His brand‑new album, The Blues Is My Biography, is a powerful, deeply personal work produced by Larry Batiste and featuring special guests Bobby Rush, Shemekia Copeland and Ronnie Baker Brooks. Billy describes it as “the most important work I’ve ever done,” and across eleven tracks he tells his story with honesty, fire, humour and heart.

In this week’s feature, Shaun shares his conversation with Billy Branch and takes listeners through the album — from the swagger of Hole In Your Soul to the emotional depth of Begging For Change, the grit of Dead End Street, and the autobiographical centrepiece The Blues Is My Biography.

Tune in for a celebration of a true Chicago master and one of the standout blues releases of the year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on BWAF, we pay tribute to the late Mike Henderson, who passed away on September 22 at the age of 69. His debut album with The Bluebloods, First Blood, remains one of the most explosive, soulful, and influential blues records of the 1990s — and it’s our feature album this week.

Across the show we dive deep into First Blood’s raw slide guitar, its hot‑rod tone, its swampy grooves, and the chemistry of a band that sounded like it was recorded with the studio walls shaking. And woven throughout the music are six interview excerpts from Mike’s friend, bandmate, and Dead Reckoning co‑founder Kevin Welch, who shares vivid memories of Mike’s early Nashville years, his beloved Silvertone guitars, his humming Fender Super Reverb, and those legendary Monday nights at the Bluebird Café.

We also bring you 11 brand‑new releases, including Keb’ Mo’, Danielle Nicole, Janiva Magness, Ray Beadle, Bywater Call, Jason Ricci & Bad Kind, John Primer & Friends, GA‑20 feat. Charlie Musselwhite, Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band and more.

A heartfelt, high‑energy tribute to a true original. This is BWAF. You wanna know why? You’re about to find out.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off with fresh releases from Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues featuring Bobby Rush, Bywater Call, John Primer & Friends, and Harell Davenport — four powerful tracks that set the tone for a night of modern blues storytelling.

Mike Wheeler, Chris O’Leary, Ray Beadle’s Coupe Trio, and Sean McDonald keep the momentum rolling with a mix of Chicago swagger, blue‑collar grit, and Australian fire.

Our feature this week dives into Junior Wells’ On Tap — nine tracks of sly, soulful, mid‑70s brilliance. You’ll hear Junior in full command, backed by the incredible Phil Guy and Sammy Lawhorn. Across “Watch Me Move,” “Someday Baby,” “Key to the Highway,” “The Train I Ride,” and more, this is Junior at his most playful, funky, and emotionally sharp.

We round out the night with Keb’ Mo’, Janiva Magness, Jason Ricci & Bad Kind, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Danielle Nicole, and a final cool‑down from Jovin Well.

It’s a full house of blues — new voices, classic legends, and one hell of a feature. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Slippin’ In captures Buddy at a moment of renewed fire and ferocity. Half the album was recorded in Chicago with his own band, steeped in the grit, groove and history of the city he helped define. The other half was cut in Austin with Double Trouble — Stevie Ray Vaughan’s legendary rhythm section — adding emotional weight, explosive energy and a powerful sense of musical lineage. With Eddie Kramer behind the desk and Johnnie Johnson on piano, Buddy delivers some of the most electrifying playing of his career.

Alongside the feature, we’ve got a stack of brand‑new releases lighting up the playlist this week, including Keb Mo, Janiva Magness, Jason Ricci, Ray Beadle, GA‑20 with Charlie Musselwhite, Danielle Nichole, Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band, and plenty more.

Tune in, turn it up, and let the good times roll. This is BWAF.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining me once again is bassist, singer‑songwriter, founding member, and long‑time friend of the show, Thomas Yearsley. This marks Thomas’s third visit to Blues With a Feeling, following our deep dives into the band’s second album Years Since Yesterday and their fourth release Ticket Home. Across those conversations, Thomas has shared stories, insights, and reflections that only someone who lived the journey can offer. His presence has become part of the ongoing story of this program, and his music continues to inspire the way we celebrate roots and blues every week.

Released in 1990 and produced by Stever Berlin of Los lobos, Let’s Buzz is a record that still crackles with life. It’s the sound of a trio completely locked in — Dave Gonzalez’s fiery guitar work, Scott Campbell and Brian Fahey’s precision drumming, and Thomas’s unmistakable upright bass driving the whole engine. The album blends blues, rockabilly, R&B, and West Coast swing into a seamless, high‑energy statement that helped define the band’s legacy.

For me personally, Let’s Buzz was one of the albums that shaped the direction of Blues With a Feeling. It showed me that roots music could be modern, raw, joyful, and deeply authentic all at once. Revisiting it with Thomas feels like reconnecting with one of the foundations of the show.

Join us as we explore the stories behind the songs, the sessions, the tours, and the spirit of a band whose influence continues to ripple through the blues community — and through this program.

Plus new releases from Janiva Magness, Bywater Call, Jon Cleary, Ray Beadle, Ruthie Foster, Jason Ricci & Bad Kind and GA20 with Charlie Mussselwhite.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded in Oxford, Mississippi, Sweet Tea captures Buddy plugging straight into the Hill Country sound: raw, hypnotic, swamp‑thick grooves inspired by Junior Kimbrough, CeDell Davis, and the juke‑joint traditions that shaped the region. It’s Buddy stripped back, turned up, and letting the history do the talking.

Across the show we’ll explore the full album — from the haunting “Done Got Old” to the explosive “Look What All You Got”, the feral “She Got the Devil in Her”, and the 12‑minute trance epic “I Gotta Try You Girl.” It’s a record that reminds us why Buddy Guy remains one of the most fearless musicians alive.

We’ll also spotlight new releases from Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, John Primer, Ray Beadle, Aaron West, Keb’ Mo’, Bywater Call, Jovin Webb, and Jason Ricci & Bad Kind.

And with Buddy Guy on the road for his 2026 ‘Buddy Guy 90’ Tour, there’s never been a better time to revisit this landmark album.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ll take you through the album across four feature segments, from the jubilant opener “Riding With the King” to the deep blues of “Three O’Clock Blues”, right through to the soul‑stirring closer “Come Rain or Come Shine”. It’s a celebration of legacy, friendship, and the timeless power of the blues.

Alongside the feature album, I've lined up a killer selection of new releases — Keb’ Mo’, Aaron Webb, Billy Price, GA‑20 with Charlie Musselwhite, Bywater Call, Chris O’Leary, Jason Ricci, Jovin Webb, Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, John Primer, Ray Beadle, and Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band. 

Settle in for two hours of blues storytelling, new discoveries, and one of the most joyful albums ever recorded. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Jimmy Johnson’s guitar lines weaving around him and a rhythm section locked tight beneath him, Otis delivers some of the most emotionally charged performances of his career. From the fire of “All Your Love (I Miss Loving)” to the aching beauty of the title track, So Many Roads shows exactly what happens when the blues travels halfway around the world and finds an audience ready to embrace it.

I’ll be diving into the story behind these concerts, the musicians who shaped the sound, and the magic Otis brought to those hot Tokyo nights. It’s a classic album that still hits with full force nearly fifty years later.

Blues With A Feeling — real people, real blues, real stories, real soul.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sumlin spent his life as the heartbeat behind Howlin’ Wolf, creating guitar lines that became part of the DNA of blues and rock. Clapton, Richards, Page, Beck, Santana — they all heard something in Hubert that changed the way they played. But Wake Up Call is different. It’s not a sideman record. It’s Hubert stepping forward with clarity, confidence, and a band who lift him beautifully.

Across three sets, we explore the emotional depth of this album: the warmth, the spontaneity, the late‑life fire, and the way the band create a perfect vehicle for Hubert to sing and play with more ease and presence than he’d shown in years. Tracks like I’m Coming Home, Wake Up Call, Hubert Runs the Hoodoo Down, and Get This Love Straight reveal a musician reconnecting with himself — relaxed, expressive, and still capable of surprising you.

Surrounding the feature, we’ve got a full spread of new releases and contemporary blues from Sean McDonald, Taj Mahal, Ruthie Foster, Harrell Davenport,  Kyle Rowland, Aaron West, Jason Ricci, John Primer & Friends, Keb’ Mo’, and Hussy Hicks.

It’s a rich, generous two hours — a celebration of the past, the present, and the artists who keep the blues alive. Join us for a heartfelt journey into the life and legacy of Hubert Sumlin.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Blues With A Feeling, we open the door to a room most people never got to enter — a small studio in Paris, May 15, 1981, where Buddy Guy and Junior Wells sat down with nothing but a couple of Guild acoustics, some harps and fifty years of shared history between them. No band, no amps, no armour. Just two giants of the Chicago blues, alone and acoustic, telling the truth.

Our feature album is the extraordinary Alone & Acoustic, recorded in a single day and released a decade later. It’s a time capsule of two men who helped electrify the blues returning to its earliest form: wood, wire, breath, and memory. Across fifteen songs — from “Give Me My Coat and Shoes” and “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” to “I’m In the Mood,” “Catfish Blues,” and “Boogie Chillen” — Buddy and Junior revisit the Delta, the migration, the clubs, the lineage, and the friendship that shaped their lives.

We also bring you nine brand‑new releases, opening the show with a powerful set from Jason Ricci, Chris O’Leary, Jovin Webb, and Aaron West. In set 2, Billy Price, John Primer & Friends, Keb’ Mo’, and the late Mike Finnigan deliver soul, grit, and deep blues storytelling.

Then we settle into three acoustic sets from Buddy and Junior — five songs each — letting the Paris session unfold in real time. It’s intimate, warm, spontaneous, and deeply human.

We close the night with Ruthie Foster’s beautiful “Thank You,” a perfect final word.

Join us for two hours of new blues, deep tradition, and one of the most revealing acoustic albums ever recorded.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ll open the show with two sets of fresh releases from across the blues world — John Primer & Friends lighting up the room with a tribute to Theresa’s Lounge, Chris O’Leary digging deep on his new Blue Collar record, Taj mahal & the Phantom Blues Band, and Aaron West flying the Koori Jack flag with all the swagger you’d expect. And that’s just the first set.

But then… we’re going back.

This week, I’m revisiting one of the most meaningful episodes I’ve ever made: my tribute to the great Paul Oscher. When Paul passed, the blues world lost a storyteller, a tone‑master, a man who carried Muddy’s bandstand spirit into the modern age. That original show was built with a full heart, and tonight I’m bringing it back — reshaped, remixed, and threaded with the wisdom of a few more years.

You’ll hear the songs from the albums that defined Paul’s last decades — Alone With The Blues, Cool Cat, Bet On The Blues, Knockin’ on the Devil’s Door — along with the interview grabs that gave us Paul in his own words. The stories still hit. The tone still stuns. The man still matters.

Thanks for listening, sharing, and keeping BWAF alive in its 33rd year.

Settle in. This one’s special.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, Laura has been the guitarist whose tone, fire, and emotional depth have shaped the sound of contemporary blues. Her résumé reads like a map of modern roots music: Deborah Coleman, Nikki Hill, Dani Wilde, The Mannish Boys, Mike Ledbetter, Vanessa Collier, Casey Hensley, Whitney Shay — and of course the late Candye Kane, whose band became both Laura’s musical home and her artistic crucible.

Now, after decades of elevating the voices of others, Laura steps forward with a voice entirely her own — expressed not through lyrics, but through the instrument that has always spoken for her. As the press notes say, “the album is fully instrumental — because for Laura Chavez, the guitar is her voice.”

Across ten tracks, Laura tells stories rooted in heritage, memory, and the places that shaped her. There’s the driving, uptempo reimagining of “Born On The Bayou,” recorded as a tribute to her father — “He is a huge CCR fan and would play the tape all the time in the car.” There’s “El Cascabel,” honouring her Mexican heritage and life near the border. And there’s the haunting emotional peak “La Llorona,” arranged as a slow blues at the insistence of Thomas Ruf — “The story of La Llorona is dark and so is the music, but also beautiful and haunting.”

In the interview, Laura opens up about the making of My Voice, the challenge of telling stories without lyrics, the emotional weight behind these songs, and the journey from sideman to solo artist.

To deepen the arc, we’ll also revisit her powerful years with Candye Kane, drawing from Comin’ Out Swingin’ — a period where Laura’s tone sharpened, her confidence grew, and her musical identity crystallised. Those tracks don’t just provide context; they reveal the roots of the artist we hear today.

A rare conversation with a modern master — and a chance to hear the stories behind the sound.

Laura Chavez. My Voice. In her own words.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded in Atlanta with The Heartfixers, Cool On It captures Ellis in full early flight: raw, hungry, and already playing with the conviction that would define his career. It’s the album that caught the ear of Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer and opened the door to a partnership that continues today — fitting, as Alligator celebrates its 55th anniversary this year.

And with Tinsley currently touring the world behind his latest release, Labour Of Love, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit the spark that lit the fuse.

Alongside the feature, we’re also rolling out 14 brand‑new releases — over an hour of the fresh blues, roots, soul, and Americana tracks from across the scene. From Robert Finley and Keb’ Mo’ to Hussy Hicks, Gina Coleman, Billy Price, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Mike Finnigan, Laura Chavez, Ruthie Foster and more, it’s a set packed with depth, colour, and discovery.

Join me for a show that looks back, steps forward, and celebrates the blues in all its forms. Cool On It isn’t just a chapter in Tinsley Ellis’ story — it’s the ignition point.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G’day there my friends, and welcome to another week of Blues With A Feeling This week, we’re tipping our hats to a man whose shadow stretches from Linden, Texas all the way to Paris, France — the great T‑Bone Walker — and his 1969 Grammy‑winning masterpiece Good Feelin’.

Recorded in Paris in ’68, it’s T‑Bone in full command — unhurried, unbothered, and playing like a man who’s lived enough life to know he doesn’t need to prove a thing. The horns shimmy and sway, and T‑Bone glides through it all with that sly, conversational tone that changed the course of the electric guitar forever.

Across the show, we’ll wander track by track through all twelve cuts — from the easy swagger of “Good Feelin’” to the deep‑down ache of “Reconsider,” the playful grin of “Poontang,” and the late‑night glow of “Sail On Little Girl.” It’s a portrait of a pioneer standing tall in the twilight, shining like a Parisian streetlight

And wrapped around that feature, I’ve stitched together three sets of brand‑new releases — Sean McDonald, Laura Chavez, Mike Finnigan, Harrell Davenport, Hussy Hicks, Selwyn Birchwood, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Gabe Stillman, Studebaker John, JT Lauritsen, Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We open with two sets of New Releases, eleven fresh cuts that prove the blues is still kicking dust and taking names in 2026. Chris O’Leary fires the starter’s pistol with Bad Decisions, all grit and groove. The Hussy Hicks slide in with a heart‑tugger, Gina Coleman tips her hat to Ida Cox with a deep, rolling Mail Man Blues, and Taj Mahal strolls through with the Phantom Blues Band like a man who’s seen a few jukeboxes in his time. The second set keeps the wheels turning — Mike Finnigan’s soulful Don’t Answer the Door, Selwyn Birchwood’s swamp‑funk sermon All Hail the Algorithm, Gabe Stillman’s Shame Shame, and Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials sliding in sideways on Cold Side of the Bed.

Then we settle in for the main event: Lightnin’ Hopkins, live in 1964, on Hootin’ the Blues. Eight tracks of pure Texas truth‑telling. Lightnin’ didn’t just play the blues — he talked it, lived it, breathed it. These recordings feel like you’ve pulled up a chair on his front porch in Centerville, the sun dropping low, Lightnin’ leaning back with that half‑smile, spinning stories only he could tell. Blues Is a Feeling, Me and Ray Charles, Ain’t It Crazy, Chain Gang — it’s all here, loose and alive.

From there we head north for a five‑song jolt from Junior Wells and the Chicago Blues Band, straight off Chicago/The Blues/Today! Vol. 1. Junior and Buddy Guy sound like they’re trying to set the walls on fire — Help Me, Messin’ with the Kid, Vietcong Blues, and more.

We close with Laura Chavez, Alvin Youngblood Hart rolling down Highway 61, and the Parlour Greens easing us home.

A big Texas‑hearted night of blues — warm, dusty, electric, and alive.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the show, we’ll walk through the artists who shaped the year: • Ronnie Baker Brooks, crowned B.B. King Entertainer of the Year • D.K. Harrell, whose album Talkin’ Heavy took home Album of the Year • Tedeschi Trucks Band, winners of Band of the Year • Tommy Castro, whose track “Can’t Catch a Break” claimed Song of the Year • And a powerful mix of emerging artists, acoustic storytellers, blues‑rock firebrands, and soul‑blues masters

But that’s only half the story.

The second half of the show is dedicated to a man whose journey feels carved from the heartwood of the American South — Robert Finley. Born a sharecropper’s son in Louisiana, Finley lived a full life before the world ever heard his voice: Army service, carpentry, raising a family, and then losing his sight. With the help of the Music Maker Foundation, he stepped into a second life as an artist, releasing some of the most soulful, lived‑in blues of the last decade.

We’ll explore his breakthrough album Sharecropper’s Son, dive into the emotional depth of his songwriting, and celebrate his current visit to Australia with two full sets of Finley’s finest work.

It’s a night of winners, storytellers, survivors, and soul. Join me for a special edition of Blues With A Feeling — where Memphis meets Louisiana, and the blues tells its truth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our classic album feature shines a warm spotlight on John Lee Hooker’s 1995 masterpiece Chill Out — a late‑career triumph from the patron saint of this program. For thirty years, BWAF opened with his incredible song The Healer, and Hooker’s voice, groove and spirit have been the heartbeat of Monday nights ever since. Chill Out captures him in full command: relaxed, unhurried, surrounded by friends, and still summoning that deep, hypnotic pulse that shaped generations.

We’ll explore the stories behind the album, the collaborations with Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, Charles Brown and Booker T. Jones, and the remarkable creative resurgence Hooker enjoyed in the final decade of his life — a run that earned him multiple Grammys and cemented his place as one of the most important musical figures of the 20th century.

Alongside the feature, we’ve got three sets of brand‑new releases from across the blues world, including fresh tracks from Eric Bibb, GA‑20 with Charlie Musselwhite, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Laura Chavez, Selwyn Birchwood, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Parlour Greens, Studebaker John & The Maxwell Street Kings, and a beautiful new one from Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band.

Settle in for two hours of deep grooves, new discoveries, and a heartfelt return to the well. This is Blues With A Feeling.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From there, we stay in the present for one more set — Selwyn Birchwood’s swamp‑funk swagger, Laura Chavez carving out her own space at centre stage, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials lighting the fuse with that unmistakable Alligator Records energy, and Eric Bibb reminding us that the blues can still carry grace, urgency and hope in the same breath.

All of that sets the stage for tonight’s feature: the 1971 debut album from Hound Dog Taylor & the Houserockers — the record that launched Alligator Records and changed the shape of modern blues. At the same time, we trace the story of a young Bruce Iglauer arriving in Chicago with nothing but passion, curiosity and a stubborn belief in the music. Bruce takes us inside his earliest days in the Windy City and Delmark Records, into the clubs of the South Side, and finally into the moment he decided to record Hound Dog Taylor himself — using his own inheritance to capture two wild nights that would become Alligator’s first release.

It’s a story of instinct, risk, joy, and the kind of musical chaos that only happens when the tape is rolling and the band is on fire.

And to bring the show home, we land with new music from Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band and finish with Greg Nagy’s Love Letter, written by and featuring the late Bobby Murray — the Detroit‑born guitarist who spent twenty‑three years on the road with Etta James, helping shape her unmistakable late‑career sound.

A big show, a big story, and a reminder of how the blues keeps moving forward while honouring the roots that made it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We begin with Forever On My Mind, the newly released 1964 recording that captures Son House at the exact moment he stepped back into the world after more than two decades of silence. These tapes — rescued, restored, and finally released — show House before the folk‑festival patter, before the revival‑circuit polish. It’s just the man, the guitar, the open‑G tuning, and the raw emotional force that shaped the entire Delta tradition. You can hear him reaching back into memory, pulling old songs into the present, rediscovering his own voice in real time. It’s electrifying in the quietest possible way.

From there, we move to Muddy Waters’ Folk Singer, presented in its expanded 1999 reissue. Recorded only months before and after Son House’s rediscovery, it shows Muddy stepping away from the Chicago electricity he helped invent and returning to the acoustic vocabulary of his youth. The intimacy of these sessions — Muddy, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon — reveals just how deeply the Delta lived inside him. And as the bonus tracks roll in, you hear the Chicago band creeping back, the sound filling out, the future taking shape.

Together, these two albums form a perfect conversation: Son House, the rediscovered source. Muddy Waters, the modern inheritor returning to the well. Two men, one lineage, captured at the same moment in time.

We round out the show with new releases and modern voices carrying the tradition forward — from Mike Finnigan’s soulful fire to Laura Chavez’s razor‑sharp guitar work — and close with Eric Bibb’s “Muddy Waters,” a song that understands the river better than most.

It’s a night of roots, memory, rediscovery, and renewal. A night where the Delta isn’t history — it’s alive, present, and speaking.

Settle in. This one runs deep.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From there, we move into the heart of the program: a deep dive into One Mississippi, the brand‑new album from Eric Bibb. I’ve been interviewing Eric since the mid‑90s, and our latest conversation is one of the most insightful we’ve shared. This album marks a new era for him — creatively, personally, and professionally. Recorded with producer Glen Scott in Sweden, One Mississippi blends Bibb’s signature warmth with a renewed sense of freedom and purpose. It’s an album about history, humanity, and the stories that connect us, delivered with the clarity of an artist who knows exactly what he wants to say.

We’ll explore the making of the record, the musicians who shaped it, the themes that run through it, and the evolution of Bibb’s sound as he steps into full independence. Along the way, we’ll feature standout new releases from across the blues and roots landscape, showcasing artists who continue to push the tradition forward.

Like Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Mike Finnigan, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Laura Chavez, Kim Wilson,  Selwyn Birchwood and Parlour Greens

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That joy threads right through the opening run of new releases — Eric Bibb easing us in with One Mississippi, Mike Finnigan reminding us why his spirit still resonates, Studebaker John shaking the dust off the week, Billy Branch firing up the room. Then Selwyn Birchwood, Robert Randolph, Parlour Greens, and Lil’ Ed keep the energy rolling, each track adding its own colour to the palette.

But the heart of the show — the part that glows — is Mileage. Ten tracks, each one paired with a moment from Ruthie. She talks about that elusive Grammy, about what’s changed and what hasn’t, about heartbreak, healing, Tyler Bryant producing, stepping away from the biz, coming back inspired, and that final emotional release that left both of us sitting in the quiet for a moment. Even the tough stories feel lighter in her hands, because she carries them with gratitude, not weight.

By the time we hit the final stretch — Kingfish, Kim Wilson, Laura Chavez, and Eddie 9V closing us out — the whole show feels like a celebration of endurance, connection, and the simple joy of making it through another week with music as your companion.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sue’s been out on the road recently with her One Guitar Woman tour — intimate, powerful shows honouring the women who shaped the culture of the instrument. Now that she’s finally off the road after a huge couple of months, we’re revisiting my 2021 interview with her, recorded just after Pinky’s Blues was released. Across the show you’ll hear cuts from that conversation, tracks from Pinky’s Blues, and a bonus set from her acclaimed 2018 album The Ice Queen.

But that’s not all. The blues world is absolutely humming right now, and I’ve lined up a set of stunning new releases that have been bending my heartstrings all week. You’ll hear:

Mike Finnigan – from his newly released posthumous debut, Eric Bibb – with a powerful track from One Mississippi ahead of his 18‑date Australian tour, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials – tearing it up on their new Alligator Records release Slideways and Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues – delivering modern blues for modern times on Blues Is My Biography.

It’s a big, beautiful show this week — full of history, heart, and the very best of what the blues is doing right now.

Settle in and turn it up!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the moment her left hand starts that unmistakable rolling groove, you’re transported straight into the humid, neon‑lit world she grew up in — a place where Texas roadhouse grit meets Louisiana soul, where New Orleans R&B shakes hands with swamp pop, and where every song feels like it was born at 2am in a crowded bar with the windows open to the street.

The title track sets the tone: playful, confident, full of swagger. But the album’s magic lies in its range. Marcia moves effortlessly from strutting boogie‑woogie to tender balladry, from sly humour to emotional depth. Her band — a who’s‑who of Texas and Louisiana players — matches her stride for stride, creating a sound that’s rich, warm, and unmistakably alive.

And then there’s the closer, “Louisiana 1927,” a song that resonates deeply with anyone who’s lived through rising waters and the quiet heartbreak that follows. In Marcia’s hands, it becomes a hymn of resilience.

Let Me Play With Your Poodle isn’t just a great blues record — it’s a reminder of the joy, grit, and humanity that make this music timeless.

I’m so excited about bringing you this spectacular record this week. And for some extra special sauce, I’ve added new releases from Eric Bibb, Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Kim Wilson, Tinsley Ellis, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Laura Chavez, Studebaker John & The Maxwell Street Kings,  Mike Finnigan, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Selwyn Birchwood and Bernard Allison.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Black Magic is a marvellously atmospheric and easy record to listen to - with Sam's resonant and flexible vocals a perfect match for his clean virtuoso guitar playing. Moving on from the scorching Chicago blues captured so unforgettably on West Side Soul - here the accent is on a smooth sound with a potential wider appeal. Hit songs like I Just Want a Little Bit, You Belong to Me and Easy Baby stand at the borderline between blues and soul.

Like legends ranging from Eric Dolphy and Booker Little to Otis Redding and Minnie Ripperton, Magic Sam died too young. The Chicago blues singer/guitarist's final studio recording, Black Magic was recorded only a year before he died at the age of 32. Sam had acquired a small but loyal following, and Black Magic's excellence indicates that had he lived, he'd have become as celebrated as Buddy Guy. The passionate testifyin' of What Have I Done Wrong, It's All Your Fault and Stop! You're Hurting Me demonstrates that Sam not only sang and felt blues; he lived them. --Alex Henderson, L.A. Jazz Scene

I’m thrilled to share this groundbreaking album for you this week.

Plus new releases from Robert Randolph & The Family Band,  Christone Kingfish Ingram, Eric Bibb, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues, Selwyn Birchwood, Kim Wilson,  Studebaker John & the Maxwell Street Kings, Tinsley Ellis, Mike Finnigan, Laura Chavez and Parlour Greens.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The record was simply called John Hammond, but don’t let the plain title fool you. This was a mission statement. A line in the sand. A 20‑year‑old kid saying, “I know exactly who I am, and I know exactly where I’m going.”

Plus new releases from Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Selwyn Birchwood, Laura Chavez, Eric Bibb, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Christone Kingfish Ingram, Kim Wilson, Sue Foley, Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues, Studebaker John & The Maxwell Street Kings and Bernard Allison.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Thompson can, and that's just the beginning!

Ron Thompson was a legendary rhythm and blues guitarist and master keyboardist whose career began in the rough and tumble world of East San Francisco Bay nightclubs and bars in the early '70s. During many years of touring coast to coast with John Lee Hooker, Hooker was quoted as saying, 'Ron Thompson, he's my main man!'

After serving as John Lee Hooker's bandleader for seven years, Thompson went on to form his own group, Ron Thompson and His Resisters, and toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Central America. 

I’m super excited to feature for you Ron Thompsons classic 1998 release Magic Touch for you this week. And for extra context, I’ve added some excerpts from my 2020 interview with his long time bandmate and friend Jim Pugh.

Plus new releases from Christone Kingfish Ingram, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Laura Chavez, Eric Bibb, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Tinsley Ellis and Darren Watson.   

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than three decades, Blues With A Feeling has been your weekly home for stories, songs, and the artists who keep the blues alive. And this week, we’re taking a deep dive into the very best of the last six years — a special feature celebrating the winners of the Blues categories at the Grammy Awards from 2021 right through to 2026.

It’s a journey through a remarkable period in modern blues: the elders still swinging for the fences, the young guns stepping up with fire in their bellies, and a couple of live records that remind you why nothing beats the real thing. Across these six years, we’ve seen legends like Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal and Edgar Winter continue to redefine what longevity looks like, while artists like Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Cedric Burnside, Fantastic Negrito and Larkin Poe have pushed the music forward with fresh energy and fearless creativity.

You’ll hear the stories behind the albums, the moments that shaped them, and the artists who made them. You’ll hear how an 88‑year‑old Bobby Rush stripped it all back to guitar and harmonica and still took home the gold. How Cedric Burnside carried the Hill Country heartbeat into a new generation. How Buddy Guy, in his mid‑80s, delivered one of the fiercest records of his career. And how Robert Randolph & The Family Band finally claimed their long‑deserved first Grammy after years of nominations.

It’s a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the deep river of blues that keeps flowing through every decade. Join me for this special edition of Blues With A Feeling — and as always, hug ’em close and have a great week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Produced by Don Was, and ably backed by such stalwart musicians as guitarist Ray Parker, Jr. (“Ghostbusters”), the ten songs on Make Do… draw once again from Burke’s deep list of admirers and famous friends. Van Morrison and Dr. John selected songs specifically for Burke, “At The Crossroads” and the title track “Make Do With What You Got” respectively.

Other standouts include Burke’s sublime rendition of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ “I Got The Blues,” and Bob Dylan’s “What Good Am I,” which Burke lends a much brighter countenance to than the original. On Coco Montoya’s “I Need Some Love In My Life” Burke evokes the blistering sound of the mid-1970s Rolling Stones. “Fading Footsteps,” penned by Lafayette’s David Egan, is propelled by a funky, sweeping organ riff by Rudy Copeland, Burke’s longtime church organist.

What you’ve got with Solomon Burke’s new record is much more than simply making do.”  Offbeat

Four weeks into the new season of Blues With A Feeling and I’m thrilled to feature this sublime record for you this week.

Plus new releases from Robert Randolph, Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Studebaker John & the Maxwel Street Kings,  

Billy Branch & the Sons Of Blues, Eric Bibb, Tinsley Ellis,

Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Christone Kingfish Ingram, Kim Wilson, Laura Chavez and Roomful Of Blues.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kingfish’s music has always honored the past. 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 him 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. His debut album Kingfish earned a Grammy nomination and topped the Billboard Blues Chart for 91 weeks. His follow-up, 662 (titled after his Mississippi area code) won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2022. Then came Live in London, a fiery, sold-out performance captured abroad, earning him yet another Grammy nomination and solidifying his reputation as one of the genre’s most dynamic live performers.

With Hard Road, Kingfish returns not just as a virtuoso, but as a storyteller. Via support from three producers – Tom Hambridge, Patrick “GuitarBoy” Hayes, and Nick Goldston – the album marks a shift lyrically, emotionally, sonically and thematically. The songs explore love, loss, identity, perseverance, and personal growth. There’s a harder edge to the sound, a fusion of rock and R&B sensibilities, but the heart of it is blues: vulnerable, honest, resilient.”

With Christone Ingram on his way to Australia for gigs in February and March, I was thrilled to sit down for a chat with the Blues worlds most exciting young star just last week. And of course, there’s plenty of his wonderful music to spice things up. With tracks from his three studio albums “662”, “Kingfish” and his latest “Hard Road.

Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Kim Wilson, Tinsley Ellis, Laura Chavez, Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues, Young Rell Davenport, Shane Pacey & Darren Watson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shepherd’s fiery tone and emotive phrasing have cemented him as one of modern blues-rock’s leading voices. This anniversary tour showcases both the evolution and vitality of his craft, spanning hits like Blue on Black and new material from his acclaimed recent releases. Expect a high-octane masterclass in guitar-driven blues and rock.”

With news of Kenny Wayne Shepherds visit to Australia, as part of his Ledbetter Heights which begins in the US in just weeks, I was thrilled to welcome Kenny to the show this week, to talk about this remarkably successful album, about what to expect from the shows, and also about his Grammy nominated 2025 release Young Fashioned Ways with Bobby Rush

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a much needed break over Christmas, I’m back for Blues With A Feelings 32nd year with an all time classic, Kim Wilsons first solo album and his debut for Antones Records Tigerman.

With a crack bunch of the hottest players on the scene, this record was a big part of my early Blues education and I’m thrilled to feature it this week.

And to add a little something for the pot, I’m joined for a chat by the man himself Kim Wilson. Plus tracks from Kims latest release Slow Burn.

#blueswithafeeling #blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #kimwilson #tigerman #antonesrecords #thefabulousthunderbirds  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

But when Cooke stepped into Miami’s Harlem Square Club on the warm night of January 12, 1963, he let his hair down. He delivered a blistering 37-minute set that showcased his raw, gospel-rooted R&B spark before a predominantly African American audience.

Backed by late great saxophonist King Curtis and Cooke’s road band, which notably included guitarists Clifton White and Cornell Dupree, bassist Jimmy Lewis, drummer Albert “June” Gardner, pianist George Stubbs, and saxophonist Tate Houston, Cooke exudes a burst of hell-raising, down-home energy that feels neither measured nor rehearsed. The interaction between the performer and the enlivened Miami audience is natural and uninhibited all at once, as Cooke’s candor shines with each phrasing he sings and interjection he utters. If that quality isn’t enough to prove how dynamic his showmanship was, his distinctive voice and the peerless musicianship certainly is. Cooke attains a delectably gritty timbre that compellingly matches the fire and precision of his backing band, as they prowl through a reinvigorated run of his hit singles.

When this storied Miami show finally surfaced in 1985 as Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963, it garnered universal reverence not only as a watershed in soul music history, but in the realm of famed live recordings as well. It best represents Sam Cooke as one of soul music’s undisputed progenitors. One full listen to it and you’ll never want the feeling to end. You’ll most likely repeat it.”  Brandon Ousley 

With one show remaining for the year, I‘ve gone deep into the Blues With A Feeling record library to feature for you, possibly the greatest live recording of all time.

Plus songs from the very best of the years new releases, including Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Maria Muldaur, Janiva Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Mike Henderson, Southern Avenue Monster Mike Welch, Jo Harman, Tommy Castro, TajMo, The Alexis P Suter Band, Tad Robinson, Jon Cleary and Tad Robinson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“It's been over 30 years since world-class musicians guitarist Little Charlie Baty and harmonicist/vocalist/songwriter Rick Estrin first teamed up and took hard Chicago blues, jump, Texas swing and jazz and mixed it with rockabilly, proto-rock'n'roll, jumping jive, bebop and Estrin's sharply original lyrics, creating a sound one critic described as "Charlie Christian playing in Little Walter's band." Their utter mastery of American roots music is fueled by Baty's jaw-dropping guitar acrobatics and driven by Estrin's captivating original songs, cutting vocals and brilliant harmonica playing.

The story of Little Charlie & The Nightcats began back in the early 1970s when Baty--a harmonica-playing UC Berkeley student--first met Estrin. With Rick already an accomplished harp player, Baty decided to switch to guitar full-time and the two formed a blues band. After relocating to Sacramento, Baty quickly reinvented himself as a take-no-prisoners, one-of-a-kind guitarist. With the addition of a drummer and a bass player, Little Charlie & The Nightcats were born.

In 1986 the band sent an unsolicited tape to Alligator Records. Alligator president Bruce Iglauer was blown away. He flew to Sacramento to see the band perform and was sold. Their debut album, All The Way Crazy, was released in 1987 to overwhelming success. Almost immediately they went from playing small Sacramento blues clubs to performing concerts and festivals around the country and around the world.”

I’m beyond excited to feature for you this groundbreaking record this week. And to add context, my guest this week is the bands singer, songwriter and harp player Rick Estrin, who was kind enough to turn his memory back to 1987 and share all sorts of stories about the bands earliest years.

Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Roomful of Blues, Tinsley Ellis, The Alexis P Suter Band, Darren Watson and Sally King & the Repeat Offenders.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

But it’s the repertoire that makes the album so personal, not to mention riveting. She goes not just back to the church but back to the type of “freedom songs” that made the Staple Singers an inextricable part of the Civil Rights Movement of the ’60s – as Rep. John Lewis writes in the liner notes, “the soul of that revolution.”

Just as her family band had something to say then – with songs like “Why Am I Treated So Bad,” “Long Walk To D.C.,” and the hit “Respect Yourself” – Ms. Staples mixes traditional gospel tunes and originals to comment on the state of things in 2007.

The program opens with the biting social commentary of unsung blues poet J.B. Lenoir’s “Down In Mississippi,” with Ladysmith Black Mambazo providing vocal backing to Cooder’s guitar and mandolin and the heavy backbeat of his constant collaborator, Jim Keltner. Mike Elizondo, who played on Cooder’s Chavez Ravine, is back on bass and keyboards, with Ry’s son, Joachim, who provided percussion on the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club.

Cooder’s big-toned slide leads off a version of “Eyes On The Prize” that will make the hair stand up on the back your neck. But the autobiographical “My Own Eyes” – recalling her father, Roebuck, and Martin Luther King (singing, “If he can preach it, we can sing it”) is perhaps Mavis’s finest hour.

Sure to be on numerous Top 10 lists for 2007." Vintage Guitar 

A particular favourite of mine, it’s a thrill to feature for you this week, this sublime record.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Eric Bibb, Roomful Of Blues, Kim Wilson, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, Tinsley Ellis, Eddie 9VT, Sally King & The Repeat Offenders, Darren Watson, The Alexis P Suter Band and John Primer &Bob Corritore.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Mike Henderson's long musical career saw him tour with Mark Knopfler, record with Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt and Kelly Willis. His song writing skills have been showcased by the Dixie Chicks, Trisha Yearwood and Patty Loveless, and he's played in numerous bands over the years including The Steel Drivers with Chris Stapleton. He first started playing regular shows at Nashville's Bluebird Café in 1986 while a member of The Kingsnakes.

‘Last Nite at the Bluebird – Live’ brings to close a thirty year relationship with the famous venue and documents the late musician in an intimate venue he knew and loved.

A gentle ribbing of the venue and the famous singer-songwriter sessions it hosts gets his audience warmed up as he opens the album with his own composition, ‘Weepin’ & Moanin’.  Not letting up, the boogie shuffle of ‘Matchbox’ quickly follows.  However, things really step up a gear with the searing slide guitar on ‘Too Much Alcohol’, a song made famous by the late Rory Gallagher.  This version finds Henderson playing with the fire of Elmore James and Jeremy Spencer combined.

Other highlights include ‘When I Get Drunk’, the harmonica soaked ‘Have A Good Time’ and ‘Pay Bo Diddley’ from Henderson’s old band, The Bluebloods.

‘Last Nite at the Bluebird – Live’ is well produced live recording that highlights Henderson’s raw energetic guitar skills and ability with work with an intimate audience, anyone who was lucky enough to catch any of these shows really did witness something special and as this recording proves, catching lightning in a bottle is possible.” Folk and Tumble

Really excited to present this crackin live set this week.

Plus new music from Billy Branch & the Sons Of Blues, Kim Wilson, Eric Bibb, Maria Muldaur, GA20, Chambers DesLaurier Band, Lloyd Spiegel, Darren Watson, The Alexis P Suter Band and Candice Ivory.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Hottest roots rock band on the West Coast; terrific guitar from Dave Gonzales. Minimalist and raw as hell. "Beat for beat, there's no better band than The Paladins. This lineup is lethal!"--L.A. WEEKLY

The Paladins' own way of making music has earned them fans from many quarters. They have toured often with Los Lobos and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Texas guitar hotshot Anson Funderburgh and The Fabulous Thunderbirds' Kim Wilson worked on the band's self-titled debut album. The Los Lobos connection continues on Years Since Yesterday, which was produced by Lobos saxman/producers Steve Berlin and engineer Mark Linett.”

I’m excited to feature for you this incredible album from one of the very best bands I’ve ever seen this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Maria Muldaur, Kim Wilson, Eric Bibb, Fiona Boyes, Greg Nagy, The Alexis P Suter Band, Dave Keller, Darren Watson, John Primer & Bob Corritore and GA20.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A favourite of mine when It was released back in 2000, Im excited to feature for you this week, this extraordinary record.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Kim Wilson, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Eric Bibb, Sue Foley, Shirley Johnson, Greg Nagy, Fiona Boyes, Alexis P Suter Band, Lloyd Spiegel and Darren Watson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new music from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Eric Bibb, Sue Foley, Kim Wilson, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers feat. Hubert Sumlin, Monster Mike Welch, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, John Primer & Bob Corritore, Mike Henderson, Darren Watson, Young Rell Davenport and Johnnie Johnson and Friends.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus tracks from the latest releases by Buddy Guy, Jimmy Burns, Mike Henderson, Shirley Johnson, Kirk Fletcher, Bily Branch & The Sons of Blues, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers feat. Hubert Sumlin and Raphael Wressnig.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Blues Is My Wailin' Wall is the debut album by the American musician Mighty Mo Rodgers, released in 1999. Rodgers referred to his music as "nu bluez"; he was also working on a master's thesis titled "Blues as Metaphysical Music (Its Musicality and Ontological Underpinnings)". He initially released the album on his label, North Star Records, in December 1998. Rodgers supported the album with a North American tour. He was nominated for a W. C. Handy Award for "Best New Artist Debut".

Exclaim! wrote that the album "is no revivalist camp ... but a richly musical charge that recalls the work of the late Curtis Mayfield... Rodgers' deep, warm vocals embrace gospel and R&B, and his voice alternates between a powerful growl and a gentle caress across arrangements designed around solid hooks that first seduce the listener before driving home their message."The Daily Herald noted that, "where most contemporary blues songs are riffs built around hogging guitar solos, Rodgers brings a literate, philosophical punch to the genre."The Edmonton Journal said that "slices of soul, dips into R&B, some rootsy roadhouse arrangements and a voice that has lived every lyric, amounts to an impressive 11 songs.”

Long a favourite of mine, I’m excited about featuring this remarkable record for you this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful of Blues, Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues, Alexis P Suter Band, Mike Henderson, Fiona Boyes & the Fortune Tellers feat Hubert Sumlin, Monster Mike Welch, Jimmy Burns, Shirley Johnson, Tom Hambridge, Raphel Wressnig, Darren Watson and Kirk Fletcher.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A quintessential local luminary, Mr. Washington held down long-running weekly residencies at clubs including the Maple Leaf and d.b.a, where he recorded a live album with his band, the Roadmasters, that was released in 2013. He was also a member of a durable trio, with the keyboardist Joe Krown and the drummer Russell Batiste Jr., that released “Live at the Maple Leaf” in 2008.

Between New Orleans gigs, Mr. Washington toured clubs, particularly around the South, and worked an international circuit of blues clubs and festivals.

Mr. Washington’s guitar playing was lean, light-fingered and harmonically rich, conveying a relaxed authority as it teased and jabbed. His voice could convey flirtatiousness, amusement, heartache or wily agility, and his syncopated phrasing was as close to jazz as to traditional blues, leaping easily into falsetto or letting loose a vulpine howl.”

Its long been an ambition of mine to spend some time featuring this incredible musician Walter “Wolfman” Washington and this week, its all coming together as I feature this incredible release “Funk Is In the House” .

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, Candice Ivory, Kirk Fletcher, The Alexis P Suter Band, Monster Mike Welch, Roomful of Blues, GA 20, Darren Watson, Shirley Johnson and Raphael Wressnig.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A favourite album of mine for many reasons, I can’t wait to feature this wonderful release with you this week. And to add a little something, I invited Kid Bangham himself to join me for a chat about this record, his first following his departure from the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Plus glorious new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Billy Branch & the Sons Of Blues, Roomful of Blues, Raphael Wressnig and Alexis P Suter Band.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though each of these recordings displays Vaughan’s jaw- dropping talent, The Sky Is Crying most reveals the many styles he soaked up like a musical sponge. Check out Vaughan’s jazz chops on Kenny Burrell’s “Chitlins Con Carne,” and Hendrix’s “Little Wing,” arguably this collection’s most staggering achievement, alternately whisper-sweet and screamingly fierce.

Other tips of the hat are to Muddy Waters, Lonnie Mack (“Wham”), Elmore James, and Albert King (the title track), yet each song is pure, unleashed SRV. The sound is big, bold, up front, and clean as a whistle. Vaughan’s different tonal shadings—from warmly purring, to raggedly distorted, to wasp-tailed sting, plus a rare acoustic turn on the gorgeous closer, “Life By The Drop”—are all superbly captured, and the drums and bass have plenty of clarity and wallop. A brilliant musical document…if a sad reminder.”

With what would been Stevie’s birthday last week, I’m excited to feature for you this extraordinary collection of songs on Blues With A Feeling this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers feat Hubert Sumlin, Billy Branch & the Sons Of Blues, Monster Mike Welch, Kirk Fletcher, The Alexis P Suter Band, Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band, Shirley Johnson, Chris Wilson, Tom Hambridge, Kent Burnside, Raphael Wressnig and Mud Morganfield.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Koko Taylors birthday falling this week, I couldn’t resist the urge to feature for you, her 2000 release for Alligator Records Royal Blue.  

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Tom Hambridge, Monster Mike Welch, Candice Ivory, The Alesis P Suter Band, Kent Burnside, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, Mud Morganfield, Mike Henderson, Kirk Fletcher and Raphael Wressnig.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Roomful Of Blues, Johnnie Johnson, Mike Henderson, Billy Branch, Alexis P Suter Band, Kirk Fletcher, Monster Mike Welch, Mud Morganfield, Tom Hambridge, Jo Harman, GA 20, Raphael Wressnig, Chris Wilson and Kent Burnside.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Janiva Magness, Mike Henderson, Candice Ivory, Kirk Fletcher, Alexis P Suter Band, Raphael Wressnig and Kent Burnside.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Anders Osborne “Coming Down” was his first studio recording in over five years. On Coming Down Anders sings about his two great loves, his wife and New Orleans. The CD finds Anders in a sparse setting that showcases his songwriting. One of the highlights of the CD is the song “Katrina.” Anders and his family moved backed to New Orleans six weeks after the devastating hurricane. Recorded in Nashville and New Orleans, Coming Down was co-produced by Anders and Troy Verges (BMI country songwriter of the year).”

He's created one of the best albums of the year. Paste Magazine

I’ve been hunting my copy of this sublime record for a decade and its finally returned to my hands and I can’t wait to feature it  for you this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Tom Hambridge, Candice Ivory, Mike Henderson, Kent Burnside, Kirk Fletcher, GA20, Chambers DesLaurier, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Monster Mike Welch and the Alexis P Suter Band.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His work is widely recognized for its impact on modern music – his simple, yet deeply effective songs transcend borders and languages around the globe. Each decade of Hooker’s long career brought a new generation of fans and fresh opportunities for the ever-evolving artist. He never slowed down either: As John Lee Hooker entered his 70s, he suddenly found himself in the most successful era of his career – reinvented yet again, and energized as ever, touring and recording up until his passing in 2001.”

John Lee Hookers been on my mind in August,  after his birthday a couple of weeks ago and I thought I’d celebrate together by putting together a classic collection of his earliest and most successful songs, plus tracks from 1989s chart topping The Healer.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Charlie Musselwhite, Mike Henderson, Larry McCray, Candice Ivory, Monster Mike Welch, Alexis P Suter Band, Raphael Wressnig, Chambers DesLaurier and Willie Buck & Bob Corritore.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Testament to his endurance as one of the most relevant, leading bluesmen of our time, Eric’s most recent album, Ridin’, has received a Grammy nomination in the Best Traditional Blues Album category. It sits in the Top 10 of multiple blues and roots charts, has over three million Spotify streams and been lauded by critics as his “late life classic” and “a fervent gospel-backed blues manifesto”. The past twelve months alone has seen his entire catalogue clock up 15 million streams.

It is easy to point to Eric’s accomplishments. A five-decade career recording with folk and blues royalty. Three Grammy nominations and multiple Blues Foundation awards. A following that not only crosses borders, it crosses continents.”

I’m super excited to feature Eric incredible 1999 Ruf Records release Home To Me this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Maria Muldaur, Mike Henderson, Candice Ivory, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Raphael Wressnig, Roomful Of Blues, Alexis P Suter Band, Jo Harman, Tom Hambridge and Monster Mike Welch.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Blues scholar Guy Davis is an equally adept player, singer and storyteller in the tradition of his mentor, Taj Mahal. On Skunkmello, named for a legendary chicken thief who was caught and hanged for his crimes around 1900, rootsy troubadour Davis travels from the straight country-blues of “Natural Born Eas’Man” and his Piedmont-flavored original “The Chocolate Man” to the gritty South Side Chicago blues of “It Takes Love to Make a Home” without missing a beat.

He blows some mean harmonica on a cover of the classic “Going Down Slow,” accompanied by former Paul Butterfield Blues Band keyboardist Mark Naftalin on Hammond B3 organ and John Platania of the Van Morrison Band on some piercing electric guitar. And he summons up some commanding Howlin’ Wolf-ish vocals on the haunting “Shooting Star.” Davis, a naturally gritty soulful vocalist, also demonstrates some authentic claw-hammer banjo technique on two old-timey unaccompanied numbers, “Shaky Pudding” and “Blackberry Ramble,” and also on the folkloric title track.

The chilling closer, “Uncle Tom Is Dead (Milk ‘n’ Cookies Remix),” is an educated, old-schooler’s indictment of rap music that carries an important, socially charged message for a generation that has lost its sense of history.” Bill Milkowski 2006

I’m beyond excited to finally feature for you this uncredible record this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Janiva Magness, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Kirk Fletcher, Chambers DesLaurier and Larry McCray.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Truth is Not Fiction earned a top 10 album of the year listing from the New York Times and was also featured with rave reviews from USA Today, Washington Post and NPR, and the record culminated in a Downbeat critics award for “Blues Album of the Year.”

Im excited to feature this 2003 from classic from Otis Taylor this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Mike Henderson, Janiva Magness, DK Harrell, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Maria Muldaur, Kent Burnside, Willie Buck & Bob Corritore, Gerald McClendon, Chambers Deslaurier and Garry Burnside.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Maria Muldaur, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Southern Avenue, Little Charlie Baty, Kent Burnside, Jon Cleary, Kirk Fletcher, Tad Robinson, Larry McCray and Garry Burnside.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Boy Arnold is back. With his 1992 Alligator Records debut, Back Where I Belong, Arnold firmly reestablished himself as one of the foremost practitioners of classic Chicago blues. His wailing harmonica playing and soulful vocals are a perfect match for his streetwise songwriting. The combination of Delta-influenced blues with a more urban sophistication not only defines Arnold's sound, but was also a significant contribution in the early, formative days of rock and roll. 

I’m excited about featuring this wonderful record for you this week. With Billy Boy backed by a crack group of young West Coast hotshots, he sounds like he’s having the time of his life.

Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Buddy Guy, TajMo, Janiva Magness, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Larry McCray, Chambers DesLauriers, Eric Gales, DK Harrell, Brandon Santini and Terry Hanck.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

– Living Blues

With the great James Cottons birthday in July, I’ve pulled together a collection of some of the great mans finest tunes. And to put it all in context, I’m joined by another monster of the blues harmonica Kim Wilson, who was kind enough to share with us his memories of the man from Tunica Mississippi.

Plus tracks from the latest releases by Buddy Guy, Janiva Magness, Taj Mo, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell and Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“This Grammy-nominated album features some of Albert's most popular tracks like I Ain't Drunk, Lights Are On But Nobody's Home and Too Many Dirty Dishes. The Master of the Telecaster's last Alligator release, and his favourite, finds him backed by a hand-picked all-star band featuring organist Jimmy McGriff and guitarist Mel Brown, plus the Uptown Horns.”

I’m excited to be featuring this Collins classic this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Southern Avenue, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, TajMo, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Larry McCray, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson, Brandon Santini, Jon Cleary, DK Harrell, Terry Hanck, Carolyn Wonderland and All Things Swamp.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Genius doesn't even begin to describe the greatness of The Genius Sings the Blues. Comprised of a dozen songs Ray Charles made between 1952 and 1960, the collection was released in 1961 by Atlantic Records to counter the singer's migration to rival ABC Paramount. What Atlantic originally underestimated is that the album contained many of Charles' greatest works, all unified by their bluesy emotions and stirring arrangements. A classic of the soul and R&B canon, The Genius Sings the Blues is a snapshot of the evolution of timeless American music captured by the pianist's indelible rhythmic pace, gospel roots, jazz backgrounds, and Southern-styled accents.”

Thrilled to feature for you this wonderful collection from Ray Charles this week.

Plus new releases from Buddy Guy, Jania Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Larry McCray, Southern Avenue, Christone Kingfish Ingram, TajMo, Jon Cleary, Terry Hanck, Kid Ramos, John Primer, Harrell Davenport and Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Songs from Fats Domino to Louis Jordan. Etta James joins in on the classic “Mockingbird” along with a “slamming” band including Texacali Horns, Tony Braunagel, Chuck Domanico, Mick Weaver, Johnny Lee Schell, and Bill Payne & Ritchie Hayward from Little Feat. Dancing The Blues will get ya shakin’ your tail feathers!”

                                                                                                            Tajmahal.com

I’m excited to feature this wonderful record this week, a favourite of mine from the very early 90s, this is Taj Mahal sounding as good as it gets.

Plus new releases from Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, TajMo, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell, Hat Fitz & Cara, John Primer, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Larry McCray, Terry Hanck and Dave Specter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m super excited about featuring this classic from Freddie King from way back in 1971. Plus new releases from TajMo, Janiva Magness, Southern Avenue, DK Harrell, Tad Robinson, Jon Cleary, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dave Specter, Charlie Musselwhite, Brandon Santini, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson and Terry Hanck.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from DK Harrell, Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, TajMo, Jon Cleary, Janiva Magness, Poppa Chubby, Tad Robinson, Brandon Santini, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, GA20, Hat Fiz & Cara Robinson, Bernard Allison, Terry Hanck, Carolyn Wonderland and Dave Specter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from TajMo, Janiva Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tad Robinson, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson, Jon Cleary, DK Harrell, Terry Hanck, Dave Specter and Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big winners from the night included Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Curtis Salgado, and John Primer, who all took home multiple awards. Ronnie Baker Brooks led the way with three wins.”

With the announcement of the Blues Music Awards winners a couple of weeks ago, I thought it was overdue for me to shine a light on the winners. Featuring songs from the latest release from each, it’s easy to hear why they walked away with an award.

Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Janiva Magness, Brandon Santini and Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“There’s no more explosive Blues guitar player in the world.”
--“ESQUIRE”, U.S.A.  

“DAVE HOLE is a musician whose time has finally come. In fact, considering the acclaim he's received in the past few months, it's hard to understand why he has remained unknown for so long. The reason is simple-Dave developed his amazingly intense slide guitar sound and strange playing style in almost total obscurity in one of the most isolated cities in the world: Perth, Australia.

After playing professionally for over twenty years, Dave has finally broken out as the "overnight" phenomenon he deserves to be. A rave review of Short Fuse Blues in Guitar Player (which almost never reviews records available only as imports) led to a feature story in the same magazine. Buoyed by both stories, Dave has suddenly emerged into the international spotlight. Not only has he toured the cities of eastern Australia, but he'll be making his European debut later in1992.”

I’m excited to feature this landmark album this week. Dave Holes break out release Short Fuse Blues. And to put it in perspective, I’ve enlisted the assistance of Alligator Records boss Bruce Iglauer, Guitar Player magazine editor Jas Obrecht and Dave Hole himself, to share their memories of this amazing moment in Blues history.

Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Hat Fitz & Cara.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from Taj Mo, Janiva Magness, Jon Cleary, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Charlie Musselwhite, John Primer, Tad Robinson, Carolyn Wonderland, Poppa Chubby, Hat Fitz & Cara, Larry McCray, Brandon Santini and Hussy Hicks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ain't nobody can do Jimmy Reed like Jimmy Reed could. But this drive down Jimmy Reed Highway with fellow Mississippian Kent "Omar" Dykes at the wheel with Jimmie Vaughan riding shotgun and folks like, Kim Wilson, Miss Lou Ann Barton, James Cotton, Delbert McClinton, and Gary Clark, Jr., joining the duo, comes mighty close. Joe Nick Patoski

With the news of the pending release of “On the Jimmy Reed Highway” for the first time on vinyl, I thought it might be fun to feature this classic from 2007.

Plus new releases from TajMo, Southern Avenue, Jon Cleary, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Janiva Magness, Larry McCray, John Primer, Hussy Hicks, Tad Robinson, Johnny Rawls, Carolyn Wonderland and Brandon Santini.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As its title indicates, Back to Bogalusa particularly investigates the Louisiana influences… notably on the tracks "Going Back to Louisiana," "Breaux Bridge Rag," "Bogalusa Boogie Man," and the Cajun-styled "Louisian'." He adds in some sympathetic songs by writers of a later generation, notably "Lie No Better," co-written by Delbert McClinton and Little Feat's "Dixie Chicken," co-written by Lowell George.

And he sounds most at home in the funky instrumentals "Grape Jelly" and "Slap It”… with a singing and playing ability that belies his years he sounds like he's having a wonderful time.                                                                                            Allmusic

With Jazzfest in New Orleans in full swing, I’m thrilled to present for you this week, this quite wonderful classic from Clarence Gatemouth Brown.

Plus new releases from Jon Cleary, Tad Robinson, Hussy Hicks, Davis Coen, Bernard Allison, Kid Ramos, Southern Avenue, Larry McCray, TajMo, Carolyn Wonderland and Bob Corritore.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Sizzling roots rock . . . gutbucket power . . . no-holds-barred excitement."
-- Billboard

Music writers have likened The Paladins' high-energy blend of rock 'n' roll, R&B, swing and rockabilly to the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and other hard-working roadhouse rock bands. A Washington Post critic may have described The Paladins' music best, however, when he wrote, "If musicianship, dedication, soul and the ability to express raw emotion were all you needed to gain fame and wealth, The Paladins would be known in every home in the land, and they'd have enough money to buy New York."

With Bluesfest making a highly successful return over the Easter weekend here in Australia, I’m casting my ears back to the earliest days of the festival and revisting the band that changed it all for me, the Paladins. Featuring three of the bands earliest records Years Since Yesterday, Lets Buzz and Ticket Home. And to put it in context, I’ll throw in some choice cuts from my interview with the bands Dave Gonzales.

Plus new releases from Jon Cleary, Southern Avenue, Tommy Castro, Kid Ramos, Bernard Allison, GA 20, Early James, Bob Corritore and plenty more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Bluesfest beginning this week with easter upon us. I’m reeling back the years to revisit this 1983 classic by Smokey Wilson 8th Street  Blues.

Plus new releases by Jon Cleary, Bob Corritore, Kid Ramos, TajMo, Bernard Allison, Early James, Southern Avenue, Polythythmics, Tommy Castro, GA20, Eric Johanson and Frank Bey.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Clarke's timing and music are right on the money, with the great Alex Schultz on lead guitar. There is no doubt that Clarke is one of the few modern bluesmen who are exploring and extending the amplified blues harp tradition without violating any of its principles. No one plays chromatic blues harp with this kind of passion and sheer conviction.”                                              All Music

A classic album from the early 90s, William Clarkes debut for Alligator records stands as a modern blues classic and I’m thrilled to to feature it for you this week, in the new extended 2hr version of Blues With A Feeling.

Plus new releases from Southern Avenue, TajMo, Kenny Neal, Jon Cleary, Tommy Castro, Kid Ramos, Bernard Allison, Bob Corritore, GA 20, Early James, Canyon Lights and Polyrhythmics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With George Thorogood & The Destroyers arrival in Australia now just weeks away, I’ve reached back to 1985 to feature this gem, the bands chart topping, platinum selling album “Live”. It was huge here in Australia and across the world, spending an amazing 42 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.

Plus  another crackin couple of sets of new releases from TajMo, Southern Avenue, Kid Ramos, Jon Cleary, Carolyn Wonderland, Bernard Allison, GA20 and Canyon Lights.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from TajMo, Charlie Musselwhite, Keny Neal and Micah Willis, Jon Cleary, Tommy Castro, Ian Siegal meets Johnny Mastro, Early James and Polyrhythmics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the announcement that George Thorogood & the Destroyers will return to Australia in April for a month of gigs, I’m digging deep into the bands incredible multi-million selling back catalogue to feature the bands debut album “George Thorogood & The  Delaware Destroyers”

Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Tommy Castro, Southern Avenue, Ian Siegal & Johnny Mastro, Bob Corritore and Early James.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from Tommy Castro, Ian Siegal and Johnny Mastro, Ray Beadle and Early James.

#blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #magicsam #delmarkrecords #tommycastro #earlyjames #raybeadle #iansiegal #johnnymastro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The Taj Mahal Sextet’s Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa won the Best Traditional Blues Album Grammy Award. The award was announced on February 2, 2025.

Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa captures a live performance at the historic Tulsa studio once home to Leon Russell. The album features ten tracks spanning multiple genres, performed by his long-time quartet, bassist Bill Rich, drummer Kester Smith, and guitarist/lap steel player Bobby Ingano, along with dobro player Rob Ickes and guitarist/vocalist Trey Hensley.

Ruthie Foster’s tenth studio album, Mileage, won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. 

Mileage, reflects on her journey from singing in rural Texas churches to earning Grammy nominations and collaborating with artists like Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.

Produced by Tyler Bryant, the album grew from conversations about her life, shaping a collection rooted in storytelling and personal experience. The title track was inspired by a casual remark about her years on the road, while the lead single, “Rainbow,” delivers a message of love and acceptance."                                                                                                                                              World Music Central

With Taj and Ruthie taking away Grammy awards this year, I’ve put together a show this week featuring tracks from both winning records.

Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Southern Avenue, Maria Muldaur & Benny Turner, Tommy Castro, Bob Corritore and Bobby Rush, Ian Siegal & Johnny Main, Ray Beadle and Early James    

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Surrounding this queen bee of the blues are two fresh princes: sons Donto and Sametto, who produced and engineered, and played drums and bass, respectively. The young bloods balance classic and contemporary approaches, leaving Mama free to breathe fire into an intriguing mix of tunes…

Matriarch of the Blues finds Etta James reclaiming her throne — and defying anyone to knock her off it.”                                                                                                           Rolling Stone

With Etta’s birthday last week, I’m celebrating by digging deep into her catalogue and featuring this Grammy nominated 2000 Private Music release “Matriarch Of The Blues”

Plus new releases from Tommy Castro, Frank Bey, Ian Siegal & Johnny Main and Early James

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Released on 16 January 1971,  it established a blueprint that would serve the trio well for the next 50 years, and make them possibly the most enduring and successful blues-rock band of all time.”

With ZZ Top announcing plans for their 2025 Elevation tour of Australia and New Zealand, I’ll be taking a deep dive into the bands earliest released in the months leading up to their arrival in April. This week, their debut ZZ Tops First Album.

Plus new releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Tommy Castro, Eric Bibb, Eli “Paper Boy” Reed, Frank Bey, Early James, Bob Corritore, Vanessa Collier, Ian Siegal & Johnny Mastro.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve pulled together a cracking show for the last new program of the year.

BB and the band are absolutely on fire on this set and I’ve also included new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Chris Cain, Eddie 9v, Ruthie Foster, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Sonny Gullage, Duke Robillard, Jimmy Carpenter and Eric Bibb.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Up-to-date, raw-edged blues…unassailable musicianship, passion and conviction."
—Chicago Reader

"Jumping, rocking blues…Peterson is a triple-threat player, excelling on guitar, piano and especially Hammond organ." 
—Washington Post

Another classic blues release from 1994 this week, featuring Lucky Petersons 2nd Verve records release “Beyond Cool”

Plus new releases from  Shemekia Copeland, Eric Bibb, Ruthie Foster, Eli “Paper Boy” Reed, Jimmy Carpenterand Tab Benoit.

#blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #luckypeterson #ververecords #shemekiacopeland #ericbibb #ruthiefostermusic #elipaperboyreed #jimmycarpenter #tabbenoit

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Hellbent for blues, the red-hot Red Devils have cranked out the year's most electrifying live album, a stunning debut. Even a band this sharp and spirited will be hard-pressed to top it. The raw and rootsy King King,  produced by sonic sharpshooter Rick Rubin, was recorded at L.A.'s King King club, where the Devils served as house band for six years. Whether blasting their own Goin' to the Church or breathing new fire into Sonny Boy Williamson's loping Cross Your Heart, the band outshines any contemporaries with its lean, high-powered and nasty approach to Chicago blues.”

I’ve got a Blues With A Feeling Classic album feature this week that will knock your socks off, The Red Devils incredible debut album “King King.
Plus new releases from Erib Bibb, Tommy Castro, Ruthie Foster, Eddie 9V and Shemekia Copeland.

#blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #shakeyshaun_ #thereddevils #defamerican #rickrubin #kingking #ericbibb #tommycastro #ruthiefoster #eddie9v #shemekiacopeland

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“As the milestone tenth studio album from blues luminary Ruthie Foster, Mileage finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on a life full of professional triumphs, personal loss, and a musical journey that took a self-described “little Black girl with a guitar” from singing at churches in rural Texas to chalking up multiple Grammy nominations and collaborating with fellow greats such as Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.” 

I’m joined on the show by Ruthie Foster this week as we chat about her latest album Mileage, about working with producer Tyler Brant and the creative process that led to this wonderful record, we talk about love and loss and our favourite Texan guitar players.

Featuring songs from “Mileage” and “Live at Antones”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m featuring this 1994 Antones Records classic this week.

Plus new releases from Ruthie Foster, Shemekia Copeland, Sonny Gullage, Jovin Webb, Vanessa Collier, Tab Benoit, Eddie DV, Jimmy Carpenter and Eric Bibb.

#blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #shakeyshaun_ #blues #doylebramhall #shemekiacopeland #ruthiefoster #sonnygullage #jovinwebb #vanessacollier #tabbenoit #eddie9v #jimmycarpenter #ericbibb

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

－ Dave Alvin

I’m featuring Davin Alvins 1994 Hightone Records classic King Of California this week,

Plus new releases from Ruthie Foster, Shemekia Copeland, Eric Bibb, Duke Robillard, Eddie 9V, Vanessa Carpenter and Jimmy Carpenter.

#blueswithafeelingpodcast  #bluespodcast #shakeyshaun_ #davealvin #shemekiacopeland #ruthiefoster #vanessacollier #dukerobillard #ericbibb #eddie9v #jimmycarpenter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Ruthie Foster, Eric Bibb, JD Simo Luther Dickinson, Jimmy Carpenter and Vanessa Collier.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This album is dedicated to my teachers and inspirations, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, B.B. King and Robert Jr. Lockwood and to the memories of Francis Snyder, Wilma Lieberman, Beth Christensen, and Arnold Hanson." Ronnie Earl

Continuing my celebration of Blues With A Feelings 30 years on air in 2024 by reaching back to this classic Bullseye Blues release by Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters this week.

Plus new releases from Eric Bibb, Ruthie Foster, JD Simo Luther Dickinson, Jimmy Carpenter and Vanessa Collier.

#blueswithafeelingpodcast #blues #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #ronnieearl #ronnieearl&thebroadcasters #ericbibb #ruthiefoster #jdsimo #lutherdickinson #jimmycarpenter #vanessacollier

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since Rock & Roll and Blues Hall Of Famer Elvin Bishop first hit the scene with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band back in 1965, he’s blazed his own musical trail. Whether he was playing raw, eye-popping blues, or penning the evergreen radio hit Fooled Around And Fell In Love, or touring the world for decades delivering his original, good-time countrified blues, Bishop has always inspired his fans with his rowdy guitar playing and witty, slice-of-life songs.

Celebrating Elvin Bishops birthday last week by featuring tracks from seven albums, including his Grammy nominated collaboration with Charlie Musselwhite 100 Years Of Blues.

Plus selected excerpts with my 2020 interview with Elvin shortly after the album was released.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenny Neal stands tall among the younger generation of blues players. His trademark brand of blues, featuring a combination of Louisiana swamp blues, funky rhythms and soul-deep vocals, powered by his slashing guitar playing and--on his solo albums--loping harmonica, puts him at the forefront of contemporary blues players.

I’m featuring a modern blues classic from Kenny Neal this week, by going back to 1994 for his incredible Alligator Records “Hoodoo Moon”.

Plus new releases from Ruthie Foster, Shemekia Copeland, Duke Robillard, JD Simo and Luther Dickinson, Vanessa Collier, Eddie 9V, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Eric Bibb.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reeling in the years to 1994 this week with this classic, Otis Rush 1994 release “Ain’t Enough Comin In”

Plus a dozen of the hottest new releases in stores this week with tracks from Jontavious Willis, Ruthie Foster , Duke Robillard, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Eddie 9V, Sonny Gullage, Shemekia Copeland and Jovin Webb.   

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Like no other electric blues guitarist of his generation, Albert Collins illuminated a stage with incandescent energy whenever he plugged his lethal Telecaster into an amp and let fly with his frigid, minor-key-laced licks.”

Remembering Albert Collins birthday this week, by featuring his cracking 1991 Pointblank Records release Iceman.

Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Southern Avenue, Mitch Woods, Eddie 9v, Greg Nagy, Jimmy Carpenter, Vanessa Collier, Jd Simo Luther Dickinson, Duke Robillard and the amazing Ruthie Foster.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"nobody has released more consistently excellent blues albums than Atlanta's Tinsley Ellis. He sings like a man possessed and wields a mean lead guitar." Billboard

Diving back into 1994 again this week, as part of my ongoing celebration of the programs 30 years on air, to feature Tinsley Ellis Alligator Records classic “Storm Warning”

Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland , Southern Avenue, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Tab Benoit, Greg Nagy, Vaneese Thomas and Zac Harmon.

#blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespoecast #shemekiacopeland #southernavenue #dukerobillard #ronniebakerbrooks, #tabbenoit #gregnagy #vaneesethomas #zacharmon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m taking a good hard listen to just some of the very best of the new releases taking up space on my hard drive this month.

Featuring songs from the latest releases by Shemekia Copeland,  Canned Heat, Duke Robillard, Chris Cain, Curtis Salgado, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Frank Sultana, Jontavious Willis, Vaneese Thomas, Jovin Webb, Colin James, Albert Castiglia, Guy Davis, Sonny Gullage, Zac Harmon, Tab Benoit, Greg Nagy and Mark Hummel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most compelling thing about The Well is its lack of pretension; Musselwhite has risen to the task of recording a completely autobiographical album that refuses easy clichés, or resting on laurels; its energy is infectious…

The Well is different from any recording Musselwhite's done before, but it also represents him and his experience of the blues in a singular and profound way. It's damn near perfect.”

With Charlie Musselwhite and his incredible band arriving in Australia this week, I’m featuring his incredible 2010 Alligator Records release The Well.

Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Chris Cain, Duke Robillard, Guy Davis, Tab Benoit, Albert Castiglia, Zac Harmon and Mark Hummel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing my flashback to 1994 when the program began this week by featuring The Paladins classic release Ticket Home. A favourite of mine, I’m thrilled to be joined by the bands Thomas Yearsley to talk about the record and how life was for the band 30 yrs ago when it was recorded and released.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harking back to 1994 for this weeks BWAF Classic Album Feature with Kim Wilsons 2nd release for Antones records “That’s Life”.

Plus new releases Shemekia Copeland, Albert Castiglia, Jontavious Willis, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Frank Sultana, Colin James, Mark Hummel and Tab Benoit.

#kimwilson #blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #shakeyshaun_ #blues #shemekiacopeland #albertcastiglia #jontaviouswillis #fabulousthunderbirds #franksultana #colinjames #markhummel #tabbenoit  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Luther Allisons birthday last week, and as part of my  continuing look into the great blues releases of 1994, I’m featuring his remarkable, groundbreaking Alligator Records debut “Soul Fixin Man”.

Plus a bunch of incredible new releases from Shemekia Copeland,  Mark Hummel, Tab Benoit, Guy Davis, Jontavious Willis, Gary Nicholson, Frank Sultana and Jovin Webb.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The great Son Seals would have celebrated a birthday last week and I wanted to mark the occasion by featuring this explosive show. Recorded at Buddy Guys Legends over three nights, it’s Son Seals in smoking form out front of his incredible band.

Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland and Guy Davis and Australian tour previews and information about Charlie Musselwhite and Chris Cain.

#blueswithafeelingpodcast #bluespodcast #blueswithafeeling #shakeyshaun_ #sonseals #badaxe #alligatorrecords #charliemusselwhite #chriscain #gympiemuster #chicagoblues

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Chris Cains imminent arrival in Australia and the recent release of his latest Alligator Records release Good Intentions Gone Bad, I couldn’t resist the urge to sit down with Chris and chat about the record, about guitars, songwriting and Albert King.

Plus new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Guy Davis and Curtis Salgado.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.