Blues 236 Items

As part of their 20th Anniversary celebrations, Strut present the first new volume in their pioneering ‘Nigeria 70’ series for over 8 years, bringing together rare highlife, Afro-funk and juju from the ‘70s and early ‘80s. Compiled by collector and DJ Duncan Brooker, this new selection of tracks is receiving its first international release outside of Nigeria.

The compilation returns to a fertile heyday in Nigerian music when established styles like highlife and juju became infused with elements of Western jazz, soul and funk and musicians brought a proud new message post-independence. Brooker places the spotlight particularly on some of the incredible Ukwuani musicians from the Delta State region as guitarist Rogana Ottah and Steady Arobby’s International Brothers Band forged their own fluid brand of highlife and soulman Don Bruce drew on the US R&B greats for a series of great albums and explosive stage shows at his residency at Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Elsewhere, the album explores the close connection between Nigeria and Benin’s music, most famously through Sir Victor Uwaifo, appearing here with a killer mid‘80s ekassa jam, as well as highlife hitmaker Osayamore Joseph on ‘Obonogbozu’ (Joseph made headlines in Nigeria for very different reasons in 2017, surviving a one month kidnapping ordeal).

Other tracks include ‘Sickness’ a 1979 lament on how all countries share troubles by Prince Nico Mbarga, the Nigerian / Camerounian star behind the smash hit ‘Sweet Mother’; reggae singer Felixson Ngasia switches to funk and disco for a heavy workout with potent lyrics around black identity; another major highlife great Etubom Rex Williams unleashes a punchy psych funk gem with ‘Psychedelic Shoes’ and Africa 70 member Pax Nicholas vocals a simmering Afrobeat groove from Jacob Lee’s Saxon Lee & The Shadows International Band.

"This release is my way of celebrating the memory of one of the most important figures in early blues and gospel - the great Blind Willie Johnson - who would have turned 125 this year. The recording of his masterpiece "Dark was the night, cold was the ground" (recorded in my favorite recording year, 1927) can be found on the golden records onboard Voyager I and II and was added to the National Recording Registry in 2010, which selects recordings annually that are deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Although his music is often very hopeful, when you look back at his life, hope is not the first word that comes to mind. Willie wasn't blind at birth but became blind at seven years old. Exactly how it happened is uncertain, but one statement is that his aunt accidentally threw lye in his eyes. In his older years a fire took his house, but him being poor and blind and black he wasn't left with much else of a choice than to stay and live in the ruins of his old home. Living in this environment gave him pneumonia which subsequently led to his death. But his beautiful music just might live forever - forever floating in space."

GA-20 was formed by friends Pat Faherty and Matthew Stubbs in Boston, MA in 2018. The project was born out of their mutual love of heavy traditional Blues, R&B, and Rock & Roll of the late 50s and early 60s. Faherty and Stubbs bonded over legendary artists like Lazy Lester, J.B. Lenoir, Earl Hooker, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Junior Wells. Feeling a void in current music, the duo have set out to write, record and perform a modern version of this beloved art form. Live, GA-20 is a trio of 2 guitars, vocals and drums. Raw, passionate and honest performance, both on stage and in the studio, is the only goal. "Lonely Soul", the title track to their debut album embodies their sound: raw, cutting, and authentic.

The music of instrumental-folk quartet NRQ seems to defy categorization. Drawing their influences from styles as disparate as free jazz, Chinese folk songs, Calypso music, and the music of the Appalachians, every song presents a new twist or turn, and every album succeeds in defying expectations. Their third album, ‘was here’ saw the band welcome trumpeter and steel pan player MC. sirafu (The Natsuyasumi Band, Kataomoi, etc.), keyboard player Emerson Murakami (mmm, Kisel, etc.), and percussionist Okyon to create a sound quite unlike anything else they’ve ever done. The album was recorded exclusively with vintage tape machines, and the result is a warm, analog sound, with just the barest amount of hiss gently enveloping each track. Combined with the oddly mesmerizing artwork, this album has been practically begging for an analog release. P-vine is proud to be giving ‘was here’ the analog treatment it has long deserved!

Iconic singer Mavis Staples is an alchemist of American music, and during her 70+ year career one of her most beloved musical mo?ments was her riveting performance in Martin Scorsese's film' The Last Waltz,' performing "The Weight" with The Band, a moment that forged a life-long friendship between her and Levon Helm. Staples came to Woodstock, NY to perform as part of Helm's re?nowned Midnight Ramble series, and the ensuing concert-available now for the first time on the rousing new Anti- Records release Carry Me Home-would mark a personal high watermark for both artists. Captured live in the summer of 2011, Carry Me Home showcases two of the past century's most iconic voices coming together in love and joy, tracing their shared roots and celebrating the enduring power of faith and music. The setlist was righteous that night, mixing vintage gospel and soul with timeless folk and blues, and the performances were loose and playful, fueled by an ecstatic atmosphere that was equal parts family reunion and tent revival. Read between the lines, though, and there's an even more poignant story at play here. Nei?ther Staples nor Helm knew that this would be their last performance together-the collection marks one of Helm's final recordings before his death-and listening back now, a little more than a decade later, tunes like "This May Be The Last Time" and "Farther Along" take on new, bittersweet meaning. The result is an album that's at once a time capsule and a memorial, a blissful homecoming and a fond farewell, a once-in-a-lifetime concert-and friendship-preserved for the ages. Staples and the night's soulful crew of backup singers handle the vast majority of the vocal work here, but it's perhaps album closer "The Weight," which features Helm chiming in with lead vocals for the first time, that stands as the concert's most emotional moment. "It never crossed my mind that it might be the last time we'd see each other," says Staples. "He was so full of life and so happy that week. He was the same old Levon I'd always known, just a beautiful spirit inside and out." "My dad built The Midnight Rambles to restore his spirit, his voice, and his livelihood," says Helm's daughter, Amy, who sang backup vocals with her father and Staples at their performance. "He'd risen back up from all that had laid him down, and to have Mavis come sing and sanctify that stage was the ultimate triumph for him."

What Are You Waiting For is the the new release from The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan. The album contains 11 new original tracks in the Blues and Retro-Soul genres. A must have for all fans of this musical style. The APSO has toured the U.S. and Europe extensively, receiving enthusiastic responses everywhere they go! Willy Jordan brings new energy to The APSO which has a tradition of featuring world class soul singers such as Frank Bey, and Wee Willie Walker. An album not to be missed!

Why you'll love it...
By combining her soulful, compelling voice and passion of incorporating fearlessness, honesty and humor into her revelatory music, award-winning blues, soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland arrives with her new Alligator Records album, Done Come Too Far.

Done Come Too Far relates the emotional and personal journey of her liberated truths and struggles of being a young black woman in America. Copeland developed the powerful ability through her compelling voice and life experiences to bring audiences together. She expressed that Done Come Too Far ''is made by all sides of me — happy, sad, silly, irate — they’re all a part who I am and who we all are. I’m not political. I’m just talking about what’s happening in this country.'' Accompanying her on the album include amazing musical guests such as guitarist Sonny Landreth, keyboard legend Charles Hudges and more. Copeland's desire is to assert her full creative freedom by sharing her story and demanding change in America through her outstanding lyrics and music.

Limited to 500 copies, the VMP exclusive edition of Shemekia Copeland’s Done Come Too Far is pressed on 1LP Red vinyl at Independent Record Pressing. The record will arrive in a single direct-to-board, foil stamped and numbered jacket. Done Come Too Far is mastered by Jim DeMain of Yes Master Studio.

The son of legendary bluesman Lonnie Brooks steps into the spotlight with his Alligator debut, a fiery blast of guitar-stoked blues rock guaranteed to singe your whiskers.

Founded at the end of 2021, Blues Bizarre release now its self-titled debut album, which breaks the genre boundaries of blues and is a breath of fresh air for today's roots music and rock. Blues Bizarre is one of the pioneers of the new wave of blues in Nordic, which combines the tradition of the genre with different styles from Eastern music to progressive rock, also taking influences from the Allman Brothers and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. The result is evolutionary music that lives in time and the cornerstone of the band's music are their own new songs. Gonna Be FineGood MemeriesPoor BoyDon't Go Blamin' On MeNow You Know How to Play the BluesThe DawnTrip to IndiaSmall Steps

Originally from Ireland, but now settled in the peaceful countryside of rural France, Kaz Hawkins is the epitome of musical mastery and versatility. With a soul as rich as the music that inspired her growing up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a voice that crosses genres with ease, Kaz stands out as a singer, songwriter and performer extraordinaire. Her musical odyssey began decades ago, shaped by a deep love of blues, soul, jazz and folk, which have become her artistic pillars. Renowned for her spellbinding performances and heartfelt compositions, Kaz has charmed audiences the world over, weaving stories of resilience, love and the human experience through her melodies. A seasoned musician, Kaz's magnetic stage presence has graced countless venues, captivating audiences and leaving them eager for more. Her melodies transcend borders, resonating with diverse audiences and earning her a loyal fan base across continents. Beyond his musical talent, Kaz embodies authenticity, courageously sharing his past marked by domestic violence, depression, drugs and self-harm, inspiring others to find hope through his music and their own uniqueness. In 2024 and 2025, Kaz is ready to captivate her audience once again with the release of two live albums, "Live in Brezoi (I)" and "Live in Brezoi (II)". These albums capture the raw energy and emotion of her performances, showcasing her unrivalled talent and the undeniable bond she shares with her audience. Another album, different from the blues, is also in the pipeline and is being produced in Berlin for release in 2025. In addition, Kaz is embarking on exciting collaborations with other artists, infusing her soul essence into collaborative projects. The first is with French soul artist Thomas Kahn in a duet entitled "A Place Like Home", released on January 10, 2024. Other collaborations will be announced shortly. As she moves forward, Kaz aims to amplify her presence on social networks, creating deeper bonds with her fans and forging a community united by the magic of her music. In a world where melodies paint emotions and lyrics engrave memories, Kaz Hawkins stands as a testament to the power of music, inviting you to embark on an unforgettable sonic journey.

Look through the lens of Tom Mansi & The Icebreakers and what will you see? A passion for the blues and raw rock ’n’ roll manifested in a band who have been playing together for the last 26 years. Full to the brim of delicious grooves and swirling sounds, the Icebreakers have reignited their burners and brandished us with a hot new release — their first on Lunaria Records.

Since his record debut in 1997, Vidar Busk has distinguished himself as one of Norways leading guitarists, and is known as an important driving force in the spread of blues music in his home country. Busk traveled to the United States early on to play in the band of the American blues artist Rock Bottom, and later returned home to start building his own solo career. "Venus Texas", his fourth album showed a shift in style. While the previous albums were characterized by driving and swing-based blues rock, "Venus Texas" is more soulful in expression. The album got rewarded with great reviews and also a Norwegian Grammy award. Now on vinyl for the first time.