This week on Blues With a Feeling, we continue a very special journey through the music of one of the most influential bands in the history of this program: The Paladins. Their sound, their energy, and their uncompromising commitment to American roots music played a huge role in shaping the identity of this show from its earliest days. And today, we revisit the band’s third release, Let’s Buzz — a record that captured The Paladins at full strength, firing on all cylinders, and stepping boldly into their prime.

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.