Listening to Fulton Blues, a sense of visualization and reality takes hold, making the experience all the more immediate. The clarity and sparseness of the music lends itself to the experience and storytelling as well.

This is very much an album of atmosphere and mood. It is textured, but also ballsy in a quiet, understated way. Sublime. The players sound great, and Scaggs is smoother than ever.

This is blues with a pulse! There are several stellar tracks here. “Digital Blues” will remind you of 70’s soul with its great beat and crisp rhythm guitar (which is a welcome constant throughout the entire album). Bingham slides a nice little bluesy solo in and the keyboarding throughout is a nice touch.

The official, “Well we took a stab at it, thank god this only happens once a year, asking for crucifixion, 3 am cold sweat ‘oh no we forgot someone'” Top Ten(ish) Blues Albums of the Year Staff Picks

The official, “Well we took a stab at it, thank god this only happens once a year, asking for crucifixion, 3 am cold sweat ‘oh no we forgot someone'” Top Ten Blues Albums of the Year Staff Picks

Up until recently, Gary Clark Jr. was one of the best kept secrets in the…

You will notice several things listening to the Kirby Sewell Band. One, this guy has an understated energy and passion in what he’s doing. Two, he’s good at it, and three, he likes to have fun doing it.

Anthony Gomes is back. Not that he really left — but he IS back, invigorated and full of fire. His new album oozes energy and renewal, and his band is kicking too!

With the pinch of gospel and a mix of Los Lobos, Jeff Beck, and a flare of Gospel, Roy Trevino creates an incredible album.

As a final gift to us all, “Iron Man” Burks has left a fine statement of who he is and what he stood for. Every ounce of playing on this album is a cut above the rest, and every note is right where it should be.

A collection of stellar Florida guitarists, culled from their recent CDs issued on the Mosher St. Records label, under the auspices of the South Florida Blues Society!

Throwback blues from Rockabilly to New Orleans, with a “live” sound quality that evokes a Jimmy Vaughan feel, the Wailers drive home an incredible album.