Modern day bluesman Mike Zito, legendary singer-songwriter great Tom Rush and Canadian soul singer Jeff Rogers are back with new albums.
Title: Life Is Hard (Gulf Coast Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Gary Moore, Walter Trout, Joe Bonamassa
Tell me more: Blues great Mike Zito's aptly-titled Life Is Hard is an outstanding album, bolstered by uniformly incredible musicianship, the impressive production talents of Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, a truly stellar track listing and an emotional backdrop where Zito's wife Laura passed away from cancer prior to the recording of the 12-track project. The uptempo take on Little Milton's "Lonely Man," searing Fred James-penned Chicago blues title track (the latter really showcasing Zito's strong vocals), gospel-meets-blue take on Stevie Wonder's "Have a Talk with God" and his own soulful "Forever My Love" are among the early terrific cuts on the album. A gritty Southern fried take on Tinsley Ellis' "Dying to do Wrong," sumptuous cover of the Guess Who classic "These Eyes," yearning reading of Tab Benoit's "Darkness" bolstered by fiery lead guitar work, Zito's own romance-themed "Without Loving You" and chilling "Death Don't Have No Mercy" (written by Gary Davis) extend the album's palpable magic on its last half. Information: mikezito.com.
Title: Gardens Old, Flowers New (Appleseed Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, Donovan
Tell me more: Legendary folk singer Tom Rush is set to return with his wonderful new album Gardens Old, Flowers New on March 1 (the Appleseed Records title marks his first new album since 2018's Voices). Among the earliest heroes of the singer-songwriter movement, Rush is joined on his highly-anticipated return by a group of great players who add keyboards, hurdy-gurdy, percussion, dobro, sax, penny whistle, harmonica and more to the disc's wonderful acoustic soundscape. The Matt Nakoa-produced Gardens Old, Flowers New finds Rush, 83, exploring the highs and lows of life, and frequently using humor to further propel the compelling originals. The range of material amazes at every turn, and Rush's strong vocals and acoustic guitar work perfectly enhance the tracks. Highlights include the Americana anthem "Glory Road," the nuanced instrumental "Lullaby in E," nostalgic "Toy Boat Song," mortality-minded "One More Time Around the Sun," bewitching "Siena's Song" and yearning "The Harbor." The Celtic-tinged "If You Will Love Me" explores the magic of romantic connection with poignancy and poetic grace. Information: TomRush.com and AppleseedMusic.com.
Title: Dream Job (Diesel Management Productions)
You might like if you enjoy: Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Gavin DeGraw
Tell me more: Canadian singer-songwriter Jeff Rogers brings a wealth of soul to his wonderful new album Dream Job. Recorded at Wishbone Studios in legendary Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Rogers is backed by guitarist Kelvin Holly (Little Richard, Bobby Bland), keyboardist Clayton Ivey (The Staple Sisters, Thelma Houston), drummer Justin Holder (Keb' Mo', Delbert McClinton) and bassist Shonna Tucker (Booker T. Jones, Drive-By Truckers) upping the musical proceedings across the nine-track album. First and foremost, Rogers' incredible lead vocals make a bold and memorable statement across Dream Job, notably on the soulful opener "Her Kind of Trouble," infectious R&B track "Lock & Key," deeply affecting title track, soul-drenched blues ballad "Wish You Wouldn't Go" and heartfelt "Saving This Bottle of Wine." Adding icing on the sonic cake are guests Colin Linden (whose slide guitar is heard on the New Orleans-flavored "Mind of Your Own") and Kellylee Evans (whose vocals shine on the romantic gem "So Worth the Wait"). Information: jeffrogers.ca.
Robert Kinsler
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