka Chickenbone Slim has returned to Greaseland Studios to report his fifth launch Rattling Good and Prepared.  The album is a cocktail of all-original blues and rockabilly with a cool-as-hell classic sound.   It’s fairly apparent why he was awarded the 2022 San Diego Music Award for “Greatest Jazz/Blues Recording”.  With Christoffer “Child” Anderson engineering, mixing, and mastering this twelve-track recording, Chickenbone Slim is joined by Laura Chavez (2023 Blues Music Award winner for Greatest Blues Guitarist) on guitar, Marty Dodson on drums/percussion, Justice Guevara on electrical and stand-up bass, and Child Anderson on all the things else.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/08/628-chickenbone-slim-damn-good-and.html

Craig Erickson – Fashionable Blues

I’m very excited to listen to new music from Iowa-based artist Craig Erickson.  He at all times delivers the products on the subject of high-octane, guitar-fueled blues-rock.  I really like his funky, cosmic and from-the-heart strategy to songwriting.  His newest album Fashionable Blues is a twelve-track journey of discovering stability amidst the challenges going through the world in the present day.  As a proficient multi-instrumentalist, Erickson takes on vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards, with Jeff Sipe (Col. Bruce Hampton, Leftover Salmon, Cedell Davis) on drums.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/02/596-craig-erickson-modern-blues.html

Dyer Davis – Canine Bites Again

There’s a new favourite blues-rocker on the block, and his title is Dyer Davis.  This twenty-three-year-old from Florida is a grasp of guitar and hosts a tremendously soulful voice.  A way of consolation flows by way of me understanding the way forward for this treasured style is in superb arms.  Davis’ songs are soaked in blues and delivered with a punch.  His debut album Canine Bites Again is co-produced by Stephen Dees and Billy Chapin.  With Davis on vocals and guitars, the report options David Weatherspoon on drums, and Jacob Barone on bass.  Additionally showing on the report are company Victor Wainwright on piano and vocals, Stephen Dees on bass guitar, Billy Chapin on guitars and organ, Patricia Ann Dees on tenor sax, flute and vocals, and Billy Dean on drums.

EG Kight – Sticks & Strings

Sticks & Strings, the newest launch from EG Kight captivated me upon the primary hear.  Kight’s beautifully-crafted songs are adorned with southern appeal and immerse me with in wave of mesmerizing grace.  Backed along with her “boys” lead guitarist Ken Wynn and drummer/percussionist Gary Porter, the ensemble additionally options visitor bassist Sean Williams on 5 tracks.

Emma Wilson – Memphis Calling

Memphis Calling, the brand new album from British blues singer Emma Wilson, places a smile on my face with each hear.  Wilson, who was awarded Rising Blues Artist of the 12 months on the UK Blues Awards in 2022 for her debut album Want Her Properly, captures the pure essence of the Memphis sound.  Recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Studio, utilizing the unique STAX recording console, and a bullpen of Memphis musicians, this report is nothing lower than extraordinary with Wilson’s soulful, buttery vocals pouring freely over each observe.  Backing Wilson on this launch is Charlie Hodges ( Hello Rhythm Part) on Hammond organ, Archie “Hubbie” Turner (Hello Rhythm Part)  on electrical piano, Wurlitzer, and acoustic piano, Joe Restivo (The Bo Keys) on guitar, Leroy Hodges (Hello Rhythm Part) on bass guitar, Steve Potts (Booker T & the MGs, Gregg Allman Band) on drums, Kirk Smothers (The Bo Keys, Cyndi Lauper) on tenor and baritone sax, Marc Franklin (The Bo Keys, Cyndi Lauper) on trumpet, and Scott Bomar on tambourine.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/12/649-emma-wilson-memphis-calling.html

GA-20 Dwell in Loveland

GA-20 ranks proper up there amongst my favourite blues bands taking part in in the present day.  I’ve completely cherished their earlier two studio albums, Crackdown, and Does Hound Canine Taylor.  The data are magnificent.  GA-20 has a manner of filling each nook and cranny of their music with a timeless classic sound and uncooked fearlessness.  Dwell in Loveland, their first full-length reside album, was recorded direct-to-tape on a Tascam 388 in Loveland, Ohio at Plaid Room Information.   It options beforehand unrecorded tracks together with songs from Crackdown and their 2019 debut album Lonely Soul.  The musical chemistry shared between vocalist/guitarist Pat Faherty, guitarist/producer Matthew Stubbs, and drummer Tim Carman is sheer electrical and fortified with true grit.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/03/601-ga-20-live-in-loveland.html

Ghalia Volt – Shout Sister Shout!

I’ve been enamored by the music of Ghalia Volt since her album with Johnny Mastro and Mamas Boys Let the Demons Out crossed my desk for overview 5 years in the past.  She is a musical power on guitar and vocals with a mastery of songwriting.  Ghalia’s expertise shines vivid with on her newest launch Shout Sister Shout!.  The album is loaded with a dozen all-original tracks.  Every one is a gem.  Backing Ghalia is Danny Frankel on drums/percussion, Ben Alleman on keys, and particular visitor on guitar David Catching.

Jimmy Bennett – Sunday Morning Periods

Sunday Morning Periods, the brand new album from Jimmy Bennett (Bennett Brothers, Alexis P. Suiter, John Ginty, Bruce Katz) stole my coronary heart from the primary hear.  Bennett, an authentic member of Levon Helm’s Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, New York, started penning this report on Easter Sunday 2020 as a response to the start days of the Coronavirus outbreak.  That day, he wrote, recorded, and posted a video for his new track “Easter Morning Melody” on Fb.  The constructive response he obtained inspired him to maintain transferring ahead, spawning the Sunday Morning Periods which he continues producing in the present day.  This report is a tribute to these Sunday classes and to the listeners who tune in.  Produced by John Ginty at Shark Tank Studio in Sarasota, Florida, the album options Bennett on acoustic guitar, dobro, and vocals, with Ginty on Classic Vibe piano, Hammond organ, and drums. 

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/07/623-jimmy-bennett-sunday-morning.html

Johnny Wheels & the Swamp Donkeys – Carry on Pushin’

Jonah Tolchin – Dockside

Dockside, the fifth album from Jonah Tolchin swiftly swept me off my toes with its real-deal North Mississippi blues, and candy southern soul.  Co-produced by Tolchin and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), and recorded at Dockside Studios in Maurice, Louisiana, twelve-track recording of all-original songs signifies the primary launch on Tolchin’s model new label Clover Music Group.  With Tolchin on vocals, lead guitar, and harmonica, and Dickinson on rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and clave, the opposite performers are comprised of drummer Terence Higgins (Warren Haynes), bassist Nic Coolidge, keyboardist Chris Joyner (Ben Harper), pianist Carey Frank (Tedeschi Vans Band), vocalist Chavonne Stewart (Jackson Brown) and vocalist Marley Monroe.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/10/638-jonah-tolchin-dockside.html

Lex Gray and the City Pioneers – How Many Roads?

Mario Rossi Band – Smoke Burst

Brazilian singer/songwriter/guitarist Mario Rossi found his deep ardour for blues in 2013 whereas becoming a member of John Primer’s touring band throughout Brazil.  Since then, he has blazed a path that has caught the eyes and ears of many followers.  Smoke Burst, his fourth and most up-to-date album is a implausible recording of all authentic tunes loaded with scorching guitar licks and infectious riffs.  With Rossi on guitar and vocals, his band is comprised of Edê Boy on keyboards, Marcelo Rocha on bass, and Rafael Cacavallo on drums.

Mem_Mods – Vol. 1

Longtime mates Steve Selvidge (Huge Ass Truck), Paul Taylor and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), sons of Memphis music legends Sid Selvidge, Pat Taylor, and Jim Dickinson at the moment are legends by their very own proper.  It took a pandemic to reconnect these three musicians who performed collectively as children within the Nineteen Seventies to make this intoxicating new instrumental recording. With Selvidge on guitar, bass, Rhodes, and drum machine, Dickinson on bass and numerous keys, and Taylor on drums, percussion, numerous basses, synth pedals, and soundscapes, the trio drew inspiration from the music they cherished rising up in Memphis.  They set the pin within the Bluff Metropolis as floor zero, exploded the sound into the outer dimensions, and created a dozen hypnotic, funky, area jams.

Scott Weis Band – Elevate Your Palms

I immensely loved the previous couple of releases from Scott Weis Band. Their eighth and newest album Elevate Your Palms is not any exception.  For one thing just a little completely different this time Weis injects a heavy dose of southern rock into his blues and it sounds implausible.  Weis is joined once more by drummer Roger Voss and bassist Robert Kopec.  He’s additionally accompanied by vocalist Cindy Mizelle, keyboardist John Ginty, and percussionist Bashiri Johnson, with Sarah Smith making a visitor look on vocals.

Sue Foley – Dwell in Austin – Vol 1

Sue Foley’s newest launch Dwell in Austin Vol. 1 sunk its enamel into my coronary heart fairly rapidly.  The 2020 Blues Music Award recipient of the Koko Taylor Award class performs by way of a mixture of originals and covers on her new album, produced by Mike Flanigin.  The report properly captures the artist her home-turf with a sold-out present at Austin, Texas’ Continental Membership.  With Foley on guitar and vocals, her band consists of bassist Jon Penner, drummer Corey Keller, guitarist Derek O’Brian, Angela Miller on background vocals and tambourine, and Lauren Cervantes on background vocals.

Tas Cru – Riffin’ the Blue

Riffin’ the Blue, the newest from New York bluesman Tas Cru, definitely lives as much as its title.  The riffs are infectious and deliciously bluesy, making for a implausible new batch of home-grown originals from Tas.  The album is self-produced and options Tas on vocals and guitar with Mary Ann Casale on backing vocals, Ron Keck on percussion, Bruce Katz on piano/organ, Andy Hearn on drums, and Bob Purdy on bass.  Particular company embrace Mike Zito, Lenny Milano, and Invoice Barry.

Tav Falco Panther Burns – Nashville Periods

Within the 1980’s, I lived about 70 miles from Memphis, and visited the Bluff Metropolis usually.  This was once I was first acquainted with the music of Tav Falco.  He was usually the subject of debate on the report shops I frequented.  The Panther Burns songs had been distinctive, and stood out from the standard music which stocked the cabinets again then.  Listening to this new launch Nashville Periods: Dwell at Bridgetone Area Studios brings again quite a lot of reminiscences.  Recorded for Sirius XM Outlaw Nation, Nashville Periods captures the intoxicating appeal of Tav throughout his 2022 US tour.  With Tav on lead vocals and guitars, the Panther Burns are comprised of Mario Monterosso on lead guitar, Walter Brunetti on drums, and Giuseppe Sangirardi on bass. 

Tony Vacation – Motel Mississippi

From his Porch Session albums, to his studio releases, I at all times discover the music of Tony Vacation to be abundantly crammed with juicy harp performances and swampy grooves.  His newest album, Motel Mississippi matches the invoice once more, and I actually dig it.  After I learn the album was recorded at Zebra Ranch in Coldwater, Mississippi, I knew it was going to be particular.  With Vacation on vocals and harmonica, AJ Fullerton on guitar, Terrence Grayson on bass, Lee Williams on drums, and Dave Gross on guitars, organs, percussion, snare, and synth, the album has a wealthy texture.

Willie J. Legal guidelines Jr. – Too A lot Blues

Referred to as the “Final Prophet of the Funky Texas Blues”, Willie J Legal guidelines Jr., definitely lives as much as his title with reference to his newest album Too A lot Blues.  His mix of blues is enriched with a blast of funkdafied grooves, and I prefer it lots.  The report, produced by Paul Nelson, options Legal guidelines on guitar and vocals, with Dave Johnson on bass, Brooks Milgate on keys/piano/organ/synth, and Justin Blackburn on drums/percussion.