In this column I feature new audio releases featuring blues-rock greats Walter Trout and Colin James as well as a concert recording from Johnny Marr.
Title: Sign of the Times (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso Walter Trout is back with his latest studio album, the forceful Sign of the Times. Although Trout is 74, the Southern California-based legend's signature vocals and fiery guitar work are as strong as ever. The artist has plenty to say lyrically, as evidenced by the introspective mid tempo sortie "I Remember," scorching Chicago blues original "Blood on my Pillow" showcasing his expressively stellar fret work, the heavy "Struggle To Believe," in sync with an increasingly crazy world, the timely "Hightech Woman" that playfully looks at the ever-increasing pace of technology. Other highlights include the confessional classic rock-mining "Hurt No More," the love-gone-bad blues foray "Too Bad" and beautiful country-tinged acoustic ballad "Mona Lisa Smile." Information: waltertrout.com.
Title: Chasing the Sun (Stony Plain Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Charlie Musselwhite, Lucinda Williams, Nils Lofgren, Colin Linden
Tell me more: In a perfect world the lead-off track ("Perfection") from Colin James' 21st and latest album Chasing the Sun would be all over radio and streaming services. An infectious blues-rock track where James and Americana songstress Lucinda Williams share lead vocals, "Perfection" is one of the best new cuts of 2025. And that alluring cut is just one of the great songs on Chasing the Sun, an 11-track album that celebrates James' talents as singer, guitarist and songwriter. Other standouts on the disc include the gospel-tinged "I'm Still Alive," buoyant blues romp "Devilment" (the latter featuring harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite), the soulful "How It Feels To Be Loved" and "Too Far Gone," the bewitching roots gem "Star Studded Sky," haunting "Open Your Mind" and John Hammond-penned acoustic blues foray "Come To Find Out" — the latter showcasing the instrumental talents of James, Hammond and electric guitarist Colin Linden. Information: colinjames.com.
Title: Look Out Live! (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Smiths, Johnny Marr
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/groundbreaking guitarist Johnny Marr is out today with a terrific two-disc concert recording that fully captures the power and energy of his live appearances. On the 22-track title — recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on the final date of his 2024 Spirit Power tour — Marr revisits some of his beloved material recorded when he was with '80s greats The Smiths as well as his brilliant solo work. Highlights include the captivating opener "Sensory Street," the propulsive "Generate! Generate!" and "Armatopia," the sweeping "Walk Into The Sea" and infectious "Easy Money." Marr delivers energetic and faithful takes on The Smiths' "Panic," "This Charming Man," "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want," "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and more. The concert was elevated by the appearance of Neil Tennant who reunited with Marr to perform '90s supergroup Electronic's hit "Getting Away With It" as well as a cover of David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel." Information: johnnymarr.com.
Robert Kinsler
No comments:
Post a Comment