One cursory listen might lead you into thinking their sound is Southern rockthey are much more than that. There's the jazz end of the blues; folk blues; blues rock; straight forward, honest to goodness, down home blues; Chicago blues; British blues; country blues; as well as white men. 10 questions for Joanne Shaw Taylor (opens in new tab). Song Starter Kit: 12 Gauge from A Savage Life, Blues On The Bay from A Savage Life, Hell For You from Spain to Italy. Info-video Chris Smither may have a better album in him yet, but thats hard to imagine. She made a big. Song Starter Kit: Bluesdaddy from Bluesdaddy, Never Rains from Hooks & Lines, Last Page from Something Old, Something New. Anything but traditional, he layers beatbox grooves with infectious vocal hooks and rowdy harmonica playing all wrapped up in a slightly maniacal (in a good way) on-stage persona. Peter Green (1946 - 2020) Peter Allen Greenbaum (29 October 1946 - 25 July 2020), known professionally as Peter Green, was an English blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. Kyla Brox Thank you. The set is a back porch session by two of the most famous blues players ever and lets Bishop and Musselwhite do it their own raw-boned way with minimal interference to disrupt the vibe. Taking influence from British folk, Americana and various flavours of world music as well as the blues, Harleys sound is something of a slow-cooked sonic one pot stew. Songs from the Road will make a believer of you. If not, you may want to stay away. 40 years in the blues business have only made Ellis better and more eloquent, which rocks because he obviously still has a lot to say. I purposely left off widely celebrated names such as Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, and more. Broadbents party trick is playing slide with a beat up hip flask, and it doesnt take too much imagination to figure out which creative stimulant likely played a big part in perfecting that skill. After all, what could be more heartbreaking than a man facing the demise of his car. And the albums other highlight is the soft, slow Rambling Blues. Much more than a platform of musical skills, this album reminds us how dark, dangerous and reckless the genre can become when done right. Born in Michigan in 1946, Lavettes vocal stylings owe as much to mainstream R&B that the blues, but her sweet, silky voice belongs as much in this genre as her harder-edged sisters. We'll put money on next year being an even bigger one. Veteran singer/songwriter Dion DiMucci has seen enough dramatic shifts in his careers direction to last a few lifetimes. (HTTP response code 503). { Not that this blues bash ever threatens to slow down. Love and Sympathy follows in a similar vein, urging the listener to keep love alive in times of turmoil and distress. He's proof positive of the timeless power the blues possesses in gifted hands his deep soulful vocals as potent with an acoustic as his Strat. At the rate Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters are keeping up with the times, we can expect to hear great music from them for another thirty years at least. Inspired by the current pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, its actually, an upbeat plea for us all to calm the hell down and have a little faith/ in the human race.. Think of her as a softer, more intimate Etta James. 20 Great New British Artists to Watch - Rolling Stone Music 20 Great New British Artists to Watch Wolf Alice, Lpsley, Stormzy and more By Rolling Stone July 6, 2016 Lady Leshurr & Let's Eat. Will Johns Heres how it works. Brox possesses and commands a vast vocal range and is also a highly accomplished flautist which works surprisingly well in a bluesy context. Plan to check out We Fly Free and One Shot also. As its title suggests, its a blues album that features a number of stunning cameo performances from noted stars of the blues world. If ever there was a bluesman suited for a bare bones recording style, it is Rush. Although not quite aged enough to qualify for legendary status in the blues world, hes established himself as a reliable presence, releasing album after album of gems. This list answers the questions "who are the best british blues bands of all time?" Picking standout tracks is tricky. The list includes all new british blues bands, and if there are any missing on the list, you can always add them yourself. Theres so much energy and life to Bernard Allison and his crew of A-list band of musicians on this album that highlights some of his best cuts from several of his albums. The next time you lament the death of the blues due to the neglect from younger generations, just give a quick listen to Memphis Loud by Victor Wainright and the Train and rejoice. Led by vocalist/guitarist Robert Jon Burrison, whose voice is one of the most ear-pleasing today, the band includes Andrew Espantman, Steve Maggoria, Henry James and Warren Murrel. Highly recommended. His unique blend of folk and blues could not possibly belong to anyone else and, for anyone unfamiliar with the legend, More From the Levee would be a wonderful place to start. Alastair Greene website, Legendary blues/rock veterans, Savoy Brown, released Aint Done Yet on Quarto Valley Records, much to fans delight. All Rights Reserved, Best of British: 15 UK Blues Artists to Check Out Today. Greene has all the guitar, vocal, and songwriting power anybody could ask for and will no doubt reach the heights of stardom we all dream of. You can click on the british blues band names to see more information about that particular notable british blues group. If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site, please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send". Many people consider King King to be the strongest blues/rock band out there these days and Maverick proves the band is worthy of such profound praise. I depend on you for my Blues recommendations and will go through all these albums. Kirk Fletcher website, Powerhouse, soulful vocalist and songwriter Shemekia Copeland released Uncivil War on Alligator Records, a defining entry in her discography. On this song, Wilsons harmonica must be heard to be believed. Huge mistake to spell his name wrong..Shepherd. Perhaps you didnt review John Nemeths new Stronger Than Strong album. Savoy Brown. Born in the unlikely city of Paris, France at a time (1965) when the blues seemed to be in commercial decline, Bernard Allison may not have been the blues hero we were expecting, but if his latest album is any indication, hes on a mission to prove himself capable of the job. Lincolnshires Jack Broadbent honed his craft by playing at open mic nights and busking on city streets. Keary, Until rudely interrupted by the global pandemic, Shaw Taylors touring schedule was one of the most tireless in the business, and her gutsy guitar playing and husky vocals are best appreciated live on stage. Happy New year 2021 to Blues and Rock.. Long live the blues and all these new and veterans musicians. At just 17 years old, Toby Lee has already packed tonnes into his musical career. To anyone concerned with the current state of the blues, Whitney Shays latest release Stand Up could have been delivered with you in mind. Great list! The full-voiced tenor has created an album that has its share of weaker moments, but on balance, Take Me Back is a strong work and fine introduction to the fan whod never before experienced his output. Also vital is Diggin Roots with Ron Artis the 2nd. The Music is the only one thing that support all of us in these mad times! An emerging talent on the UK circuit, Kyla Broxs blues is tinged with jazz, soul, funk and pop elements. Standouts include the plaintive Cant Start Over Again (with Jeff Beck) and What if I Told You (with Samantha Fish). 2,625,527 listeners. King Size Slim Song Starter Kit: Good Stuff from When the World Stood Still, One Way from Paths, Keep Your Head Up from New Breed. Denis, 41. Mike Zito website, Nine-time Blues Music Award winner and three-time Grammy nominee Ruthie Foster puts her big-league vocals into a brass-heavy big band setting on Live At The Paramount. Vote for the best artists to see them graduate to the top of the list. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. But as any fan of the genre knows, a little dust only makes the blues go down better. Review of El Dorado Blues With Friends boasts 12 tracks of strong songwriting, musical depth and mastery, along with Dions smooth vocals and skillful craft of blues. Photo: Jack Broadbent (Jack Fasano), When Rivers Meet (Rob Blackham, Troy Redfern (Rob Blackham), Elles Bailey (Rob Blackham), UK Blues. My Blues Pathway is a celebration of the blues and blues masters. What more could you want from a blues album? In times like these, its vital to get the occasional reminder of how fun the blues can be. Thankfully, Fletcher is happy to remind us again and again with solos that bend that mind as deftly as he bends strings. 1967 - by Colin Cooper, Pete Haycock, Derek Holt, Richard Jones, George Newsome and Arthur Wood. St. Louis Mike Zitos Quarantine Blues is that album and has a power that will outlast even the stubborn Coronavirus. If its not the albums best track its a close second to her cover of the stunning Billie Holiday classic Strange Fruit. Overall, Blackbirds is a very compelling piece of work. It will inspire you to live a more full life. We Fly Free, released by One Road Records, is their follow up to EP, Innocence of Youth, also released in 2020, When Rivers Meet possess a clear talent for songwriting as well. Zitos guitar work shines most on the hard-driving Dont Touch Me, but the standout track may be the closing track, What it used to be a soft and poignant ballad at a time when such a thing is desperately needed. This list is in no particular order. Review of Aint Done Yet Armed with a loop station, a briefcase full of harps and a bag of slightly homemade looking percussion instruments, Son of Dave is a one-man blues explosion. More likely, youll be walking down the street, headphones in, and only become alerted to the fact your gaits developed an unusual slink because people have started staring at you. Standout tracks include the soulful B.B. It sure would be at or near the top of my personal top 20 list of albums released in 2020. We could go on, but you get the picture: the guy is scarily good. Congratulations to all of these fine rocking blues musicians! Review of Ice Cream In Hell This is the sound that inspired him as a young man and has informed his musical journey from then until now. With a record-breaking number of votes from fans, from the Rock and Blues Muse Group, and our editorial staff, our faith in music fans has been reaffirmed. Dion website, British singer-songwriter Lynne Jackaman, former frontwoman of rock band, Saint Jude, released One Shot, recorded at Fame Studios, Muscle Shoals. But the musicians who stood out for you still found a way to reach people in the pandemic with standout albums and performances. For the non-fan, it is also essential and a likely tool for conversion! A member of the same post-war generation that spawned the likes of Clapton, Beck and Page, Trowers ability to dream-up and release new material has never really waned over the years, and if anything its accelerated in recent times. Landreth is perhaps the most identifiable guitarist in American music and routinely melds blues, rock, swamp, and singer-songwriter DNA into one of the few truly original styles in the roots music world. Dave Horton - Electric and Acoustic guitar . 2020 Blues Albums Spotify Playlist If 2020 will be forever remembered as the year of a deadly pandemic, it can also be thought of as a year that demonstrated the undying spirit of the blues. Robert Jon & The Wreck website, Slide guitar magic man Sonny Landreth lays it all on us on his 2020 record Black Top Run, a wonderful set of music released by Provogue/Mascot Label Group. And he's evolving fast; this year's El Dorado finds him really stretching out into soul and country under the production of Dan Auerbach (opens in new tab). Its refreshing to see these instruments sprung from the confines of folk music and given some rock n roll treatment. Contemporary rhythm and blues, rock and roll and funky rhythms weave their way through most songs on One Shot, brought to life by superb musicians and an electrifying vocalist. Thats awesome, glad our lists are helpful and you enjoy them! Boy Sit Down is very much a stand-out track with Change with the Time coming in a close second. This year, they performed a similar feat, claiming three more awards, including Blues Album of the Year for 2021s Saving Grace. Theres attitude by the fistful in everything the band has released to date, which is perhaps unsurprising when you consider that the heavily tattooed, Telecaster-wielding Barras is an ex-MMA cage fighter. Individuals [ edit] Ian A. Anderson Elles Bailey [1] Ginger Baker Long John Baldry [2] Chris Barber Norman Beaker [3] Jeff Beck [2] Duster Bennett [2] Graham Bond [2] Marcus Bonfanti [4] John Bonham [5] Geoff Bradford Jack Broadbent [6] Jack Bruce [2] Danny Bryant Eric Burdon We do not believe there is a best or least best. Combining hip-hop with the blues is something a fair number of artists have dabbled in over the years, but G Love and his band Special Sauce, have made it a career for over two decades. . Samantha Fish / Cassie Taylor / Dani Wilde. Unemployment Highly Annoyed hints that The 48-year-old guitarist/vocalist isnt a happy man. But undergirding it all is a floor of blues that somehow holds this glorious mess of an album together. So theres 22. On El Dorado, King is backed by Gene Chrisman, Bobby Wood, and Dave Roe. While comparisons to Irelands wild man of the blues, Rory Gallagher, are somewhat inevitable, Martins sound is far from derivative. But What the Hell a challenge to current political/social polarization may be the albums standout track. Its recent Grammy nomination will hopefully see more people catching on. If nothing else, Roomful serves as an undeniable reminder of how the blues can sound with a solidly skilled horn section. Led by the illustrious Kim Simmonds on vocals, guitar and harmonica, Savoy Brown began in London 55 years ago and now based in New York. Let it Go is an almost painful listen. Megan and Rebecca Lovell on the endless possibilities of slide guitar and playing 21st-century blues. With a voice like hers, she rocks it with soul on One Shot, produced by Jamie Evans. If you enjoy our site, you can help with a small donation. 8. Huge mistake to suggest including an album we did not review. See here for Top 20 Blues, Rock & Roots Albums of 2019. Tackling the legendary works of Jimmy Rogers, Larry Williams and Jimmy Nolan is no easy undertaking, but Grammy nominated vocalist and blues harpist Kim Wilson is up for the task. Song Starter Kit: The Search for Happiness from Aquarius, Take The Wheel from Aquarius EP, Lie To Me from Lie To Me (Single). When life gives you lemons, as they say, Song Starter Kit: Cheats and Liars from Shining in the Half Light, Medicine Man Acoustic from Medicine Man Acoustic, Whats the Matter With You from Road I Call Home. And it's vital in bringing the blues to new ears and carrying the fire forwards. Led by vocalist/guitarist Robert Jon Burrison, whose voice is one of the most ear-pleasing today, the band includes Andrew Espantman, Steve Maggoria, Henry James and Warren Murrel. ); 2021 saw Lee release his first full-length album and his vocal capabilities, although perhaps not as developed as his playing, stand him in good stead for a long career ahead as a killer frontman. Call it the most unpredictable and challenging year yet and our number of albums fits right in. We did and love John Nemeths album. Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers (blues, blues-rock, R&B, funk, jazz) Saxophonist, singer-songwriter Video Website Josh Smith (blues, blues-rock, rock, funk, jazz) Guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer. Backing singers include Mahalia Barnes, Jade McRae and Juanita Tippins. Nice List, but I think you are missing the latest from Song Starter Kit: Bluesmans Child from Pain & Glory, If You See Him from Throw Away Your Blues, Beautiful Day from Throw Away Your Blues. BA1 1UA. Climax Chicago Blues Band. #233 of 750. Jack Broadbent But it seems likely that both problems will work themselves out in time. Ive had the pleasure of listening to 8 of these albums. Bryant is a rhythm and blues singer who doesnt leave the blues behind. For your listening convenience, weve also compiled a playlist with every song mentioned in this article, which you can listen to HERE. So it doesnt take a Gypsy soothsayer to announce this new album by guitarist and vocalist John Primer & harmonica master Bob Corritore is a top notch effort. Blacktop Run is a much better album than it might have been years earlier. If you enjoy our site, you can help with a small donation. If the title track doesnt send shivers up your spine, its time to have your spine examined. Recorded in Memphis by the Idaho born and bred Nemeth, Stronger than Strong engages the listener for all the reasons any great blues album engage the fans. Their fifth studio album, the songs are intense and moody with hints of the Delta. Daughter of cult Mancunian blues figure, Victor Brox, her musical career began when she was a teenager performing in his band. When two extraordinary Chicago bluesmen combine efforts, the results are predictably breathtaking. This R&B nine piece band won the Best Live Band at the San Diego Music Awards in 2020. With three albums under her belt already, theres no doubt that Baileys a gifted songwriter and band leader, but what really sets her apart from the pack is her smoky, soul-infused vocal delivery. Dont let the title of Jeremiah Johnsons latest album fool you. One of the very finest slide guitar players the UK has to offer, Martin Harley has been releasing music for 20 years and is a virtuoso in both laid back acoustic Weissenborn and fiery electric styles. In other words they know exactly where the blues lives. Joe Bonamassa Classic guest lesson: Joe Bonamassa (Image credit: Future) Joe shares some of his finest blues licks Joe is always high in this list every year - he's the biggest blues guitarist in the world, but also the hardest working. Along the way there was another Epiphone signature model, producing Eric Gales' forthcoming studio album, a film about his own remarkable career and Joe has even reversed roles to great effect interviewing his peers in the Live From Nerdville series (check it out here (opens in new tab) it's great). Put simply, Johns has bags of personality, and thats a weighty currency. It proves that, even when steeped in a century of tradition, the blues is as fresh as this mornings snow fall. Song Starter Kit: Bringing It Home from Bringing It Home (single), Shake a Bone from Shake a Bone, Devil Take My Soul from O2. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). British husband and wife duo When Rivers Meet have been riding high since they cleaned up at the 2021 UKBlues Awards, taking home four trophies in one night. After this auspicious start, Johns formidable chops as a guitarist, singer and songwriter were cultivated the hard way: in the trenches of bands, breakups and tours up and down the UK and far beyond. Blues infused Southern rock, the band self-produced this 11 track, all-original album thats fresh with contemporary, expansive sounds and pristine production. Released by Blue Corn Music, the record was captured live January 26th, 2019 at the 105-year-old Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas and is an overwhelming mix of Ruthies blues and gospel skills and fully-orchestrated big band arrangements. Martin Harley The style is instantly recognizable to his fans and likely to promptly convert those who arent yet fans. Described by its creator as a straight vintage-style blues album. Blues Bash is just that. But then again, strange is a word the listener would likely use a lot when describing Fantasic Negrito. The band formed in Dani Wilde, Victoria Smith, Samantha Fish 71 listeners We don't have a wiki here yet. King tribute Thank you Lucille and the hilarious album closer Money.. Theres gusto and redemption on One Shot, with Jackaman channeling anguish and grit into bold, swinging tunes. A stunning solo debut. Philip Sayce, Having gained a sturdy online following during lockdown, the dedication of When Rivers Meets fans has recently been proven in the real world as theyve played a string of jam-packed venues on their first ever UK headline tour. Anyone searching for the singers best work should remain in the realm of mainstream pop. You can also read the documentation to learn about Wordfence's blocking tools, or visit wordfence.com to learn more about Wordfence. The Allman Betts Band website, Former lead guitarist for The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kirk Fletcher is widely considered one of the best blues guitarists in the world. The sheer energy between Primer and Corrimore are enough to create magic. If this album is any indication, theyre just getting started. King Size Slim, AKA Toby Barelli, delivers raw, heartfelt, acoustic roots boogie. and "who is the greatest british blues musician ever?". This is the voice that couldnt give witness to a lie if Smither wanted it to. Toby Lee The hard-hitting Lookout man best demonstrates how heavily the guitar hero can rock while still remaining true to the blues world. Uncivil War is a definite high point in her career, and addresses vital issues of society and humanity. A recent inductee into the Blues Hall of Fame, Bettye Lavettes name may not be as familiar to some as other greats, but make no mistake, this blueswoman is deserving of the highest praise available. Rhode Island isnt typically thought of a hotbed of the blues, but the strong presence of Roomful of Blues, a revival jazz/blues band plants a giant feather in the cap of Americas tiniest state. Nearing his 80th birthday, Smithers voice shows wear, but this isnt a bad thing. Comparable to the bouncy energy of the John Butler Trio or Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals, Wille and the Bandits draw upon a whole world of influences. When people think of good blues rock, names of famous bands like Led Zeppelin, Cream, the Allman Brothers Band, as well as solo blues artists like the English powerhouse Eric Clapton, and American greats Stevie Ray Vaughn and B.B. Testament to his heavy hitting blues rock prowess, Barras has also toured Europe alongside Billy Gibbons as the frontman in Supersonic Blues Machine, and the band has opened for the likes of Black Stone Cherry, Beth Hart and Joanne Shaw Taylor. Song Starter Kit: The Razors Edge from No More Worlds to Conquer, United State of Mind from United State of Mind, Tide Of Confusion from Coming Closer To The Day. Everybody knows the name . This band packs a powerful sonic punch that could fill any room. All and all, Unemployed Highly Annoyed will do more than please you. . Joanne Shaw Taylor When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. There are those who believe the blues is a musical idiom that can only be mastered by Americans. This set of 10 originals penned by Simmonds, is energetic blues with spirit and vitality plus serious guitar chops. Each album is just as great as the other. Youre Gonna Need Me may be both the albums funniest and saddest track. MusicRadar is the number 1 website for music makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, djs or producers MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Larkin Poe have developed a slide blues sound that takes classic values forward without falling down intro the retro traps so many others have. Having taken cues from the likes of John Lee Hooker and Little Feats Lowell George, his guitar playing also resonates with an untamed intensity. ABOUT THE AWARDS READ THE RULES THE 2023 FINALISTS NOW LIVE No point in listening to them if they aren't actually good or even half-way decent british blues bands. My favorite on the list was Bless Your Heart. This is a lesson he seems to have learned from the greats of the blues. If available, you can also see information about where all british blues bands on this list got started. The year started strong with Joe being joined by a host of talent for his Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea V cruise in February, but when COVID changed the landscape for musicians he rallied for touring players in need from loss of earnings with his Fueling Musicians program. Blues Artist of the Year - sponsored by Blues in the South Blues Instrumentalist of the Year - sponsored by Digital Blues Ordinary Madness is a strong showing from one of the best guitarists, singer-songwriters of the modern era. The sound of hot valves and Strat single coils that characterised his sound early on is still very much his calling card, and its a reminder to all those starting out on the well-trodden path that cultivating your sound is far more valuable in the long run than reproducing the tones and licks of those who have come before no matter how accurately you might be able to do so. Review of Containment Blues With a killer voice, Grace rocks the 12 tracks, along with Aarons rich vocals and monster guitar riffs. Youre going to like what you hear. Bernard Allison website, Toronto native and #1 Billboard artist, Anthony Gomes is a blues/rock guitarist, singer-songwriter who propels blues/rock into the contemporary music culture. Absorb every note and become part of the movement. Born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz in an orthodox muslim household, the eccentric artist whose stage name is Fantastic Negrito has a sound and musical approach all his own. All of them deserve to be heard. The players who transcended 2020's lockdown blues. Picking a favorite would be tough, but the soft ballad Bell Bottom Blues (first made famous by Eric Claptain) is nothing short of heartbreaking. Among the albums best tracks are the Howling Wolf cover Smokestack Lightening and the surprisingly sensitive Honey Bee, Sail on. For the Bobby Rush fan Rawer than Raw is essential. An antidote to the overly-polished, overly-produced blues pop that sometimes drifts into the charts but never sticks around for too long, Broadbents vocals are full of natural, gritty charm. British husband and wife duo When Rivers Meet have been riding high since they cleaned up at the 2021 UKBlues Awards, taking home four trophies in one night. But somehow Zitos blues make us feel better. This is an incomplete list of British blues bands and musicians . His self-titled debut arrived last year but Kingfish has kept the momentum running with new singles; Rock & Roll's tribute to the mother he lost last year not just highly emotive, but also hinting a real crossover potential for him as an artist. Captured live at a packed music club in Germany, this live set is a raw and real set of blues mixed with rock, R&B, jazz and funk from Allisons collection since he began his solo career in the 1990s. If theres a finer blues harpist around these days, he or she must be well-hidden. Review of Maverick Their cover of the Phil Colins 80s hit In the Air Tonight will bring a rattle to your bone, but so will almost everything here. The Finnish blues supremo didn't let lockdown keep her down; she even released a Lockdown Live album from her rooftop show in Kuopio in June. Backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, the result is not just superb musicianship but a fresh sound with an emphasis on groove. Albert Castiglia website, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame guitarist Elvin Bishop and Grammy-winning harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite conspire as an awesome blues duo on their new album 100 Years of Blues on Alligator Records. More than anything else, he lets his soul lead the way. Altogether, it was a year of glorious surprises and traditions that havent outgrown their welcome and never will. Review of Ordinary Madness Despite the pandemic, 2020 brought so many outstanding blues, rock and roots albums. Theyd been in Europe on tour but COVID-19 cancelled their gigs. Fresh from scooping the awards for Acoustic Blues Artist of the Year and Blues Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2022 UKBlues awards, Northern Irelands Dom Martin is very much a musician breaking into his stride. From the youngest member of the list onto, shall we say, the most experienced. These artists/bands are in no particular order. King King website. Jared Leto, Thirty Seconds to Mars is an emo-inflected alternative rock group. Through All My Dues are Paid we learn of Beys humble and hurtful beginnings as a poor and black young man raised in the Jim Crow south.
One cursory listen might lead you into thinking their sound is Southern rockthey are much more than that. There's the jazz end of the blues; folk blues; blues rock; straight forward, honest to goodness, down home blues; Chicago blues; British blues; country blues; as well as white men. 10 questions for Joanne Shaw Taylor (opens in new tab). Song Starter Kit: 12 Gauge from A Savage Life, Blues On The Bay from A Savage Life, Hell For You from Spain to Italy. Info-video Chris Smither may have a better album in him yet, but thats hard to imagine. She made a big. Song Starter Kit: Bluesdaddy from Bluesdaddy, Never Rains from Hooks & Lines, Last Page from Something Old, Something New. Anything but traditional, he layers beatbox grooves with infectious vocal hooks and rowdy harmonica playing all wrapped up in a slightly maniacal (in a good way) on-stage persona. Peter Green (1946 - 2020) Peter Allen Greenbaum (29 October 1946 - 25 July 2020), known professionally as Peter Green, was an English blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. Kyla Brox Thank you. The set is a back porch session by two of the most famous blues players ever and lets Bishop and Musselwhite do it their own raw-boned way with minimal interference to disrupt the vibe. Taking influence from British folk, Americana and various flavours of world music as well as the blues, Harleys sound is something of a slow-cooked sonic one pot stew. Songs from the Road will make a believer of you. If not, you may want to stay away. 40 years in the blues business have only made Ellis better and more eloquent, which rocks because he obviously still has a lot to say. I purposely left off widely celebrated names such as Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, and more. Broadbents party trick is playing slide with a beat up hip flask, and it doesnt take too much imagination to figure out which creative stimulant likely played a big part in perfecting that skill. After all, what could be more heartbreaking than a man facing the demise of his car. And the albums other highlight is the soft, slow Rambling Blues. Much more than a platform of musical skills, this album reminds us how dark, dangerous and reckless the genre can become when done right. Born in Michigan in 1946, Lavettes vocal stylings owe as much to mainstream R&B that the blues, but her sweet, silky voice belongs as much in this genre as her harder-edged sisters. We'll put money on next year being an even bigger one. Veteran singer/songwriter Dion DiMucci has seen enough dramatic shifts in his careers direction to last a few lifetimes. (HTTP response code 503). { Not that this blues bash ever threatens to slow down. Love and Sympathy follows in a similar vein, urging the listener to keep love alive in times of turmoil and distress. He's proof positive of the timeless power the blues possesses in gifted hands his deep soulful vocals as potent with an acoustic as his Strat. At the rate Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters are keeping up with the times, we can expect to hear great music from them for another thirty years at least. Inspired by the current pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, its actually, an upbeat plea for us all to calm the hell down and have a little faith/ in the human race.. Think of her as a softer, more intimate Etta James. 20 Great New British Artists to Watch - Rolling Stone Music 20 Great New British Artists to Watch Wolf Alice, Lpsley, Stormzy and more By Rolling Stone July 6, 2016 Lady Leshurr & Let's Eat. Will Johns Heres how it works. Brox possesses and commands a vast vocal range and is also a highly accomplished flautist which works surprisingly well in a bluesy context. Plan to check out We Fly Free and One Shot also. As its title suggests, its a blues album that features a number of stunning cameo performances from noted stars of the blues world. If ever there was a bluesman suited for a bare bones recording style, it is Rush. Although not quite aged enough to qualify for legendary status in the blues world, hes established himself as a reliable presence, releasing album after album of gems. This list answers the questions "who are the best british blues bands of all time?" Picking standout tracks is tricky. The list includes all new british blues bands, and if there are any missing on the list, you can always add them yourself. Theres so much energy and life to Bernard Allison and his crew of A-list band of musicians on this album that highlights some of his best cuts from several of his albums. The next time you lament the death of the blues due to the neglect from younger generations, just give a quick listen to Memphis Loud by Victor Wainright and the Train and rejoice. Led by vocalist/guitarist Robert Jon Burrison, whose voice is one of the most ear-pleasing today, the band includes Andrew Espantman, Steve Maggoria, Henry James and Warren Murrel. Highly recommended. His unique blend of folk and blues could not possibly belong to anyone else and, for anyone unfamiliar with the legend, More From the Levee would be a wonderful place to start. Alastair Greene website, Legendary blues/rock veterans, Savoy Brown, released Aint Done Yet on Quarto Valley Records, much to fans delight. All Rights Reserved, Best of British: 15 UK Blues Artists to Check Out Today. Greene has all the guitar, vocal, and songwriting power anybody could ask for and will no doubt reach the heights of stardom we all dream of. You can click on the british blues band names to see more information about that particular notable british blues group. If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site, please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send". Many people consider King King to be the strongest blues/rock band out there these days and Maverick proves the band is worthy of such profound praise. I depend on you for my Blues recommendations and will go through all these albums. Kirk Fletcher website, Powerhouse, soulful vocalist and songwriter Shemekia Copeland released Uncivil War on Alligator Records, a defining entry in her discography. On this song, Wilsons harmonica must be heard to be believed. Huge mistake to spell his name wrong..Shepherd. Perhaps you didnt review John Nemeths new Stronger Than Strong album. Savoy Brown. Born in the unlikely city of Paris, France at a time (1965) when the blues seemed to be in commercial decline, Bernard Allison may not have been the blues hero we were expecting, but if his latest album is any indication, hes on a mission to prove himself capable of the job. Lincolnshires Jack Broadbent honed his craft by playing at open mic nights and busking on city streets. Keary, Until rudely interrupted by the global pandemic, Shaw Taylors touring schedule was one of the most tireless in the business, and her gutsy guitar playing and husky vocals are best appreciated live on stage. Happy New year 2021 to Blues and Rock.. Long live the blues and all these new and veterans musicians. At just 17 years old, Toby Lee has already packed tonnes into his musical career. To anyone concerned with the current state of the blues, Whitney Shays latest release Stand Up could have been delivered with you in mind. Great list! The full-voiced tenor has created an album that has its share of weaker moments, but on balance, Take Me Back is a strong work and fine introduction to the fan whod never before experienced his output. Also vital is Diggin Roots with Ron Artis the 2nd. The Music is the only one thing that support all of us in these mad times! An emerging talent on the UK circuit, Kyla Broxs blues is tinged with jazz, soul, funk and pop elements. Standouts include the plaintive Cant Start Over Again (with Jeff Beck) and What if I Told You (with Samantha Fish). 2,625,527 listeners. King Size Slim Song Starter Kit: Good Stuff from When the World Stood Still, One Way from Paths, Keep Your Head Up from New Breed. Denis, 41. Mike Zito website, Nine-time Blues Music Award winner and three-time Grammy nominee Ruthie Foster puts her big-league vocals into a brass-heavy big band setting on Live At The Paramount. Vote for the best artists to see them graduate to the top of the list. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. But as any fan of the genre knows, a little dust only makes the blues go down better. Review of El Dorado Blues With Friends boasts 12 tracks of strong songwriting, musical depth and mastery, along with Dions smooth vocals and skillful craft of blues. Photo: Jack Broadbent (Jack Fasano), When Rivers Meet (Rob Blackham, Troy Redfern (Rob Blackham), Elles Bailey (Rob Blackham), UK Blues. My Blues Pathway is a celebration of the blues and blues masters. What more could you want from a blues album? In times like these, its vital to get the occasional reminder of how fun the blues can be. Thankfully, Fletcher is happy to remind us again and again with solos that bend that mind as deftly as he bends strings. 1967 - by Colin Cooper, Pete Haycock, Derek Holt, Richard Jones, George Newsome and Arthur Wood. St. Louis Mike Zitos Quarantine Blues is that album and has a power that will outlast even the stubborn Coronavirus. If its not the albums best track its a close second to her cover of the stunning Billie Holiday classic Strange Fruit. Overall, Blackbirds is a very compelling piece of work. It will inspire you to live a more full life. We Fly Free, released by One Road Records, is their follow up to EP, Innocence of Youth, also released in 2020, When Rivers Meet possess a clear talent for songwriting as well. Zitos guitar work shines most on the hard-driving Dont Touch Me, but the standout track may be the closing track, What it used to be a soft and poignant ballad at a time when such a thing is desperately needed. This list is in no particular order. Review of Aint Done Yet Armed with a loop station, a briefcase full of harps and a bag of slightly homemade looking percussion instruments, Son of Dave is a one-man blues explosion. More likely, youll be walking down the street, headphones in, and only become alerted to the fact your gaits developed an unusual slink because people have started staring at you. Standout tracks include the soulful B.B. It sure would be at or near the top of my personal top 20 list of albums released in 2020. We could go on, but you get the picture: the guy is scarily good. Congratulations to all of these fine rocking blues musicians! Review of Ice Cream In Hell This is the sound that inspired him as a young man and has informed his musical journey from then until now. With a record-breaking number of votes from fans, from the Rock and Blues Muse Group, and our editorial staff, our faith in music fans has been reaffirmed. Dion website, British singer-songwriter Lynne Jackaman, former frontwoman of rock band, Saint Jude, released One Shot, recorded at Fame Studios, Muscle Shoals. But the musicians who stood out for you still found a way to reach people in the pandemic with standout albums and performances. For the non-fan, it is also essential and a likely tool for conversion! A member of the same post-war generation that spawned the likes of Clapton, Beck and Page, Trowers ability to dream-up and release new material has never really waned over the years, and if anything its accelerated in recent times. Landreth is perhaps the most identifiable guitarist in American music and routinely melds blues, rock, swamp, and singer-songwriter DNA into one of the few truly original styles in the roots music world. Dave Horton - Electric and Acoustic guitar . 2020 Blues Albums Spotify Playlist If 2020 will be forever remembered as the year of a deadly pandemic, it can also be thought of as a year that demonstrated the undying spirit of the blues. Robert Jon & The Wreck website, Slide guitar magic man Sonny Landreth lays it all on us on his 2020 record Black Top Run, a wonderful set of music released by Provogue/Mascot Label Group. And he's evolving fast; this year's El Dorado finds him really stretching out into soul and country under the production of Dan Auerbach (opens in new tab). Its refreshing to see these instruments sprung from the confines of folk music and given some rock n roll treatment. Contemporary rhythm and blues, rock and roll and funky rhythms weave their way through most songs on One Shot, brought to life by superb musicians and an electrifying vocalist. Thats awesome, glad our lists are helpful and you enjoy them! Boy Sit Down is very much a stand-out track with Change with the Time coming in a close second. This year, they performed a similar feat, claiming three more awards, including Blues Album of the Year for 2021s Saving Grace. Theres attitude by the fistful in everything the band has released to date, which is perhaps unsurprising when you consider that the heavily tattooed, Telecaster-wielding Barras is an ex-MMA cage fighter. Individuals [ edit] Ian A. Anderson Elles Bailey [1] Ginger Baker Long John Baldry [2] Chris Barber Norman Beaker [3] Jeff Beck [2] Duster Bennett [2] Graham Bond [2] Marcus Bonfanti [4] John Bonham [5] Geoff Bradford Jack Broadbent [6] Jack Bruce [2] Danny Bryant Eric Burdon We do not believe there is a best or least best. Combining hip-hop with the blues is something a fair number of artists have dabbled in over the years, but G Love and his band Special Sauce, have made it a career for over two decades. . Samantha Fish / Cassie Taylor / Dani Wilde. Unemployment Highly Annoyed hints that The 48-year-old guitarist/vocalist isnt a happy man. But undergirding it all is a floor of blues that somehow holds this glorious mess of an album together. So theres 22. On El Dorado, King is backed by Gene Chrisman, Bobby Wood, and Dave Roe. While comparisons to Irelands wild man of the blues, Rory Gallagher, are somewhat inevitable, Martins sound is far from derivative. But What the Hell a challenge to current political/social polarization may be the albums standout track. Its recent Grammy nomination will hopefully see more people catching on. If nothing else, Roomful serves as an undeniable reminder of how the blues can sound with a solidly skilled horn section. Led by the illustrious Kim Simmonds on vocals, guitar and harmonica, Savoy Brown began in London 55 years ago and now based in New York. Let it Go is an almost painful listen. Megan and Rebecca Lovell on the endless possibilities of slide guitar and playing 21st-century blues. With a voice like hers, she rocks it with soul on One Shot, produced by Jamie Evans. If you enjoy our site, you can help with a small donation. 8. Huge mistake to suggest including an album we did not review. See here for Top 20 Blues, Rock & Roots Albums of 2019. Tackling the legendary works of Jimmy Rogers, Larry Williams and Jimmy Nolan is no easy undertaking, but Grammy nominated vocalist and blues harpist Kim Wilson is up for the task. Song Starter Kit: The Search for Happiness from Aquarius, Take The Wheel from Aquarius EP, Lie To Me from Lie To Me (Single). When life gives you lemons, as they say, Song Starter Kit: Cheats and Liars from Shining in the Half Light, Medicine Man Acoustic from Medicine Man Acoustic, Whats the Matter With You from Road I Call Home. And it's vital in bringing the blues to new ears and carrying the fire forwards. Led by vocalist/guitarist Robert Jon Burrison, whose voice is one of the most ear-pleasing today, the band includes Andrew Espantman, Steve Maggoria, Henry James and Warren Murrel. ); 2021 saw Lee release his first full-length album and his vocal capabilities, although perhaps not as developed as his playing, stand him in good stead for a long career ahead as a killer frontman. Call it the most unpredictable and challenging year yet and our number of albums fits right in. We did and love John Nemeths album. Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers (blues, blues-rock, R&B, funk, jazz) Saxophonist, singer-songwriter Video Website Josh Smith (blues, blues-rock, rock, funk, jazz) Guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer. Backing singers include Mahalia Barnes, Jade McRae and Juanita Tippins. Nice List, but I think you are missing the latest from Song Starter Kit: Bluesmans Child from Pain & Glory, If You See Him from Throw Away Your Blues, Beautiful Day from Throw Away Your Blues. BA1 1UA. Climax Chicago Blues Band. #233 of 750. Jack Broadbent But it seems likely that both problems will work themselves out in time. Ive had the pleasure of listening to 8 of these albums. Bryant is a rhythm and blues singer who doesnt leave the blues behind. For your listening convenience, weve also compiled a playlist with every song mentioned in this article, which you can listen to HERE. So it doesnt take a Gypsy soothsayer to announce this new album by guitarist and vocalist John Primer & harmonica master Bob Corritore is a top notch effort. Blacktop Run is a much better album than it might have been years earlier. If you enjoy our site, you can help with a small donation. If the title track doesnt send shivers up your spine, its time to have your spine examined. Recorded in Memphis by the Idaho born and bred Nemeth, Stronger than Strong engages the listener for all the reasons any great blues album engage the fans. Their fifth studio album, the songs are intense and moody with hints of the Delta. Daughter of cult Mancunian blues figure, Victor Brox, her musical career began when she was a teenager performing in his band. When two extraordinary Chicago bluesmen combine efforts, the results are predictably breathtaking. This R&B nine piece band won the Best Live Band at the San Diego Music Awards in 2020. With three albums under her belt already, theres no doubt that Baileys a gifted songwriter and band leader, but what really sets her apart from the pack is her smoky, soul-infused vocal delivery. Dont let the title of Jeremiah Johnsons latest album fool you. One of the very finest slide guitar players the UK has to offer, Martin Harley has been releasing music for 20 years and is a virtuoso in both laid back acoustic Weissenborn and fiery electric styles. In other words they know exactly where the blues lives. Joe Bonamassa Classic guest lesson: Joe Bonamassa (Image credit: Future) Joe shares some of his finest blues licks Joe is always high in this list every year - he's the biggest blues guitarist in the world, but also the hardest working. Along the way there was another Epiphone signature model, producing Eric Gales' forthcoming studio album, a film about his own remarkable career and Joe has even reversed roles to great effect interviewing his peers in the Live From Nerdville series (check it out here (opens in new tab) it's great). Put simply, Johns has bags of personality, and thats a weighty currency. It proves that, even when steeped in a century of tradition, the blues is as fresh as this mornings snow fall. Song Starter Kit: Bringing It Home from Bringing It Home (single), Shake a Bone from Shake a Bone, Devil Take My Soul from O2. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). British husband and wife duo When Rivers Meet have been riding high since they cleaned up at the 2021 UKBlues Awards, taking home four trophies in one night. After this auspicious start, Johns formidable chops as a guitarist, singer and songwriter were cultivated the hard way: in the trenches of bands, breakups and tours up and down the UK and far beyond. Blues infused Southern rock, the band self-produced this 11 track, all-original album thats fresh with contemporary, expansive sounds and pristine production. Released by Blue Corn Music, the record was captured live January 26th, 2019 at the 105-year-old Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas and is an overwhelming mix of Ruthies blues and gospel skills and fully-orchestrated big band arrangements. Martin Harley The style is instantly recognizable to his fans and likely to promptly convert those who arent yet fans. Described by its creator as a straight vintage-style blues album. Blues Bash is just that. But then again, strange is a word the listener would likely use a lot when describing Fantasic Negrito. The band formed in Dani Wilde, Victoria Smith, Samantha Fish 71 listeners We don't have a wiki here yet. King tribute Thank you Lucille and the hilarious album closer Money.. Theres gusto and redemption on One Shot, with Jackaman channeling anguish and grit into bold, swinging tunes. A stunning solo debut. Philip Sayce, Having gained a sturdy online following during lockdown, the dedication of When Rivers Meets fans has recently been proven in the real world as theyve played a string of jam-packed venues on their first ever UK headline tour. Anyone searching for the singers best work should remain in the realm of mainstream pop. You can also read the documentation to learn about Wordfence's blocking tools, or visit wordfence.com to learn more about Wordfence. The Allman Betts Band website, Former lead guitarist for The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kirk Fletcher is widely considered one of the best blues guitarists in the world. The sheer energy between Primer and Corrimore are enough to create magic. If this album is any indication, theyre just getting started. King Size Slim, AKA Toby Barelli, delivers raw, heartfelt, acoustic roots boogie. and "who is the greatest british blues musician ever?". This is the voice that couldnt give witness to a lie if Smither wanted it to. Toby Lee The hard-hitting Lookout man best demonstrates how heavily the guitar hero can rock while still remaining true to the blues world. Uncivil War is a definite high point in her career, and addresses vital issues of society and humanity. A recent inductee into the Blues Hall of Fame, Bettye Lavettes name may not be as familiar to some as other greats, but make no mistake, this blueswoman is deserving of the highest praise available. Rhode Island isnt typically thought of a hotbed of the blues, but the strong presence of Roomful of Blues, a revival jazz/blues band plants a giant feather in the cap of Americas tiniest state. Nearing his 80th birthday, Smithers voice shows wear, but this isnt a bad thing. Comparable to the bouncy energy of the John Butler Trio or Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals, Wille and the Bandits draw upon a whole world of influences. When people think of good blues rock, names of famous bands like Led Zeppelin, Cream, the Allman Brothers Band, as well as solo blues artists like the English powerhouse Eric Clapton, and American greats Stevie Ray Vaughn and B.B. Testament to his heavy hitting blues rock prowess, Barras has also toured Europe alongside Billy Gibbons as the frontman in Supersonic Blues Machine, and the band has opened for the likes of Black Stone Cherry, Beth Hart and Joanne Shaw Taylor. Song Starter Kit: The Razors Edge from No More Worlds to Conquer, United State of Mind from United State of Mind, Tide Of Confusion from Coming Closer To The Day. Everybody knows the name . This band packs a powerful sonic punch that could fill any room. All and all, Unemployed Highly Annoyed will do more than please you. . Joanne Shaw Taylor When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. There are those who believe the blues is a musical idiom that can only be mastered by Americans. This set of 10 originals penned by Simmonds, is energetic blues with spirit and vitality plus serious guitar chops. Each album is just as great as the other. Youre Gonna Need Me may be both the albums funniest and saddest track. MusicRadar is the number 1 website for music makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, djs or producers MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Larkin Poe have developed a slide blues sound that takes classic values forward without falling down intro the retro traps so many others have. Having taken cues from the likes of John Lee Hooker and Little Feats Lowell George, his guitar playing also resonates with an untamed intensity. ABOUT THE AWARDS READ THE RULES THE 2023 FINALISTS NOW LIVE No point in listening to them if they aren't actually good or even half-way decent british blues bands. My favorite on the list was Bless Your Heart. This is a lesson he seems to have learned from the greats of the blues. If available, you can also see information about where all british blues bands on this list got started. The year started strong with Joe being joined by a host of talent for his Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea V cruise in February, but when COVID changed the landscape for musicians he rallied for touring players in need from loss of earnings with his Fueling Musicians program. Blues Artist of the Year - sponsored by Blues in the South Blues Instrumentalist of the Year - sponsored by Digital Blues Ordinary Madness is a strong showing from one of the best guitarists, singer-songwriters of the modern era. The sound of hot valves and Strat single coils that characterised his sound early on is still very much his calling card, and its a reminder to all those starting out on the well-trodden path that cultivating your sound is far more valuable in the long run than reproducing the tones and licks of those who have come before no matter how accurately you might be able to do so. Review of Containment Blues With a killer voice, Grace rocks the 12 tracks, along with Aarons rich vocals and monster guitar riffs. Youre going to like what you hear. Bernard Allison website, Toronto native and #1 Billboard artist, Anthony Gomes is a blues/rock guitarist, singer-songwriter who propels blues/rock into the contemporary music culture. Absorb every note and become part of the movement. Born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz in an orthodox muslim household, the eccentric artist whose stage name is Fantastic Negrito has a sound and musical approach all his own. All of them deserve to be heard. The players who transcended 2020's lockdown blues. Picking a favorite would be tough, but the soft ballad Bell Bottom Blues (first made famous by Eric Claptain) is nothing short of heartbreaking. Among the albums best tracks are the Howling Wolf cover Smokestack Lightening and the surprisingly sensitive Honey Bee, Sail on. For the Bobby Rush fan Rawer than Raw is essential. An antidote to the overly-polished, overly-produced blues pop that sometimes drifts into the charts but never sticks around for too long, Broadbents vocals are full of natural, gritty charm. British husband and wife duo When Rivers Meet have been riding high since they cleaned up at the 2021 UKBlues Awards, taking home four trophies in one night. But somehow Zitos blues make us feel better. This is an incomplete list of British blues bands and musicians . His self-titled debut arrived last year but Kingfish has kept the momentum running with new singles; Rock & Roll's tribute to the mother he lost last year not just highly emotive, but also hinting a real crossover potential for him as an artist. Captured live at a packed music club in Germany, this live set is a raw and real set of blues mixed with rock, R&B, jazz and funk from Allisons collection since he began his solo career in the 1990s. If theres a finer blues harpist around these days, he or she must be well-hidden. Review of Maverick Their cover of the Phil Colins 80s hit In the Air Tonight will bring a rattle to your bone, but so will almost everything here. The Finnish blues supremo didn't let lockdown keep her down; she even released a Lockdown Live album from her rooftop show in Kuopio in June. Backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, the result is not just superb musicianship but a fresh sound with an emphasis on groove. Albert Castiglia website, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame guitarist Elvin Bishop and Grammy-winning harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite conspire as an awesome blues duo on their new album 100 Years of Blues on Alligator Records. More than anything else, he lets his soul lead the way. Altogether, it was a year of glorious surprises and traditions that havent outgrown their welcome and never will. Review of Ordinary Madness Despite the pandemic, 2020 brought so many outstanding blues, rock and roots albums. Theyd been in Europe on tour but COVID-19 cancelled their gigs. Fresh from scooping the awards for Acoustic Blues Artist of the Year and Blues Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2022 UKBlues awards, Northern Irelands Dom Martin is very much a musician breaking into his stride. From the youngest member of the list onto, shall we say, the most experienced. These artists/bands are in no particular order. King King website. Jared Leto, Thirty Seconds to Mars is an emo-inflected alternative rock group. Through All My Dues are Paid we learn of Beys humble and hurtful beginnings as a poor and black young man raised in the Jim Crow south. Herbs That Release Endorphins,
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