Blues, Rock, Punk, Jazz among styles highlighted on new releases

Billy F Gibbons explores his blues influences, Soul Asylum's punk rock roots are revisited courtesy of two deluxe reissues, and an amalgam of styles are blended in a loving tribute cast by singer-guitarist Jonathan Butler. 

Artist: Billy F Gibbons
Title: The Big Bad Blues (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ZZ Top, James Harman
Tell me more: Billy F Gibbons has taken a slight detour from his active role as lead singer and guitarist in ZZ Top to celebrate the blues via his joyful The Big Bad Blues album. Offering up a mix of five reworked covers along with six of his own songs, the album is a fully-satisfying celebration of the genre. The lead-off track, a cover of "Missin' Yo' Kissin'," comes the closest to mirroring the Texas blues rock of ZZ Top but fans of that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio will be more than pleased with the full collection of songs on The Big Bad Blues. The Gibbons original "My Baby She Rocks" is a relatively slow tune but anchored by a deep groove and some nasty blues harp playing throughout the cut. The faster "Second Line" is a heavy Southern blues rocker, with Gibbons tastefully offering up plenty of flashy guitar work. Gibbons' "Let the Left Hand Know" is propulsive Chicago blues, with Gibbons' vocals and guitar work displaying a youthful fire that taps into the love that Gibbons obviously has for the musical form. Blues rarely races along with the speed and fire of "Rollin' and Tumblin'," yet another great reason to crank up this winning blues disc. Information: BillyGibbons.com.

Artist: Soul Asylum
Titles: Say What You Will...Everything Can Happen; Made To Be Broken (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Early '80s punk rock, Soul Asylum, Hüsker Dü, Loud Fast Rules
Tell me more: Years before Minneapolis-spawned rockers Soul Asylum scored radio hits like "Runaway Train," "Somebody to Shove" and "Black Gold" (from the 1992 masterwork outstanding Grave Dancers Union) they were a genuine punk band that released hard-hitting albums like 1984's Say What You Will...Everything Can Happen and 1986's Made To Be Broken. Both produced by Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü fame, the albums were originally issued by the area record label Twin/Tone and

have now been re-released as deluxe editions via Omnivore Recordings. Fans of old school punk rock and Minnesota alternative rock of that era will want to get these expanded editions, loaded with the original track listing of each LP as well as unreleased material and long-unavailable cuts too. Both of the notable reissues were co-produced by Twin/Tone Records co-founder and Replacements manager Peter Jesperson (who first signed the band) and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, with the remastering of the new editions completed by Grammy winner Michael Graves. Among this writer's favorite tracks on the first set is the blistering "Back And Blue," the tuneful saxophone-anchored "Stranger" and a previously-unreleased demo of the song "Cocktails" (recorded when the band was known as Loud Fast Rules). "Made To Be Broken" features the album's original 12 tracks, as well as 15 bonus tracks including some great outtakes from the "Made To Be Broken" recording sessions. The racing "Long Way Home," catchy "Freeway" and hard rock-meets-punk "Hey Bird" are among the standouts on the reissue. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com or SoulAsylum.com.

Artist: Jonathan Butler
Title: Close To You (Artistry Music)
You might like if you enjoy: George Benson, Burt Bacharach, Jonathan Butler
Tell me more: Even well-known material such as "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and "Alfie" get a fresh coat of sonic paint across Jonathan Butler's Close To You, a full-length tribute to songs created by the classic team of lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach. A native of South Africa, Butler has a terrific voice able to tackle the jazz-meets-R&B style of Bacharach's musical stamp while simultaneously fusing the beloved classics with his own style.  An early highlight is the uptempo "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" with soaring vocals, a driving rhythm and all-around great arrangement. The approach on "This Guy's in Love With You" draws strong and favorable comparisons with the sound of Stevie Wonder's groundbreaking '70s material. "I Say A Little Prayer" has a definite gospel intro before Butler slides into an arrangement showcasing his shining lead guitar work. One of the most impressive turns comes via "Walk On By," which takes on a wistful and soulful tone. Another standout is "What the World Needs Now Is Love," which reveals its magic via a sparse but deeply affecting run. Butler even includes one of his own gems, the joyful "Cape Town" whose spirited moodscape is a perfect fit on the album. Looking ahead, Butler will be a featured performer on the Dave Koz & Friends tour, which includes a number of dates in November and December 2018. Information: JonathanButler.com.

Robert Kinsler