Alexis Harte
Peabody and Annie Awards–winning songwriter ALEXIS HARTE built his new album Thirsty from the ground up — dirt, rust and roots first. Roughly 30 tracks emerged and were whittled down to these 11 songs, sculpted to evoke times when life feels like it’s practically disintegrating, but really rewarding us with some hard-earned wisdom. The album, Harte’s seventh, is an unflinching journal through a gauntlet of transformative events over the last handful of years: an out-of-the-blue heart attack on the studio floor; a mother’s near-drowning, decline, and passing from Parkinson’s; a wife’s breast cancer; a global pandemic; the rise of homegrown fascism; and watching California dry out and burn.
Yet amid the weight, Thirsty captures deep moments of joy — finding beauty in the mundane (“Spent Sunday”), a graceful resignation to aging (“Old Volkswagen,” “All the Hard Work”), and learning to forgive and seek forgiveness (“Partner”). These songs came to Harte as uninvited houseguests: an infectious rhythm loops endlessly, a melody hums from seemingly nowhere, stories paint themselves on the walls. Thirsty is the guestbook — notes from the songs that took up residency — now they’ve moved on to you. For 12 years, Harte was co-founder and creative director of the multiple award-winning Pollen Music Group. He wrote “No Wrong Way Home,” which anchored the Oscar-nominated and Emmy–winning animated film Pearl (Patrick Osborne, Dir.). Before co-founding Pollen, Harte was signed to a multi-year Lionsgate publishing deal and placed dozens of songs in film and TV. As a performer, he has shared bills with Taj Mahal, Cat Power, Dar Williams, Fantastic Negrito, and many of his hometown friends.
Baron von FrankenPaul
With a sound that bridges jazz, rock, soul, and improvisation, Baron von FrankenPaul channels the raw emotion of classic American music through a cinematic, groove-driven lens. Their songs pulse with grit and grace — music for listeners who crave musicianship with heart, storytelling with edge, and the thrill of a live band in full flight. Baron Raymonde (saxophone), Frank Osgood (guitar), and Paul ILL (bass/production) are the kindred spirits behind this powerhouse trio.
Together, they conjure a potent sonic brew that fuses Jazz, Rock, and Funk into something both fearless and deeply musical. Their self-titled debut album showcases a collective passion for songwriting, adventurous harmony, and instrumental firepower — featuring a “Who’s Who” of world-class drummers and percussionists, including James Gadson, Steve Ferrone, Matt Abts, Wally Ingram, and Jeremy Colson. Adding yet another dimension to the mix are the pedal-steel explorations of Andrea Whitt and Greg McMullen, while vocalist Olivia Morreale lends her soulful, mellifluous power to the standout track “Tall Shoes Mary.”
The album’s repertoire stretches from bold reinterpretations of Coltrane, Miles Davis, Alice in Chains, and The Doors to richly melodic, harmonically daring originals. What you get with Baron von FrankenPaul is universal music for lovers of jam bands, rock, and jazz alike. When they swing, they swing. When they rock, they rock. And when they roll — hold on tight. Recording began at The Loft Studio in Bronxville, NY, engineered by Al Hemberger and featuring Greg McMullen (pedal steel), Victoria Berdy (percussion), and Ricardo Belletta (drums).
The trio later continued sessions in Los Angeles, officially adopting the name Baron von FrankenPaul — a playful merging of identities that mirrors their sound: part structure, part freedom, all soul.
Corey Arceneaux and The Zydeco Fusion Band
Corey Arceneaux is a veteran Zydeco accordionist, vocalist, songwriter, radio personality and creole zydeco ambassador. Performing professionally since 1991, Corey follows in the footsteps of his great uncle Fernest Arceneaux and great-grandfather Ferdinand Arceneaux. On Accordion Man, Corey is joined by his two sons, continuing a 90-year tradition of zydeco music into the fifth generation. Drawing inspiration from Buckwheat Zydeco, and the ‘Lafayette Zydeco’ sound, Corey’s music reflects a deep connection to Louisiana’s vibrant culture.
He has performed nationally and internationally, including appearances at major festivals like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Accordion Man was recorded at the Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana with The Zydeco Fusion Band, featuring Grammy-winning guitarist Joe “Cookie” Chavis, and multiple Grammy nominee Cecil Green, among other master musicians. Family is central to The Zydeco Fusion Band. Desmond Joseph, Corey’s eldest son, plays bass and produces; Tyler Arceneaux, the youngest, produces, drums, and plays scrubboard; Corey Arceneaux, Jr., the middle son, handles production in the control room. “The Intro (Pull That Thing)” sets the tone with Corey singing about Louisiana zydeco pride and touring life, creating an instant raucous party atmosphere. That atmosphere carries on to title track “Accordion Man,” an energetic number that sees Corey telling the story of his zydeco journey. “I’ve been doing my thing / Traveling all over making this box sing / Spread my culture to everyone that I can pass it on to my sons,” Corey sings. “When It Comes To You” stands as another highlight, an impassioned love song accompanied by tasteful guitar playing from Chavis.
If you’re from Louisiana and familiar with Zydeco, you’ll feel like you got a dose of joie de vivre and “passed a good time” that only a visit home can give you. If you’re not, you’ll quickly recognize what makes Louisiana and its people unique and special. Musicians: Corey Arceneaux: Accordion, Vocals, Cecil Green: Keyboards, Organ, Tyler Arceneaux: Scrub-board, Percussion, Drums, Joseph “Cookie” Chavis: Guitar, Desmond Joseph: Bass, Erica Fox: Featured & Vocals, Shane Bernard: Percussion (5).
Curtis Salgado
“By turns subtle nuance and acute phrasing to potent wailing and blues shouting, Salgado’s vocals cover quite a broad path.” – Glide Magazine “Wiggle Out Of This” is the new single from CURTIS SALGADO’s amazing forthcoming album, Legacy Rewind: Live In ’25. Salgado states: “Recorded live in April of last year, ‘Wiggle Out of This’ is originally from my Shanachie Records debut in 1999. It was written for me by my good friend, Peter Boe, a brilliant piano player and a hell of a songwriter. I hadn’t performed it in years, but playing and recording it live with my peers, who are high-level musicians, was a thrill. Hope you like it!”
Official Video For “Wiggle Out Of This”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLSlTLmsaAQ
Legacy Rewind: Live In ’25 is a tour de force performance by Curtis Salgado and a 15 piece band, recorded live and filmed at The Triple Door in Seattle, WA on April 5, 2025. On this historic retrospective, Salgado breathes new energy and life into a high impact set list of R&B, Funk, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll music from various points in his career, featuring new arrangements using four-part horns and three backing singers. Curtis Salgado toured as a member of the Robert Cray band and also Roomful of Blues before returning to his native Oregon to form his own band and release his debut album in 1991.
Salgado signed with Shanachie Records in 1999, releasing four critically acclaimed albums. He then signed with Alligator Records, releasing his label debut in 2012. His music has dashes of blues, gospel, R&B, jazz, funk, rock ’n’ roll and soul at any given moment. Salgado understands the power of clever turns of phrase and how that burrows into the hearts of his audience. He has performed at major festivals, venues and clubs and is revered worldwide.
MUSICIANS Curtis Salgado – vocal &, harmonica, Keashaun Jones, Margaret Linn, Lindsey Reynolds – backing vocals, Alan Hager, Ben Rice – guitar, John Linn – bass, Gary Harris – saxophone, Timothy Bryson – saxophone, Dave Mills – trumpet, Lars Campbell – trombone, Brady Goss – piano, Brian Harris – B3, Ron Tuttle – drums and percussion.
https://curtissalgado.com/home
Dan Crisci
Jazz pianist DAN CRISCI’s life in music spans far and wide, from academia to church, to jazz clubs, to the stage and screen. Scenes Along The Way catalogs the latter aspect of Crisci’s career as a collection of his tracks that have appeared on the soundtracks of TV shows and films such as Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, Will Trent, Vladimir, Murdoch Mysteries, and Run Amok. Dan Crisci’s accomplished career includes concerts at New York City and New Jersey venues such as Birdland, The Squire, and Shanghai Jazz, performing with musicians such as Zach Brock (Snarky Puppy), festivals such as Maplewood Jazzfest, as well as a performance at the Overlook Foundation Gala with vocalist Bill Robinson. Dan is also a long-term associate of the Triad Arts Ensemble, accompanying their production of The Fantasticks, and their Canticles for Life AIDS Benefit Concerts, often playing his original jazz music.
In 2024, Dan wrote the score for an independent movie called A Relative Comedy, set to release in 2026. Scenes Along The Way sees Crisci covering a variety of genres within jazz, including Early Jazz (“Around the Block,” “Evening Swing,” “Struttin’ With Some Blues”), Bossa Nova (“East to West”), and Modern Jazz (“Up And Away,” “The Bridge Not Taken”), presenting the fruits of a diverse career.
Personnel: Dan Crisci: Piano, Sue Williams: Bass, Nick Scheube: Drums, Rick Savage: Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Craig Aiken: Bass (3).
Darryl Scotti and Big Yard [Album]
“Raw, soulful, and cinematic—Darryl Scotti makes music that cuts deep and speaks truth.” —Indie Pulse Magazine
DARRYL SCOTTI is a guitarist and songwriter whose musical journey began with a transistor radio and a dream. Poets & Heroes is the latest stop in a storied career that’s included playing and collaborating with such legends as Nancy Sinatra, Sheila E, and Ray Charles. On Poets & Heroes Scotti is joined by Big Yard, a gang of veteran musicians including three members of Pablo Cruise: pianist Cory Lerios, drummer Sergio Gonzales, and bassist Larry Antonio, who also serves as co-songwriter.
Official Lyric Video for “Coming Home” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijyNGaQN6Ws
Scotti is in an empathetic and introspective space on Poets & Heroes, which marries seasoned songwriting with social commentary and emotional soul-searching. “Proof” is a gritty, high-energy Country/Rock song that lays bare the struggle between heartbreak, addiction, and redemption. With raw storytelling and soulful delivery, the song captures the weight of regret while reaching for hope on the other side. On the title track “Poets & Heroes,” Scotti tributes the great American songwriters, channeling the spirit of our poetic heroes—the legends who told stories, painted pictures with words, and gave us meaning through melody and rhyme.
Alongside the original cuts, Poets & Heroes also features a cinematic re-imagining of the Sting classic “Every Breath You Take,” which has already attracted a multi-generational fanbase and international playlist support. With decades of history and fresh creativity fueling what’s next, Darryl Scotti remains driven by one truth: “God’s not done with me yet.”
Darryl Scotti: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Grant Geissman: Electric Guitars, Joey Gutos: Electric Guitar, Aaron Howard: Acoustic Guitar, Alex Chacon: Electric Guitar, Larry Antonino: Electric Bass, Fretless Bass Solo, Keyboards, Orchestral arrangement, Background vocals, Sergio Gonzalez: Drums and Percussion, Corey Lerios: Piano. https://darrylscotti.com/
David Haerle
DAVID HAERLE draws inspiration from formative experiences that have stayed with him like halfremembered dreams. His new single “Tucumcari Tonite!” looks back on long summer drives through the American Southwest and is rooted in the enduring magic of places like Tucumcari, New Mexico. “Every summer my brother and I went to stay with our grandparents in middle Tennessee, sometimes passing through Tucumcari. My recollections from these trips conjured up images of souvenir shops, giant cactus, indigenous cultures, the epic Meteor Crater & Petrified Forest, dinosaur museums, and of course the exquisite feeling of freedom from school that came with summer vacation.”
Official Video for “Tucumcari Tonite!” https://youtu.be/0rKCzCldA10
“‘Tucumcari Tonite!’ is a nostalgic trip into a 1970s childhood, both real and imagined,” states video director Sabrina Doyle. “I see it through a distorted, Lynchian lens that pulls its Americana into a sharp focus — like a fistful of desert sand thrown in your eyes. Referencing cult TV shows like ‘Land of the Lost’ and leaning into the mystique of the American Southwest, I invite viewers to step into a parallel Tucumcari where the landscape constantly rewrites itself.”
Haerle’s music blends rock, folk, and Americana with heartfelt storytelling, warm guitar tones and a nostalgic yet modern vibe that feels both personal and expansive. His previous album releases—El Camino Sierra, Death Valley and Garden of Edendale—have all been well reviewed by notable publications like Billboard, American Songwriter, Goldmine, Under The Radar, Glide Magazine, Rock & Roll Globe, Americana Highways, Elmore Magazine and others. David grew up surrounded by music and the music business.
His father, Martin Haerle co-founded the independent label CMH Records, setting up shop in the garage and side room of the family home in Los Angeles. Also, David’s maternal grandparents co-owned the first full time country music radio station in Nashville, WENO, with their partner Cal Young. When his father passed away suddenly, David took over the family business at just 24 years-old. He has served as president of CMH Records, now CMH Label Group, ever since.
Drew Cagle
DREW CAGLE & The REPUTATION is a high energy, no apologies, national touring rock band from Central Illinois. The band got its name “The Reputation” after Cagle decided to lean into the considerable ridicule he received in the beginning while attempting to perform his original music in a market primarily dominated by cover bands. Driven by his passion for authentic original expression, Cagle set his sights on the surrounding major cities in the Midwest and across the US determined to show the world that greatest rock songs haven’t already been written. Drew Cagle & The Reputation’s first full length album, Bad Attitude, features the single “Wine Talkin’,” a hard hitting southern rock ballad about the trials of lost love and overcoming the scars left in the aftermath.
“Wine Talkin’” is the crescendo of an eight-song collection of boisterous rock’ n roll that combines passionate modern songwriting with the bold sound and swagger of rock superstars from the ‘80s. In an album ironically named after a band Cagle’s father performed with in the early ‘90s, Bad Attitude manages to encapsulate the classic “chip on your shoulder” aggression and natural danger that rock n roll has been missing in recent years.
While the album tells a story of heartbreak and rebellion, the final track “Wine Talkin’” feels less like an epilogue for the band, but more like a hint of what’s to come from The Baddest Band On The Planet.
MUSICIANS Drew Cagle – Vocals, Shannon Forrest (Toto) – Drums, Sol Philcox-Littlefield (Luke Combs) – Guitar, Sam Hunter (Willie Nelson) – Guitar, Tony Palacios (Guardian) – Guitar, B. James Lowry (Kenny Chesney) – Guitar & Bass, Craig Young (Elton John) – Bass, Matt Coles – Percussion & Background Vocals.
Erik Rabasca
ERIK RABASCA is a Connecticut-based singer-songwriter and founder of Highest Frequency Records, currently performing at folk venues throughout Connecticut and the Hudson Valley. His forthcoming album New Scrolls (June 5, 2026) is his most focused and personal work yet — a fully-realized rootsy voyage through country folk & swing where classic roadhouse grit meets intimate storytelling, drawing on the lyrical spirit of Dylan, Marley, and Prine. With themes balancing mindful existence and the hereafter, energy and form, looming death and the will to live, New Scrolls shares hard-earned wisdom with weary optimism. No stranger to big moments, Erik Rabasca was hand-picked by Jon Batiste to open his Alive at Five concert series performance in Albany, NY. Rabasca has also opened for Grammy winners Mike Farris, SOJA and Easy Star All Stars.
New Scrolls arrives as Rabasca steps fully into the acoustic spotlight — stripped back, road-worn, and right where he belongs. Fully embracing and transmuting his influences, he performs with ease and joy, continually winning fans over in storied Connecticut venues like SPACE Ballroom, Milford Arts Council, Fairfield Theater Company, Bijou Theater and more. Rabasca will be actively performing through the fall as both a soloist and with The Connecticut Hope Collective at venues large (Sacred Heart University Theater) and small (Cantean), as well as CT Festivals in Bethany, New London and Glastonbury CT.
Personnel: Erik Rabasca-Lead Vocals/Guitars (1-8), Keyboards (2, 4, 6-7), Bass (3, 5, 7), JP Geoghegan-Drums (1-5, 7), Yako Prodis-Bass (1), Bobo Lavorgna-Bass (2, 4, 6, 8), Denise JonesBacking Vocals (3-8), Lys Guillorn, Chandra & Muddy Rivers-Backing Vocals (8), Shandy LawsonMandolin (8), Brian Larney-Keyboards (8), Frank Critelli-Announcer/Host (8).
GIGI DeNISCO
Seasons is the newest offering from Florida singer-songwriter Gigi DeNisco, presenting a fusion of rock, blues, and adult contemporary styles with influences that include Aimee Mann, The Pretenders, and Curtis David Chapman. Writing and performing since she was young, DeNisco’s musical career has featured such highlights as opening for Willie Nelson, Boz Scaggs, Stevie Nicks, Keith Urban, and Michael Bolton, as well as being voted “Best Rock Vocalist” in the Miami New Times.
The songs of Seasons address faith, love, and contemporary issues of our time. Speaking of lead single “Sidetracked,” Gigi says “I wasn’t sure how the song would fit on the album, but it did! I had watched a sermon about being sidetracked and sat down to write the song on a day when I was angry at my boyfriend. It’s not really a personal song, though I think it’s one everyone can relate to.” “Blue Skies And The Rain,” recorded and produced by Fernando Perdomo (Carmine Appice, Marshall Crenshaw Band, Dave Kerzner), sees DeNisco shifting her focus to the environment, and humanity’s responsibility to maintain it. Another one of Gigi’s favorite tracks is “Everyday,” which is about love and treating the people in your life with kindness. “The song has a reggae beat and is so positive. I’m doing 3-part harmonies in the chorus – Maurice Gibb told me he loved how I harmonized with myself, I finally heard what he was referring to on ‘Everyday’.”
While faith is important to DeNisco, she doesn’t consider herself a “Christian artist.” Says Gigi, “I’m a secular artist who writes and a Christian who has drawn closer to God. My songs reflect that journey. If people who listen to Seasons have their guard up, I hope my songs help lower it and allow them to see things a little differently.”
Personnel: Gigi DeNisco: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Jimi Fiano: Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro (1, 3-9), Steve Argy: Bass (3-9), Evoski “Muff” Cunningham: Drums (3-9), Mark “Muggy” Leach: Organ (3-9), Matt Coogan: Bass (1), Guido Marciano: Drums (1), J. Towne: Percussion (1), Fernando Perdomo: Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals (2), Max Farbee: Organ (2), Guido Marciano: Drums (2).
Greg Piccolo
“Greg’s vocals are top line on his new album. And he never stops innovating in his songwriting, having conversations with jazz, rock, funk, and reggae. Every note and beat has its own meaning and soul.” –Chris Kimsey (producer/engineer for the Stones, Frampton, & Duran Duran)
“Don’t Tell Me The Truth” is the new single from singer/ songwriter/ saxophonist GREG PICCOLO’s forthcoming album, Who Knows What The Future Holds. “It was time.” That’s Piccolo’s response when asked, “Why now?” Why take on the demands, investment, and effort of a new release at seventy-five? The answer arrives with his first major studio recording in 8 years. Following earlier releases on Fantasy Records and Black Top Records, this project reveals a different side of Piccolo. “This recording represents my alternate career as a singer-songwriter,” he says. “These are unpublished songs I’ve written over the years, and I’m grateful for the chance to finally share them.”
For those who’ve followed Greg Piccolo’s career back as far as 1969—back to his teenage years playing throughout New England—this groove-forward spirit is no surprise. As a founding force behind Roomful of Blues, Piccolo helped shape the Grammy-nominated sound that powered one of the most enduring touring bands of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. During his tenure, he wore many hats: lead singer, bandleader, and driving architect of the band’s signature horn-fueled groove. Today, Greg Piccolo remains one of the premier tenor saxophonists on the stage and in the studio.
Whether playing or singing, he approaches each song with precision, purpose, and deep respect for the music. Piccolo’s latest single “Don’t Tell Me The Truth” is no exception: “I had a Memphis rock & roll groove on my mind, so I played it on my guitar and the words appeared! As with most songs I write, I start with a thought that turns into a title and I go from there. In the end, this song is a sad story with a great beat.” Greg Piccolo’s musical contributions have been acknowledged with induction into the New England Music Hall of Fame and multiple Blues Music Award nominations. Now, with a new single and album brought out of the vault and into the light, a new chapter begins. The vault, it turns out, is far from empty. Who knows what the future holds.
MUSICIANS Greg Piccolo: Vocals, Horn section/Tenor, Shinichi Otsu: Hammond Organ, Piano, BG Vocals, Bob Ruggiero: Drums, BG Vocals, Dean Shot: Guitar, Paul Tomasello: Bass BG Vocals, Mark Kazanoff: Horn Section/Baritone, Al Gomez: Horn Section/Trumpet. Produced by Terry Manning.
Kevin Farge
Serene elegant folk from a cabin in Costa Rica. KEVIN FARGE’s warm voice like a bear hug. There’s a sophisticated charm to Farge’s versatile explorations of language and genre on Never Gonna Back Down. He’s joined by Devendra Banhart sideman Greg Rogove on “Frijoles,” a Spanish bossa nova that would be at home on genre classic “Chega de Saudade.” Folk scene poet laureate Little Wings joins in on the warm alt-country tune “Memphis,” which has a sound that drives through the American night, and also on the whimsical Ferris wheel country blues of “A Little More Fun” (“you’ll probably have a little less money, but you’ll probably have a little more fun”). “Mariel Pt. 2” is a peaceful song in Spanish, is as serene as anything in Caetano Veloso’s catalog.
Official Video for “Never Gonna Back Down”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAwafxBonVA
Farge combines country delivery and Latin rhythms on the infectious indie rocker “Good Girls.” “Two Bags of Rice” brings Brazilian baiao into the 21st century. The folk jazz of “Me and Marty” would be perfectly at home on Nick Drake’s Bryter Layter. “Never Gonna Back Down” mixes strings, breakbeats, and detuned acoustic guitar to build Farge’s folk sound into a Britpop anthem. Throughout it all, Kevin Farge never strays far from home. He grew up with an American father and a Costa Rican mother. Farge’s music balances sincerity, depth, and humor, carrying the torch of music forward without any affectation. You’re gonna want to hear this. MUSICIANS Kevin Farge – vocals, guitar, cello, piano, organ, drums, triangle, Kyle Field – bass, vocals, whistling, Josh Cinquemani – tambourine, bones, Karol Barboza – guitar, clarinet, Gregory Rogove – brushes, Uesaka – clarinet, Katherine Herrero de Armas – flute, Little Wings – vocals, guitar, drums, James Shelton – pedal steel, John Britton – trumpet, organ, piano, bass. Recorded at Shell House, Costa Rica. www.kevinfarge.com
Jennifer Tefft and The Strange
Jennifer Tefft knows life for you is crazy right now. It’s crazy for her, it’s crazy for her family and closest friends. So when the proverbial shit hits the fan, and that seems to happen with startling frequency these days, the Massachusetts songwriter is asking us to stay strong, remain positive, and, most of all, look for the Silver lining. Providing a sonic compass for life’s storms at maximum volume, Jennifer Tefft & The Strange unleash their new single “Silver” to the world on June 3. Tefft explains, “I constantly look for silver linings — the world is dark and scary these days and I often find silver linings in simple things and moments of joy or beauty.” This soaring new composition, which adds a euphoric pop sheen to the band’s usually gritty and dramatic alternative rock sound, is the follow-up to February’s hypnotic “A Little More,” and last fall’s powerful cover of The Lumineers’ “Salt and the Sea.” And “Silver” arrives just ahead of the band’s appearance at The New England Americana Festival in Medfield, Massachusetts on June 6, marking a return to Tefft’s hometown. Performing live and creating music with her band – the guitarist and powerhouse vocalist is rounded out in The Strange by longtime collaborator and guitarist John Parrillo; Stephen “Sharky” Beccia on bass; and new recruit Chis Jost on drums.
As listeners relate to the message and apply their own dalliances to Tefft’s relatable lyricisms, what they’ll also hear in “Silver” is the sound of a band firing on all creative cylinders, blurring genre lines and experimenting with sound without losing the identity first forged in their 2024 debut album Strange Beginnings. For Tefft, a veteran musician and songwriter whose songs have been heard across international televisions on Cruel Summer, CSI, Stargate Universe, One Life To Live, The Young & The Restless, and elsewhere, the release of her album Strange Beginnings two years ago was a jump-off point for this creative era.
John Primer
After completing a tribute to his humble beginnings in Mississippi, the three-time Grammy® nominated, Blues Hall of Fame artist, JOHN PRIMER decides to pay tribute to the greatest blues club in the world, Theresa’s Lounge, while he and his friends that played down there can still do it. All of these incredible artists got their start down in the basement of Theresa’s Lounge. They were taught how to be professional blues musicians by blues masters. John’s dream of becoming a musician came true at Theresa’s Lounge. It was like home to him and it changed his life forever.
John Primer is from Camden, MS in 1945. He was born on sharecropper land. Growing up working in the fields, searching for a better life, he migrated to Chicago with his mother in 1963. His blues career began on Maxwell St. playing for tips, to then getting his first steady gig at Theresa’s Lounge in the 70’s. John was the band leader for Junior Wells, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Magic Slim before leading his own Real Deal Blues Band in 1995. He was taught by the masters and is one of the last real bluesmen in the world. He is the REAL DEAL! “The songs on John Primer and Friends’ Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge have a lot of meaning to me. These songs remind me of Theresa’s Lounge. You would hear my teachers singing them. ”Up in Heah“, is a song that Junior Wells would sing to kick off his set, I wrote “7 Nights for 7 Years” especially for this tribute. It’s about how hard I worked and paid my dues at Theresa‘s. I wrote “The Blues is King”, which tells how important it is to keep the true blues traditions intact and alive. Billy Branch sang “Sugar Sweet“, a Muddy Waters song. He was a huge influence on all of us, along with Willie Buck’s version of “Champagne and Reefer” and Carlos Johnson’s “She’s Nineteen Years Old”.
I wrote “We all Need Help”, in the memory of Theresa Needham. She was always giving to people in need. She taught me so much about how important it is to give to those that are in need. The song “Little by Little” is one of my favorite Junior Wells songs. Mary Lane was the only regular woman singer at Theresa’s. I had to include her song, “Mary’s Song” on this album. James Cotton sang John Watkins song, “Here I am Knockin’ at Your Door Again” at Theresa‘s so I asked John to sing it for us. I took John Watkins place after he quit Junior’s house band. The last song was sung every night by Sammy Lawhorn at Theresa’s, “Mean Old World” is a tribute to him. These songs and these musicians mean a lot to me.
We all got our start together at Theresa’s Lounge. We are all in our seventies, eighties and nineties now. I am so happy we were all healthy enough to make this tribute to Theresa’s Lounge together. I am happy to be able to pay tribute to Theresa. I hope you enjoy this album as much as I do.” – John Primer
Lila Wilde
LILA WILDE’s new single “Fault Line” marks a more reflective turn in her career. The song explores the end of a relationship through the lens of perspective, recognizing that heartbreak is rarely one-sided. Written while a relationship was quietly coming to a close, Wilde’s track captures the realization that sometimes no one is to blame—two people can simply drift apart until something gives. Using the metaphor of an earthquake fault line, Lila Wilde paints a vivid picture of emotional tension building beneath the surface. Sonically, “Fault Line” leans into ‘80s-inspired synthwave with a modern indie pop edge, drawing comparisons to artists like MUNA and Holly Humberstone.
“Fault Line” feels both cinematic and energizing, whether it’s a late-night drive or a golden hour dance moment. “Fault Line” has already begun to gain attention and resonate, recently winning the Pop category at the New England Songwriters Music Awards and quickly becoming a standout favorite among fans. With “Fault Line,” Lila Wilde continues to define her lane as an artist who creates music you can dance to, sing along with, and sit with all at once. Lila Wilde is an independent pop artist based in New York, known for blending nostalgic ‘70s and ‘80s influences with modern pop production.
With a background performing across New England and the tristate area, she has built a growing audience through her dynamic live shows and emotionally resonant songwriting. Wilde’s music ranges from playful, retro-leaning tracks to more introspective pop, all tied together by a focus on making listeners feel something—whether that’s joy, catharsis, or connection. MUSICIANS Lila Wilde – vocals, Brendan Keenan (Snarky Puppy, Shawn Mendes, Liberty Devitto) – guitar & synths, Jacob Ott – bass.
Produced by Brendan Keenan.
https://linktr.ee/lilawildemusic
https://www.facebook.com/lilawildemusic
https://www.instagram.com/lilawildemusic
Linda Marks
In her 16th studio album, produced in Nashville by Justine Blazer, including mandolin by Grand Ole Opry royalty Rhonda Vincent, fiddle by Adam Haynes, pedal steel by Smith Curry, keys by Bill Justine and a team of talented artists from the US & Europe, multi award winning singer songwriter LINDA MARKS offers her best songwriting yet. From gorgeous heartfelt ballads like “You’re Not Alone” to songs that will make you smile like “Gardener’s Lament,” Marks continues to write signature social impact songs like “Hidden Bloodlines, Hidden Scars,” “Momma Cries,” and “Pain Changes Everything.” Marks writes from the heart directly to yours.
The title song is about the Los Angeles wildfires set in an historical context. The album includes three duets and autobiographical material. Boston based singer songwriter Linda Marks is a healer at heart, known for lyric-driven social impact songs with singable, heartfelt melodies complemented by her clear, warm, expressive voice. Often compared to Carole King for her heartfelt piano-based songwriting and intimate storytelling, Joni Mitchell for her emotional honesty and lyrical depth, and Norah Jones for her smooth, jazz-influenced phrasing and soothing vocal tone, Marks’ music leaves the listener with a feeling of peace and hope.
Linda Marks has been a Finalist in the Great American Song Contest, the UK Songwriting Contest, and the International Singer Songwriter Awards. Marks has also been nominated for World Entertainment Awards,and Josie Music Awards, and has won multiple Global Music Awards and World Songwriting Awards. She was guest artist on a Grammy nominated album & is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy. “Marks’ songwriting skills have reached a point where is is among the best of them, famous or local.” —Bill Copeland News “A longtime fixture on the Boston music scene.” —The Boston Globe Production team includes Justine Blazer, Doug Hammer & Bobby Holland. Brad Blackwell for Dolby Atmos
The Massacoustics
The MASSACOUSTICS are an Americana duo from Western Massachusetts blending roots rock, altcountry, and classic storytelling into a raw, stripped-down sound powered by gritty guitars, bass, drums, and tight brothers’ harmony. Everything on Water Keeps Rising was recorded live, with drummer and bassist Matthew Thompson playing each instrument one handed — no loops or backing tracks, no studio tricks the band can’t reproduce on stage — demonstrating the band’s commitment to authenticity and capturing the concert sound that has made them a successful touring act. Guitarist and lead singer Andrew Thompson and drummer and bassist Matthew Thompson both made the move to Nashville in 1991.
As The Thompson Brothers on RCA Records, they toured across the U.S. and Europe — including Germany with Bill Wyman & the Rhythm Kings — and their earlier records feature guest appearances by Steve Earle, Sam Bush, Al Kooper, and Rusty Young of Poco. The brothers have also shared the stage with Willie Nelson and opened for Jerry Jeff Walker.
Official Video For “Water Keeps Rising” (Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEaOfNEp3TE
On Water Keeps Rising a heartland rock sound meets evocative lyricism, with personal songs of hardship and resilience, joy and pain. The raw recording style compliments the album’s honest and heartfelt lyrics, resulting in a collection of songs that convey unvarnished truths. With a sound that sits comfortably alongside artists like Jason Isbell and other modern roots rock artists, The Massacoustics are building momentum through consistent touring, new releases, and grassroots audience growth. With their latest release Water Keeps Rising, The Massacoustics continue to prove that two brothers, a great story, and a lot of road miles & talent can still build something real. The Massacoustics are: Matthew Thompson (Drums, Bass, Vocals) and Andrew Thompson (Guitar, Vocals).
Mitch Dalton
MITCH DALTON, one of the U.K.’s most renowned studio guitarists, explores his love of jazz in his latest release Out of the Shadows, which sees the sideman step into the solo spotlight. Between his session work and experience in jazz bands, Dalton’s credits read like a veritable who’s who. He can count Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter, Peggy Lee, and Quincy Jones among his collaborators, to name a few. On Out of the Shadows, Dalton continues his record of taste in compatriots, enlisting the 3x Grammy-nominated SWR Big Band and Miami, Florida’s own Edwin Bonilla (Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez) for the rhythm section.
Mitch Dalton draws from many sources in his exploration of American musical genres, taking influence from fusion, Latin Jazz, and bebop to craft something both sophisticated and surprisingly toe-tapping. Vocalist Jazz Morley (The Voice UK) joins Dalton on four tracks, including a soaring performance on the romantic “We Do It” and perhaps the album’s most daring moment, “Besame Mash Up.” This track sees Dalton fusing two Latin classics: Consuelo Velázquez’s “Besame Mucho” and Tito Puente’s “Oye Como Va,” a potentially risky move that pays off in spades for Dalton & co., resulting in a track that’s both reverential and fresh. “Freberg’s Folly” demonstrates the band’s talent with a harmonically and rhythmically dense track that shows off creativity as much as pure chops.
Overall, Out of the Shadows is twelve tracks bursting at the seams with ingenuity from one of the most unique ensembles you’re likely to hear this year! Personnel David Arch: Piano and Keyboards, Tim Goodyer: Drums, Steve Pearce: Bass Guitar, Bill Sharpe: Additional Piano (Track 7), Edwin Bonilla: Percussion (1, 3, 5-9), Sammy Mayne: Alto Saxophone (2, 8), Tenor Saxophone (6, 12), Flutes (3, 5, 7, 9), Jazz Morley: Vox (3, 5, 6, 7), The SWR Big Band (1, 4, 5- 12). https://www.facebook.com/mitch.dalton.5 https://www.instagram.com/dalton.mitch/
Neybas - Album
“Partying, dancing, and rock n roll. That’s precisely what the Neybas provide.” — MTV Online Hello, Earth is the sixth album from Connecticut based Alt-Americana-Classic-Rock-Jam-Band Neybas (pronounced “NAY-bahz”). Hello, Earth is an eclectic, sunny, and socially conscious LP, with a mix of rock genres, including funk, jam, ska, and alt-rock. Neybas’ music is lively and danceable, reflecting the sounds and vibes of the music of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.
For decades, Neybas have been a favorite in the northeast. Their mix of hooky, upbeat original material combined with “deep cut” cover songs, helped them win a large following, multiple readers polls, and inclusion in The Essential Western New England Songbook. As an acclaimed live act Neybas has played with such artists as Georgia Satellites, Tom Snyder, Joan Osborne, Rick Derringer, and Ratt. Lyrically, Hello, Earth is concerned with the many facets of the human condition (“Certified Human. No AI” the cover proudly proclaims).
Both grounded and lighthearted, Neybas touch on everything from political consciousness to love, to history, to the possibility of human colonization of other planets, all backed by the band’s signature party-ready sound. Suitably, the album’s musical style is as varied and lifeaffirming as its lyrics, forging a sound that’s simultaneously classic and contemporary. “Live It Up” is a rowdy ska number about partying and enjoying life, followed by “Billionaires,” a tongue-incheek alt-rock song encouraging the ultra-wealthy to go to Mars so those of us who appreciate Earth can enjoy the planet without them.
The interplanetary theme continues on “Mission Control, Are You Receiving?,” which flips the perspective to that of a lonely astronaut pining for home. “Road to Mississippi” recounts the campaign of the Freedom Riders, re-examining their story and courage from a contemporary context. Hello, Earth is an album for the energetic and the introspective, the sound of a legendary live act skillfully translating their sound to recording.
Musicians:
Kevin Bornstein: Bass, Vocals, Nicholas “Toad” Eckert: Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Vocals, Emmet Hale: Drums, Vocals, Greg Marshall: Keyboards, Russ Waesche: Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Lap Steel, and Pedal Steel Guitars, Mandolin, Vocals. With: Alex Giosa: Percussion, John Bolduc: Additional Vocals, Percussion. Producer: John Bolduc. www.Neybas.com
Neybas
“Are You Ready?,” an edgy alternative rock song, is the new single from NEYBAS’ forthcoming album, Hello, Earth, due out March, 2026. Neybas (pronounced “nay-bahz”), are an Alt-Americana Trad Rock Jam band from Connecticut. Hello, Earth is their sixth studio LP. Neybas’ music is energetic and danceable, reflecting the sounds and vibes of the music from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. For decades, Neybas have been a favorite in the northeast. Their mix of hooky, upbeat original material combined with “deep track” cover songs, helped them win a large following and multiple readers polls and awards over the years — including “Best Original Music” and “Best Live Performance” in the Hartford, CT area.
MUSICIANS Kevin Bornstein – Bass & vocals, Nicholas “Toad” Eckert – Background vocals, Emmet Hale – Drums, Russ Waesche – Guitars & vocals, Alex Giosa – Cowbell
Nunz
Sal NUNZ is a singer songwriter based in New Haven, Connecticut. Nunz’ third album, Some Kind of Heaven, explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, wrapped in driving rock n roll and ethereal instrumentation. Backed by a stellar lineup that includes Scott Spray (Johnny Winter Group), Al Ferrante (Cindy Lauper), Crispin Cioe (Tom Waits), Jordan Giangreco (Steal Your Funk) and others, Some Kind Of Heaven is a tour de force of rock energy.
Having performed at intimate venues and festivals alike, NUNZ captivates audiences with his raw, highenergy live shows. With a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, Sal Nunz is an artist on the rise, bringing a fresh yet timeless voice to the rock n roll scene with a new album sonically assembled by award-winning producer Vic Steffens (Blues Brothers, Whitney Houston, Harry Connick, Jr.).
MUSICIANS Bobby T Torello: Drums, Joey Diamondz: Drums, Scott Spray: Bass, Ryan Newman: Guitar, Marc Amendola: Guitar, Chris Bickley: Guitar, Al Ferrante: Guitar, Christine Ohlman: Vocals, Thee Stout: Vocals, Crispin Cioe: Sax, Jordan Giangreco: Keyboards, Vic Steffens: Keyboards.
Nuke The Soup
Unfurling with a single acoustic melody and an emotive, steady voice, NUKE THE SOUP’s new single“I Ride Alone”immediately radiates quiet humanity that never wanes. As momentum builds, each layer reflectsNuke TheSoup’s tendency to emulate natural-world processes that often mirror human experience. With surfing in mind, one of songwriter MarkDavison’s favorite activities, the track harnesses the pure ambition and drive it takes to be the only one out on the water. It’s a testament to those who track spiral after spiral as they hurtle towards the shore, resolved to catch the waves regardless of how hard they crash. While some might call it stubborn, or even reclusive, Nuke The Soup stands for the fiercely independent, those“facing and chasing the unknown”using only their hearts and minds as a compass
Live Video Performance of “I Ride Alone”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltMjDG41gEY
When the wild calls, whether through swelling oceans, jagged peaks, or forgotten trails, compelling collectives like Nuke The Soup listen. For decades, they have acted as self-appointed sonic travel guides of the natural world and the human condition. They draw from the limitless metaphors rooted in the earth, while revering those who dare to tame the great unknowns. Fronted by Baltimore-based Mark Davison, their rock-driven sound spans a wide emotional and instrumental range, encouraging listeners to look both inward and outward, to reflect on what holds them back and pursue what pushes them forward. Oftentimes, their tracks strike an unexpected chord, offering a vulnerability that never feels overwrought or dishonest. Instead, their approachable sound lingers, holding a magnifying glass to contemporary life in ways that feel both tangible and refreshingly offbeat. Their latest record, Dancing on the Edge, is poised to grow even more resplendent with time, as Nuke The Soup continues to give listeners new ways to come along for the ride. www.NukeTheSoup.com
Nuke The Soup
When two people decide to bare their souls to one another completely, love can be one of the most magical forces on Earth. But when communication falters, love can turn torturous and unbearably fragile. Wrapped in a blanket of delicate, wistful acoustic strums, NUKE THE SOUP’s new single “Lost On You” unravels the struggle of a lover just trying to “keep it all together” as his relationship teeters on the verge of collapse. This narrator doesn’t know where it all went wrong—when their connection shifted into misunderstanding—but he can feel the tension and detachment closing in.
Official Video for “Lost On You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzwJEBIwJJc
Left to wonder whether they’re on the same wavelength, he asks the difficult questions, unsure if it’s already too late to salvage what they once had, only for her to echo his doubts right back. Yet the soft shake of the tambourine and bright synths suggest that not everything has slipped away, because they’re still fighting to hold on. Filled with quiet anxiety and tender devastation that seeps through every crack, “Lost On You” gives voice to the many who’ve felt love lose its way—striving to be heard even as their bond frays and falls apart at the seams.
Nuke The Soup is often heralded as a beacon of rare, nuanced simplicity—the kind of music that shimmers like the surface of an expansive lake, reflecting life’s scenery with a dreamy ripple that enchants listeners from the very first listen. Guided by creative highflier Mark Davison, the Baltimore-based project continues to evolve and surprise, crafting a distinct sound unafraid to embrace the playful, emotive, and even sophisticated sides of the human experience. All the while, they venture deeper into the inevitable unknowns, exploring original musical terrains year after year. “Lost On You” is from Nuke the Soup’s latest album, Dancing On The Edge, their most poignant and polished offering yet, brought to life by Grammy-winning producer Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello) and Gerry “Spooky Ghost” Leonard (David Bowie), and they’ve been generating buzz and acclaim ever since. Each track on Dancing On The Edge feels as if it comes straight from the heart of someone familiar—someone who knows what it means to love and to lose, to hope and dream, and to use music as a vessel for sorting out the mysteries of both the inner and outer world, one song at a time.
https://www.nukethesoup.com/
Nuke The Soup-Album
NUKE THE SOUP’s new album Dancing On The Edge was produced by Grammy-winner Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello) and Gerry “Spooky Ghost” Leonard (David Bowie). The album features a lively ensemble of standout musicians, including bandleader Mark Davison, keyboardist Brian Simms, guitarist Gerry Leonard, bassist Mike Mennell, and drummers Chester Thompson and John Thomakos. Together, this fiercely independent band crafts delicious rock-and-roll, blending introspective and socially conscious lyrics with infectiously catchy melodies and an effortless natural spirit. The 11 songs on Dancing On The Edge were written and recorded within two years, during a time when bandleader Mark Davison lost both parents. Davison states, “Although the song ‘I Ride Alone’ is about facing mortality & new challenges, the overall album is as a celebration of my parents and the full lives they lived.
I’m celebrating by skiing, surfing & creating music!” We certainly see Mark’s good time attitude toward life in the album’s summery single, “Big Dave Wave.” Nuke The Soup’s previous albums, Make Waves Not War (2009) and Deeper (2018), boldly tackled “big picture” topics such as politics, climate change, and the complexities of personal relationships. Now, with their highly anticipated album, Dancing On The Edge, NTS continues to push boundaries, delivering a collection of energetic, ear wormy songs that explore life’s deeper questions while keeping listeners hooked with their signature sound.
Randy Noonan
RANDY NOONAN’s new release Imaginary Journey consists of four songs and is essentially about traveling. The first track, “World of Laughter,” is about defying gravity and ascending to a magical place beyond the skies. Since this is physically impossible, the lyrics point to the imagination as being the vehicle that allows the listener to picture and, in a sense, travel to such a place. It’s also about peace and allowing yourself to be authentic by removing the mask from your face with no fear of judgement from others because others are doing it freely too. “Take Me There” brings us back down to earth where a romantic couple discusses leaving for a place over the horizon where life can be better.
The lyrics paint a picture of where they are now and how they will begin their journey by setting sail to a new destination inside their minds while lying by a campfire under crystal clear stars. “Trip to Tennessee” is about a futuristic time when hypersonic travel will be possible for everyday people. It would take under fifteen minutes to reach Nashville from NYC when traveling at hypersonic speed. Breakfast and dinner in Tennessee with lunch squeezed in at New York would be possible in the same day! Imaginary Journey’s final track, “Breaking Point,” is about a lady experiencing a breakdown over the phone while talking to her boyfriend and driving her car on a dark desert road to California. She knows that by the time she crosses the state line the sun will begin to rise and relieve her from the previous night’s pitch-dark drive.
She’ll soon reunite with her lover and they’ll realize that their lives, at least for now, seem to be a twisted game, and the only solution is to keep rolling along singing their songs. The cover art for Imaginary Journeys was designed to give visuals of all four songs on the record. If you look closely you’ll notice details that reflect the themes of the various tracks. MUSICIANS Randy Noonan: Vocals, drums, percussion, rhythm guitar, John Spignesi: Lead and rhythm guitars, Ben McNamara: Lead, rhythm, and bass guitars, Lucas Dellaporta: keyboards, Joe Jeffery: Bass guitar.
Ray Barnard
Jubilant Roots-Rock / Country-Soul with that is Fun and completely Infectious Get ready for “Greenlight,” the latest roots-rock anthem from RAY BARNARD, filled with smoking guitar, soaring vocals, and an exuberant message. “Greenlight” – the exhilaration you feel when that super-cool super-cute girl next door gives you the time of day for real. The single features Ray duetting with esteemed gospel singer, Deacon Clark Adams.
Before Ray Barnard began his solo career, he led the roots-rock group The Copperheads for twelve years. The group released three albums and was known for mixing Country and R&B. The Copperheads also played high profile shows with Junior Brown, Chris Scruggs, Rosie Flores, the Iguanas, Randy Weeks, Charlie Robison, Shooter Jennings, Ty Herndon, Jack Ingram, the Oak Ridge Boys. Barnard also played sideman for Frederick Thomas & Natural Selection, along with Minneapolis-Saint Paul acts such as In2ition, Bill Geezy, Molly Maher, Paul Bergen, the Dan Lowinger 4, Becky Kapell & the Fat Six, and Erik Koskinen. https://ray-barnard.com/
Ray Barnard
“Ray Barnard’s new album sounds like Donald Fagen fronting the Black Pumas, riffing on Blue Dream and Red Stripe. There’s also a punchy Roots-Rock strain running thru it. Ray sings with a sardonic grin – the world keeps thrusting humility upon him, so he keeps ducking & swinging.”– SJW Record Review Twin Cities-native RAY BARNARD wrote, arranged and produced his fifth solo album, And The Horse You Rode In On. On his new release we hear Barnard’s continued fascination with fusing Soul, R&B, Reggae, and Roots-Rock while incorporating live rhythm tracks. It’s a fascination Barnard has been pursuing for over three decades.
The grooves on And The Horse You Rod In On travel to different places—reggae, world-beat, tex-mex—like a low-profile Paul Simon. And the splendid rhythm section – Jeremy Johnson, Blair Krivanek, Nick Salisbury, and Greg Schutte – play the changes like a well-oiled machine. An overall theme on And The Horse You Road In On is feeling like a stranger in one’s own hometown. The track “Scufflin’” is about discovering that self-preservation is not a solo pursuit. “Closer To God” is a gospel tune about natural temples and experiencing spirituality on one’s own. “Greenlight” is a straight up love letter that, according to Barnard, is about “the girl who gave me the key to the highway.”
Before Ray Barnard began his solo career, he led the roots-rock group The Copperheads for twelve years. The group released three albums and was known for mixing Country and R&B. The Copperheads also played high profile shows with Junior Brown, Chris Scruggs, Rosie Flores, the Iguanas, Randy Weeks, Charlie Robison, Shooter Jennings, Ty Herndon, Jack Ingram, the Oak Ridge Boys. Barnard also played sideman for Frederick Thomas & Natural Selection, along with Minneapolis-Saint Paul acts such as In2ition, Bill Geezy, Molly Maher, Paul Bergen, the Dan Lowinger 4, Becky Kapell & the Fat Six, and Erik Koskinen.
“Minnesota’s best kept secret for 15 years running.” – Frogtown Blogosphere
Ray Barnard
“Scufflin’” is like an indie movie about a tortured artist seeking redemption in a godless indifferent world. Its about grinding through the bleakest of times only to find you’re not alone in the struggle..From the album And The Horse You Rode In On, “Scufflin’” is a powerful roots-reggae anthem infused with soul and defiance. With haunting guitar lines and a resolute spirit, this track is a bold cry for dignity in a world that often looks the other way.
Rick Vito
“My favorite Blues guitarist and vocalist… the real deal.” –Steve Miller
“The single most spectacular solo I’d ever heard (‘Like A Rock’)” –Bob Seger
“Vegas Jump” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_7cyq-I7jw
Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer and producer, RICK VITO is perhaps best known as a member of the legendary supergroup Fleetwood Mac (1987–1991). His guitar work and songs are featured on their albums Greatest Hits, Behind The Mask, The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac, The Chain, and the live concert DVD, Tango In The Night. He later partnered with Mick Fleetwood to form the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band feat. Rick Vito. Shortly after the release of their album Blue Again, Rick was nominated for the 2010 Grammy Award in the “Best Traditional Blues” category as both artist and producer.
Of particular note, Rick’s now iconic slide guitar solo on Bob Seger’s “Like A Rock” has been heard and heralded by untold millions both on Seger’s hit albums and as the guitar voice on the Chevy truck TV commercial ads, which ran over ten years. His solo albums began with Atlantic Records in 1992, after which he began performing worldwide with his own band. His unique guitar work has also appeared on hundreds of recordings by such legendary Rock & Roll and Blues Hall of Fame artists as Bonnie Raitt, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, John Fogerty, Little Richard, Leon Russell, Boz Scaggs, John Prine, Delbert McClinton, Rita Coolidge, Roy Orbison, Jackson Browne, Roger McGuinn, Todd Rundgren, Maria Muldaur, Bob Seger, and scores of others.
Rick Vito is also recipient of the W.C. Handy Blues Award for the song of the year “It’s Two A.M.” by Shemekia Copeland, and his compositions have appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including in multiple episodes of the highly acclaimed, Blue Bloods.
According to Rick Vito:
“For many years now friends have asked, ‘when will you release an instrumental album?’ Having recorded even more instrumental tracks this past year I finally decided to do just that. To my knowledge there have not been many slide guitar instrumental albums, and out of this came the idea for my new release, Slidemaster. These new works are paired with some of my very favorite cuts from previous albums, resulting in a soulful collection of all-instrumental slide guitar tracks. This album comes from years of recording in a style that I hope you will love as much as I do.”
MUSICIANS
Guitars, Acoustic & Electric Bass, Keys, Percussion: Rick Vito
Drums: Rick Reed (tracks 1, 5, 6, 8, 9), Lynn Williams (track 11) & Charles Johnson (tracks 2, 3, 4, 7)
Electric Bass: Charlie Harrison (tracks 1, 6, 8, 9)
Organ: Mark Horwitz (track 9) & Kevin McKendree (track 12)
Website: https://www.rickvito.com/
Ross Osteen Band
Never Maybe is the fifth album from Ross Osteen Band. The group spent the past four years in multiple studios crafting the eleven-track record to their liking, resulting in a more rock-focused sound. In a sense, each song is a tribute to some of rock’s classic artists, especially the band’s cover of John Lennon’s “How Do You Sleep?” With a voice reminiscent of the guttural howls of singers like John Fogerty and Chris Cornell, and guitar work that ranges from the front porch to outer space, Ross Osteen’s musical direction was ultimately influenced by the powerful blues-rock scene of the deep south. The songwriter was born in western North Carolina, placed in the midst of an eclectic music scene ranging from bluegrass to rock, and beyond.
Osteen’s influences aligned when he incorporated the powerhouse rhythm section of Andy Bishop (bass) & Patrick Gaynor (drums) and hit the road. Ross Osteen Band has performed with notables such as Devon Allman, Jimmy Thackery, Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds), and Buddy Guy, who once joined the band on stage. Since the Ross Osteen Band started in 2014, they have played a number of shows from Georgia to New York to Chicago while simultaneously growing a local fan base in western North Carolina. They released their self-titled debut album in 2015, followed by Glenhead Station in 2016. Ross Osteen Band continues to hone their sound into an energetic blend of blues, roots, and southern rock.
Sounding Arrow
“The aesthetic of this record matches perfectly the lyrical meaning within the songs, summoning evenkeeled positivity and hope. Spinning this record improves whatever space you’re in.” — Seth Avett, The Avett Brothers “The weightlessness of the vocals, the way their melodies cascade around jangly tones unfurls into immersive storytelling.” — Glide Magazine Veteran recording artist Scott Kinnebrew returns with Skyman, the newest release from his solo project, SOUNDING ARROW. An ode to easeful living, the soundscape of Skyman feels intimate, layered, and expansive. Co-produced by Gary Jules (“Mad World” from the Donnie Darko soundtrack) and mixed by Bill Reynolds (Band of Horses, The Avett Brothers), Skyman weaves a vivid sonic landscape rich with the textures of rock, folk, country, blues, British invasion, R&B, and pop. It’s a brew that resists classification, as it lands somewhere between tradition and invention — what Kinnebrew thinks of as “sonic impressionism.” The songs on Skyman are rooted in a personal narrative, but stretch far beyond autobiography, they sound like they could be telling anyone’s story. From Kinnebrew: “Gary calls it ‘the last great American novel’, I call it cool like the rock you find on the beach that ends up on your dashboard.”
Official Video for “Why You Frontin?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewrYAzFFHPc
Over some 30 years, Scott Kinnebrew has shared the stage with a long list of renowned artists he admires, including The Black Crowes, The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, Sturgill Simpson, Dawes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lissie, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Blind Melon, Steve Miller Band, Gov’t Mule, and The Doobie Brothers. His former band, Truth & Salvage Co., released two records on Sony’s Megaforce label, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, toured Iraq to perform for U.S. troops in 2009, and racked up 250,000 road miles in five years. Produced by Scott Kinnebrew & Gary Jules. Engineered by Scott Kinnebrew at Captain’s Quarters, Asheville, NC & Gary Jules at Carport Recorders, Asheville, NC. Mixed by Bill Reynolds at Fleetwood Shack, Nashville, TN.
MUSICIANS Scott Kinnebrew: acoustic guitar, vox, lap steel, harmonica, percussion, bass, keys, harmonica; Gary Jules: drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, banjo, mandolin; Bill Reynolds: bass; Ben Peeler: lap steel, Katie Crawford: background vox.
Sounding Arrow
“The aesthetic of this record matches perfectly the lyrical meaning within the song, summoning even-keeled positivity and hope.” —Seth Avett, The Avett Brothers
Veteran recording artist and touring musician Scott Kinnebrew is back with a second single, “Lucky Shaman,” from his solo project SOUNDING ARROW. What began as a series of bedroom demos evolved into a fully realized ode to easeful living. As with the entire forthcoming album Skyman, both the music and message feel intimate, layered, expansive. As Kinnebrew explains, “the track is about a shaman whose love was humble enough to save the whole world. Although it may seem conceptually deep, it’s set to a buttshaking Brit blues invasion groove.“
Official Video for Sounding Arrow’s “Lucky Shaman” https://youtu.be/fkYyZmzbC5U
Co-produced by Gary Jules (“Mad World” from the Donnie Darko soundtrack) and mixed by Bill Reynolds (Band of Horses, The Avett Brothers). Over some 30 years, Scott Kinnebrew has shared the stage with a long list of renowned artists, including The Black Crowes, The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, Sturgill Simpson, Dawes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lissie, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Blind Melon, Steve Miller Band, Gov’t Mule, and The Doobie Brothers. His former band, Truth & Salvage Co., released two records on Sony’s Megaforce label, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, toured Iraq to perform for U.S. troops in 2009, and racked up 250,000 road miles in five years.
MUSICIANS Scott Kinnebrew- vocals, guitar, bass, keys, percussion Gary Jules- drums, guitar
Tobin Mueller and Tomás Martínez
“One continually has the sense that the piano is Mueller’s alter ego and when he sits down to play, to arrange or improvise, he is engaging in an exciting dialogue of discovery with his inner self.” – Fanfare Magazine Pianist-composer Tobin Mueller has teamed up with heralded saxophonist Tomás Martinez and others to create a fresh sound as presented in Mueller’s Blue Side (Vol. 1), which will be released April 21, 2026. The recordings were mixed and mastered at Factory Underground Studio, produced by Kenny Cash, as well as Mueller himself. The warmth and context of each piece brings to mind the great studios of the past. They put Mueller in the room with the performers, surrounded by a widely mic’d piano and the fullness of Martinez’s saxophone. A truly masterful set, worthy of multiple listens.
Blue Side Vol. 1 runs the jazz gauntlet, from contemporary jazz, blues, bee-bop, post-bop, with a little chill thrown in. Most are intimate duets, scaled down arrangements (which is a departure for from Mueller’s recent albums). The tunes demonstrate the breadth of Mueller’s writing. He has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (from Yes), Brian Welch (“Head” from Korn), Bob Lanzetti (Snarky Puppy), Carl Fischer, Sal Giorgianni, Roy Agee, as well as Grammy nominees Dane Richeson (Blue Note Records), Ken Schaphorst (Jazz Composers Alliance), Janet Planet, Noah Hoffeld (Brad Mehldau) and more.
Tobin Mueller has collaborated with Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame guitarist Paul Nelson on two albums (Prestidigitation and Standard Deviations). Contributions on Mueller’s recordings from famous drummers include Scott Rockenfield (Queensrÿche), Ruben de Ruiter (Amsterdam Funk Orchestra, John Patitucci Band), Lamar Moore (Lettuce), Mike Nappi (J Geils Band). Early in his career, Mueller had the honor of playing with Maynard Ferguson. He appears on over 40 albums.
www.TobinMueller.com
Tyrants in Therapy
TYRANTS IN THERAPY return to their Punk Pop roots with their newest single, “Cry on Q.” The unlikely teaming of Tyrant Michael and Americana guitar hero DJ Jarvis gave birth to 2:25 minutes of hooky guitar riffs and reality checks. And AbbeAbbe’s sweetly brash vocals provide attitude that just won’t quit. It’s a Punk Pop classic for the ages. Produced by Tyrant Michael and Abbe Kanter, “Cry on Q” also features Bay City Roller Duncan Faure on guitar, Little Feat’s Kenny Gradney on bass, and Spinal Tap ‘s David Kaffinetti on keyboards. Tyrants In Therapy formed after a chance meeting by Michael J and Abbe Kanter in a Hollywood improv class.
They cut their teeth in local dives like Madame Wong’s, Club 88, and Al’s Bar with brash songs like “3 People Nude Below the Waist” and “In the Shadow of Hitler.” Their live shows are a kaleidoscope of rock, romance, dance, country, politics, New Wave, and a decadent dash of Cabaret, delivering a performance so mind-bending you’ll forget how to get home, even if you’re sitting in your own living room.