Any Mick Kolassa outing features great compositions, always performed with verve, joy, finesse. There’s always that feeling of being home, on the porch with friends, just playing music that makes us smile.

Audition ‘More Guitars Than Friends’ soon, through a great set of headphones. This is an album that really cries out for that.

On ‘Long Road,’ Rein confirms she is a rare talent with the ability to capture the listener and hold them throughout the album. This album is a gem that should be in every blues fan’s music library.

One of the hottest albums out this year, ‘The Royal Gospel’ certainly deserves a spin in your house (or car).

As an album, Ergo Sum, which means “Therefore I am,” dazzles with sensational washes of blues and rock. Sponza and company create impressive portraits of the human condition, punctuated with marvelous rhythms, leads, back-beats, and perfect accents.

“…along with Guillen’s expressive guitar lines, Claire Adams lays down melodic bass lines with Tal Wilkenfeld finesse and sensibility, while Stephanie Williams, with deft hands, does so much more than just keep time and move the beat on drums.”

This record is such a fine example of how Magic Sam mixes a perfect soul stew, seasoned with a huge helping of heart, and blues.

As we all know, Walter Trout is back with a vengeance. He is playing with passion and ferocity, performing like he has a new lease on life, because in fact, he does.

There is no question that Davina and The Vagabonds captures the sounds of the roaring twenties. Guys and dolls would be feelin’ blue if they didn’t add this to their music collection.

Treat your ears to something unique and satisfying, and get cozy with “Show Your Love” soon. This album will change thinking about what blues can be.

Start your summer on the right track and pick up From the Root to the Fruit, destined to become a classic.

“Hard times are not our choice, but the bad decisions are within the realm of choice,” Lisa says. “This is about the balance between the karma you inherit and the karma you create. You can do something about that.”