New music: Big Stir Records Halloween collection, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Dave Keyes, 38 Special, Spike Jones

In this column I review five new audio titles.

Artists: Strawberry Alarm Clock, Graham Parker, Splitsville, The Armoires, more

Title: Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Strawberry Alarm Clock, sparkle*jets u.k., The Spongetones, The Corner Laughers
Tell me more: With Halloween's arrival in a couple of weeks, now is the perfect time to grab a listen of the marvelous Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire. Twenty-one Big Stir Records artists contribute tracks to the outstanding set available now; the timely must-have collection is available as a deluxe double vinyl LP (on green wax and including a playable board game featuring the artists — as well as monsters and spooky game pieces to play it), as well as on audio CD and via streaming services. Early standouts on the ambitious set include Librarians With Hickeys' '60s flavored "Ghoul You Want" which conjures up the magic of The Zombies' classic recordings, sparkle*jets u.k.'s novelty delight "Eyeball Eater (From Outer Space)," The Corner Laughers' melodic "Dark Matter," the Armoires' wonderfully sumptuous "Full-On Witch Mode," The Spongetones' bewitching harmonies-adorned "Spirit World (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Splitsville's propulsive post-punk sortie "I Was A Teenage Frankenstein," and Graham Parker & The Goldtops' concert recording of the rollicking "Music Of The Devil." The collection's ghoulish parade of delights continue via The Jack Rubies' genre-blending "Phantom (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Blake Jones & The Trike Shop's aptly-titled "Halloween Wind," The Gold Needles' indie rock gem "Ghost In The Airwaves," Crossword Smiles' power pop nugget "Black Cats & Broken Mirrors," Dolph Chaney's collaboration with The Speed of Sound (the exhilarating "Zombie Century"), Strawberry Alarm Clock's haunting "Monsters" and many more great cuts. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

Title: Hard Road (Red Zero Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, Walter Trout
Tell me more: On his latest album Hard Road, singer-songwriter/guitar great Christone "Kingfish" Ingram certifies his place as one of his generation's most talented and essential new talents. Blending a number of musical genres with a master's touch, Kingfish's latest full-length effort is fueled by a drive to fuse his stellar guitar work and signature vocals with songwriting inspired by his life. Highlights abound on the Grammy Award-winning artist's fourth album including the confessional blues rockers "Truth" and "Bad Like Me," the soulful ballad "Clearly" bolstered by his expressive lead guitar work, sizzling "Voodoo Charm," acoustic Delta jewel "Memphis," fiery blues rocker "Back to L.A." and affecting R&B cut "Nothin' But Your Love." Information: christonekingfishingram.com.

Artist: Dave Keyes

Title: Two Trains (MoMojo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: TBA
Tell me more: Set for release on Oct. 24, Dave Keyes' outstanding new album Two Trains is filled with compelling blues tracks that address the "good/bad, love/loss, dark/light" — thus the two tracks that we travel down on our own life journeys. The rousing opener "Blues Ain't Looking For You," aptly-pegged "Boogie Till the Cows Come Home," affecting "I'm Alright," propulsive "What Just Happened," instrumental piano-anchored "Boogie for Patty," and beautiful "Rest In Peace." The 10-track album features guest and legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, as well as appearances by harmonica ace Rob Paparozzi, bassist Mike Merritt, slide guitarist Chris Bergson, and vocalist Alexis P. Suter. Two Trains features Keyes co-writing eight of its 10 songs with songwriting partner Mark Sameth. Keyes' official Two Trains album release show and party with his band will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1 at The Turning Point in Piermont, New York with shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Information: momojorecords.com.

Artist: 38 Special

Title: Milestone (38 Special Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Power Station, 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Tell me more: 38 Special is back! The legendary Southern rock outfit led by lead singer-guitarist/co-founder Don Barnes that is behind rock hits including "Hold On Loosely" and "Caught Up In You" have released Milestone, the band's first new music in more than 20 years. The nine-track album features the group's signature blend of infectious guitar-anchored rock including the melodic opener "So Much So Right," heavy anthem "Slightly Controversial," enchanting "All I Haven't Said" and "Long Long Train," rocking sing-along "The Main Thing" and "Looking For My Life," and winning "Making Up For Lost Time." The album features guests and co-writes with Pat Monahan (Train) and Randy Bachman (Bachman Turner-Overdrive, The Guess Who) and longtime collaborator Jim Peterik (Survivor). 38 Special will perform at Gila River Resorts & Casinos in Chandler, AZ on Nov. 14. Information: 38special.com.

Artist: Spike Jones

Title: Spike Jones In Stereo: A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Spike Jones, Omnivore Recordings reissues, Dr. Demento, novelty records
Tell me more: Spike Jones' Originally issued in 1959, Spike Jones In Stereo: A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! has returned to physical formats for the first time in nearly 50 years — fully remastered and presented with new liner notes featuring new interviews with Spike's children: multi-Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Ann Jones, Emmy-winning producer-director Spike Jones Jr., Linda Lee Jones and Gina Jones. The late Lindley Armstrong "Spike" Jones (he passed away in May 196 at the age of 53) was celebrated for his recordings that specialized in spoof arrangements and satire of popular songs. The Halloween-minded A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! delivers on Spike's groundbreaking approach with 10 timeless selections featuring the then-new format of stereo. The collection is available on slime-green vinyl and audio CD. Highlights include the spooky opener "I Only Have Eyes For You," hilarious Alfred Hitchcock-minded "Poisen to Poisen [Interview With A Famous Poisenality]," romantic duet "(All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings [Vocal by Dracula and Vampira]," smart "Everything Happens To Me [Lament By Frankenstein]," swinging rockabilly gem "Monster Movie Ball [Vocal By The Fiend-ager]," vaudeville-flavored "My Old Flame [Vocal By I.M. Arson]" and ambitious "This Is Your Death [Featuring Dr. Jekyll And Other Ghouls] / Two Heads Are Better Than One [Beatnick Duet]." Discerning listeners will recognize the distinctive vocals of Paul Frees, Thurl Ravenscroft, George Rock and Louie Jean Norman featured on the title. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: The Flashcubes, KP Hawthorn, Candice Ivory

In this column I feature a review of a full-length tribute to power pop favorites The Flashcubes as well as collections featuring singer/multi-instrumentalist KP Hawthorn and blues songstress Candice Ivory. 

Artists: The Flashcubes, sparkle*jets u.k., Dolph Chaney, The Armoires, Sorrows, more

Title: Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Big Star, The Knack, Weezer
Tell me more: The legacy of Syracuse, New York-spawned quartet The Flashcubes is front and center on the stellar new 24-track collection Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes, available now courtesy of Big Stir Records. Formed in the late 1970s, The Flashcubes are in the Power Pop Hall Of Fame rightfully alongside fellow genre champions Big Star, Cheap Trick and Raspberries. Among the slew of great early offerings on Make Something Happen! are sparkle*jets u.k.'s shimmering "Make Something Happen," Librarians With Hickeys' rollicking "Gone Too Far," a collaboration between Graham Parker and Mike Gent on the hearty "Pathetic," The Kennedys' jazzy "Walking Through The Park," and Dolph Chaney's post-punk nugget "Girl From Germany." Make Something Happen!'s delights continue via gems such as The Peppermint Kicks' exuberant "Muscle Beach," The Choosers' tender "Christi Girl," The Armoires' harmonies-draped "You're Not The Police," The Mayflowers' ambitious "Born To Cry," Sorrows' beguiling "Radio" and euphoric disc closing "Nothing Really Matters When You're Young" courtesy of The Spongetones. In addition to all the top-tier readings of Flashcubes classic materials are a trio of new cuts contributed by the Flashcubes; the infectious lead-off single "Reminisce," the soaring "The Sweet Spot" and deeply affecting "If These Hands" are rousing additions to the band's growing legacy and allow each of the band's songwriters — guitarist Paul Armstrong, bassist Gary Frenay and guitarist Arty Lenin — to shine. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: KP Hawthorn

Title: Til The Glitter End (Mule Kick Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosie Flores, Beth Nielsen-Chapman
Tell me more: Already celebrated for her signature vocals, sterling songwriting and role as a founding member of both The HawtThorns and CALICO, KP Hawthorn has just released her outstanding full-length solo album Til The Glitter End. The new album — which finds Hawthorn contributing vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards, mandolin and percussion along the way — was co-produced by Hawthorn with Steve Berns, and recorded at The Fitting Room Studio in Nashville. The lead-off track "Fool's Gold" immediately highlights Hawthorn's rich soprano, a beautiful instrument that carries emotional weight with each note. The album's parade of splendid cuts includes the rowdy country sortie "High Road" (the latter featuring legendary Rosie Flores on electric guitar), the enchanting "Roll Away The Stone," the irresistible "San Andreas Shake," Americana ballad "Come To Me" and beautifully introspective "The Lone Ranger," as well as a gorgeous disc-ending cover of Led Zeppelin's "Going To California" (the latter featuring guitarist-singer Johnny Hawthorn and violinist San Madigan). Information: https://kphawthorn.bandcamp.com/album/til-the-glitter-end.

Artist: Candice Ivory

Title: New Southern Vintage (Nola Blue Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, Susan Tedeschi, Mavis Staples
Tell me more: Grammy-nominated blues songstress Candice Ivory's New Southern Vintage takes listeners on a marvelous trip through the richest corners of blues music, her soulful soprano used in the service of more than a dozen outstanding tracks that celebrate the American genre in spades. Fans of traditional and modern blues will be immersed in Ivory's artful approach when showcasing her own material as well as other material featured on the title. Her dynamic vocals are particularly powerful on the blistering opener "Ain't So Blind," the spirited take on Joe Hick's "I'm In Trouble" (the latter featuring the amazing harmonica of Jan Hartmann), the soulful "Look Away," the hypnotic "Catfish Blues" that finds Ivory sharing lead vocals with Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, the tradition-steeped "Corrina," and superlative versions of Memphis Minnie's "World of Trouble" and "Shout the Boogie." Information: nolabluerecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram Shares Fresh/Funky New Song; New Studio Album out Sept 26

Singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso Christone "Kingfish" Ingram is back with new music. Hear his new song "Bad Like Me" and learn more about the artist via the media release below. You can read my review of his Sept. 10, 2021 concert at The Coach House HERE...Robert Kinsler

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram at The
Coach House on Sept. 10, 2021 / Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM SHARES NEW SONG, “BAD LIKE ME” - LISTEN   FRESH AND FUNKY SINGLE HERALDS GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING BLUES, ROCK ‘N’ ROLL, SOUL, AND R&B MUSICIAN’S MOST INTROSPECTIVE AND AMBITIOUS PROJECT THUS FAR   HARD ROAD ARRIVES VIA KINGFISH’S OWN RED ZERO RECORDS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26   WIDE RANGE OF FORMATS AVAILABLE INCLUDING PURPLE & GOLD SWIRL VINYL EXCLUSIVE TO THE OFFICIAL CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM WEBSTORE   100 UNITS WORLDWIDE TO INCLUDE SPECIAL GOLDEN TICKET INSERT GIVING WINNERS PAIR OF TICKETS TO KINGFISH SHOW OF THEIR CHOICE   "THE HARD ROAD WORLD TOUR" INCLUDES HEADLINE DATES, TOP-BILLED FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES AND MORE THROUGH 2025 AND BEYOND   PRE-ORDERS/PRE-SAVES AVAILABLE NOW

GRAMMY® Award-winning blues, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, and R&B musician Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has shared his new single, “Bad Like Me,” available everywhere now. The fresh and funky track heralds the arrival of Kingfish’s eagerly anticipated new album, Hard Road, due via his own Red Zero Records on Friday, September 26. Pre-orders/pre-saves are available now. Hard Road will be offered in a wide range of formats, including digital, standard Green & White Swirl vinyl, and limited-edition of 500 Purple & Gold Swirl vinyl, available exclusively via the official Christone “Kingfish” Ingram webstore; 100 of these will include a special Golden Ticket insert that will give winners a pair of tickets to a Kingfish show of their choice.   “‘Bad Like Me’ is definitely something different,” says Kingfish, “because everyone who knows me knows that I'm not a braggadocious person. But there ain’t nothing wrong with looking around and being like, ‘Hey man, I really dig this. It’s a good song…no, it’s a great song.”   LISTEN TO “BAD LIKE ME” PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE HARD ROAD   Kingfish’s fourth album and first new studio collection since 2021’s GRAMMY® Award-winning 662, Hard Road also includes the fiery first single, “Voodoo Charm,” available everywhere now.   LISTEN TO “VOODOO CHARM” A blistering blend of Kingfish’s trademark guitar pyrotechnics with funk-powered swagger, “Voodoo Charm” has fast proven a fan favorite as Kingfish introduces the world to Hard Road on an epic North American tour that includes headline dates, top-billed festival performances, and more with dates currently underway and then continuing through October. Widely regarded as one of contemporary blues’ most dynamic live performers, Ingram will then take “The Hard Road Tour” across the Atlantic for eagerly awaited shows in the EU and the UK through November. In 2026, Kingfish will make headline appearances on both the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #44: Eastern Caribbean (January 24-31, 2026) and Jam Cruise 22 (February 7-12, 2026). For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.christonekingfishingram.com/kingfish-tour.   A native son of Clarksdale, Mississippi — a city steeped in blues history — Christone “Kingfish” Ingram stands at the crossroads of legacy and innovation, channeling the spirit of the Delta while fearlessly reshaping its future. His mastery of the guitar, steeped in the tones of B.B. King, Albert King, and Buddy Guy, first turned heads when he was still a teenager. But what sets Ingram apart is how he’s expanded the form, blending in funk, soul, hip-hop, pop, and jazz to create a modern blues fusion that resonates across generations and genres. 2019’s debut album, Kingfish, topped Billboard’s “Blues Albums” for an incredible 91 weeks and earned him his first GRAMMY® Award nomination, plus three Blues Music Awards, including “Album of the Year.” Kingfish followed up with 2021’s 662, titled after his Mississippi area code, which won both the GRAMMY® Award and Blues Music Award for “Best Contemporary Blues Album.” In 2023, the incendiary Live In London received yet another GRAMMY® Award nomination as well as his second Blues Music Award for “Album of the Year” and third consecutive triumph in the “Best Contemporary Blues Album.”   Now, with Hard Road, Kingfish reflects on a journey that’s taken him from local prodigy to global torchbearer for a new era of blues. Executive Produced by Ingram and Ric Whitney for Red Zero Records with production by Patrick “Guitar Boy” Hayes, Nick Goldston, and longtime collaborator Tom Hambridge, the album marks Kingfish’s most introspective and ambitious project thus far – lyrically, emotionally, sonically, and thematically. Songs such as “Nothin’ But Your Love” and “Standing On Business” explore love, loss, identity, perseverance, and personal growth, but with a harder, emotionally rich edge to Ingram’s signature sound. As always, Kingfish’s renowned guitar work is both explosive and tender, a fusion of rock and R&B sensibilities with vulnerable, honest, resilient blues at its heart. A true statement of purpose from an artist who has already made history and is only getting started, Hard Road is infused with the wisdom of someone who’s lived through transformation, seen the world, and returned home changed.   “This record comes from real-life reflection,” says Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. “I’ve been balancing fame, heartbreak, love, and relationships while trying to stay grounded, touring, creating, and maturing. These songs are about owning my story. They’re about learning to see myself clearly and seeing others with more compassion. That’s changed the way I write, the way I play, and the way I live.”   # # #

Photo Credit: Jen Rosenstein

# # #  CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM THE HARD ROAD WORLD TOUR 2025-2026   JULY 24 - Scottsdale, AZ - Talking Stick Casino Resort Showroom 25 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre 27 – Salt Lake City, UT – Red Butte Garden   AUGUST 14 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre 15 – Evansville, IN – Mojo’s BoneYard (SOLD OUT) 16 – Evansville, IN – Mojo’s BoneYard (SOLD OUT) 28 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom 30 – Bremerton, WA – Kitsap Blues Music Festival †   SEPTEMBER 4 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall 5 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle 6 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre 7 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel 9 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre 12 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theater 13 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City Bham (SOLD OUT) 14 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues 16 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads 17 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory 19 – Chicago, IL – Park West 20 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall 21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh International Jazz Fest † 24 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage 25 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer 27 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza 28 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony   OCTOBER 1 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club 2 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground 3 – Montreal, QC – Théâtre Beanfield 4 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall 8 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre 9 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Hall (Mainstage) 10 – Memphis, TN – Overton Park Shell 16 – Los Angeles, CA – The Ford 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore 19 – Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre 20 – Grass Valley, CA – Center for the Arts 24 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park 25-11/1 – San Diego, CA – Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #43: Sea of Cortez † (SOLD OUT)   NOVEMBER 7 – Berlin, Germany – Columbia Theater 9 – Munich, Germany – Technikum 10 – Zurich, Switzerland – Kaufleuten 11 – Leverkusen, Germany – Leverkusener Jazztage 13 – Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik 14 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg 16 – Paris, France – La Cigale 18 – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town 19 – Manchester, UK – Albert Hall 20 – Wolverhampton, UK – Wulfrun Hall 21 – Glasgow, UK – The Old Fruitmarket 23 – Leeds, UK – Stylus   DECEMBER 3 – Starksville, MS – Mississippi State University (Lyceum Series) 5 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom 6 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theater 7 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall   JANUARY 2026 24-31 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #44: Eastern Caribbean †   FEBRUARY 2026 7-12 – Port of Miami, FL – Jam Cruise 22 †   † FESTIVAL APPEARANCE   # # #   CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM HARD ROAD (Red Zero Records) Release Date: Friday, September 26, 2025

Tracklist: Truth Bad Like Me S.S.S. Nothin’ But Your Love Crosses Voodoo Charm Back To LA Clearly Standing On Business Hard To Love Memphis

CONNECT WITH CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Alligator Records artists receive nine awards at 46th Annual Blues Music Awards

Tommy Castro performing at the
Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo credit: Daryl Weisser

Check out the official media release that just arrived in my inbox. Congrats to the strong field of blues greats who earned top honors at the 46th Annual Blues Music Awards last night. I've had a chance to catch most of the award winners in concert over the years and each is definitely deserving of these honors. Learn more about Alligator Records and visit the record label's official website HERE...Robert Kinsler

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram performing at The Coach
House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Sept. 10, 2021.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

ALLIGATOR RECORDS ARTISTS RECEIVE NINE BLUES MUSIC AWARDS Ronnie Baker Brooks Wins Three Awards, Including Song Of The Year For Blues In My DNA Shemekia Copeland, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Tommy Castro, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Billy Branch And Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith (Of The Cash Box Kings) Each Receive One Award

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Blues Foundation announced the winners for the 46th Annual Blues Music Awards. Seven Alligator Records artists were honored with nine Blues Music Awards. Leading all artists with three wins is Ronnie Baker Brooks. Brooks won Song Of The Year for Blues In My DNA, the title track from his Alligator Records debut. He also won the awards for Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year (for Blues In My DNA) and for Contemporary Artist Of The Year (Male). Multiple GRAMMY-nominee Shemekia Copeland won the top Album Of The Year Award for her 2024 release, Blame It On Eve. Copeland now holds 16 Blues Music Awards Rick Estrin & The Nightcats took home the coveted award for Band Of The Year. This is the third time the band has received this high honor.   GRAMMY Award-winner Christone "Kingfish" Ingram won Instrumentalist--Guitar, his 10th Blues Music Award. Tommy Castro won Blues Rock Artist. Billy Branch won Instrumentalist--Harmonica, and drummer Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith (of The Cash Box Kings) was awarded Instrumentalist--Drums. The 46th Annual Blues Music Awards were held in Memphis, Tennessee on Thursday, May 8 at The Renasant Convention Center. Click here for a full list of award winners. Alligator artists and their Blues Music Awards follow:

Contemporary Blues Male Artist Contemporary Blues Album (Blues In My DNA) Song Of The Year -- Blues In My DNA, performed and written by Ronnie Baker Brooks

Album Of The Year (Blame It On Eve)

Band Of The Year

Blues Rock Artist

Instrumentalist -- Guitar

Instrumentalist -- Harmonica

Instrumentalist -- Drums: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith

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