“The Paladins are a renowned American roots rock and rockabilly band that has been captivating audiences with their electrifying performances for over three decades. Formed in 1980 in San Diego, California, the group consists of Dave Gonzalez on guitar and vocals, Thomas Yearsley on bass guitar and vocals, and Brian Fahey on drums. Known for their unique blend of rockabilly, blues, and country, The Paladins have carved out a distinct sound that sets them apart from their contemporaries… the band infuses their music with a raw energy and infectious enthusiasm that is impossible to resist.” 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.

“For much of Kim Wilson's musical career he was the original harmonica player for the legendary Texas band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Some say it was Jimmie Vaughn's work at the heart of that group, but l'm convinced that it was Wilson's harp that set the tone and muscle for that group. It was his wailing yet controlled playing that set that group apart from most blues band throughout the '70s and '80s. This second solo offering clearly shows him to have the feel and energy, plus the musical acumen and virtuosity, necessary to be declared one of the best blues harp players on the scene today.” 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  

"A burn-down-the-house live performer. The multi-talented Allison is a soulful singer, an excellent, original songwriter, and a powerful guitarist, equally capable of playing screaming slide, scratchy soul rhythm and stabbing single-note solos, all with overflowing energy, abundant confidence and a deft touch...high-intensity. Allison delivers dancing-on-a-razor's-edge West Side guitar. He comes on like a guitar-slinging Otis Redding, delivering the sweet and sour r&b ballads with heart-stopping intensity."  --GUITAR WORLD 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.

A fire-breathing live set from one of the greatest and most celebrated Chicago bluesmen. "Searing and expressive...he strikes with no-holds-barred ferocity"--DOWN BEAT 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

“Chris Cain is one of the most brilliant and vital figures making music of any kind...He’s near legendary on the blues scene...an extraordinarily talented, consummate musician delivering passionate, heartfelt vocals, potent, superb playing and marvelous songs.” –Blues Music Magazine 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.

Since 1974, The Robert Cray Band has been touring and recording their unique groove,  born from a love of Soul, R&B, Gospel, Blues and Rock n Roll.  The five-time Grammy winner has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned the Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance.  The Robert Cray Band has released over twenty acclaimed albums and has sold millions worldwide.  “The Band continues with the same enthusiasm and joy in what we do, and no matter the accolades,” says Robert.   “Today is all that matters!” Dialing back the years for a Blues With A Feeling Classic album feature this week, 1993s Robert Cray classic “Shame and a Sin”. Plus new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Shemekia Copeland, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Chris Cain, Lisa Anderson, Jontavious Willis and Jubu Smith. Plus tour information on upcoming Australian tours by Charlie Musselwhite and Chris Cain. #blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #thegabulousthunderbirds #shemekiacopeland #rickestri&thenightcats #chriscain #robertcray #robertcrayband #lisalittlebabyanderson #jontaviouswillis #charliemusselwhite #jubusmith

“In 1965, British blues artist John Mayall enlisted Eric Clapton – then a rising guitar virtuoso – to join his band, the Bluesbreakers. While their musical partnership would only last for one album, the guitarist’s imprint was mighty. Affectionately known as “the Beano album” (as it features Clapton reading the British comic on its jacket cover), 1966’s Bluesbreakers forever changed the landscape of rock music.” Following the sad passing of the legend John Mayall last week, I’m paying tribute to the godfather of British blues by featuring this groundbreaking and highly influential 1966 release John Mayall with Eric Clapton Bluesbreakers.  The standout release of 1966 that changed the face of popular music forever and gave rock blues its place in modern music. Plus new releases from Shemekia Copeland, Kevin Welch, Charlie Musselwhite, Chris Cain, Mondo Cortez and The Chicago Blues Angels, Sonny Gullage, Parlour Greens, Jontavious Willis and Blues Arcadia.

New on CD, The Dead Reckoning Years!   A retrospective of Kevin’s Dead Reckoning Records releases, it includes some of his finest work, and was first out as a vinyl-only release in 2017. “There’s always been a squabble between art and commerce. Around 1995 the Dead Reckoning crew just kinda bowed out. We decided to do what nobody in town (except Prine and Al) were doing. We had no money, and we didn’t have a business guy like Al, but we had each other, and together we were a real good band. We’d play on each other’s records for free. We’d sell them to people. We started there. We made a lot of joyful noise.” I’m thilled to be joined on the show this week by the great Kevin Welch, ahead of his SE Qld shows early in August. Featuring songs from the 2017 release The Dead Reckoning Years.

“Harmonica virtuoso Musselwhite raises the level of emotional expression on his instrument beyond even the masters he learned from…the grizzled veteran richly decorates his music with telling nuance and chiseled detail.” – San Francisco Chronicle With Charlie Musselwhite and his sensational band heading to Australia in September, I’ve dug deep into the Blues With A Feeling record library to revisit this 1993 Alligator Records classic “In My Time” Plus new releases from Chris Cain, Shemekia Copeland, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Rick Estrin & the Nightcats.

“Deep in the Blues is a fascinating jam session between James Cotton, guitarist Joe Louis Walker, and jazz bassist Charlie Haden. The trio runs through a number of classic blues songs written by Muddy Waters, Percy Mayfield, and Sonny Boy Williamson and a few originals by Walker and Cotton.” Celebrating the remarkable life in music this week of James Cotton, by featuring his Grammy winning 1996 release Deep In The Blues. Plus some wonderful new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Mondo Cortez and The Chicago Blues Angels, Curtis Salgado, Jubu Smith, Chris Cain and Parlour Greens.

“Blues Summit is the thirty-third studio album by B.B. King released in 1993 through the MCA label. The album won a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Traditional Blues Album. It is the first of three duet albums in King's studio album discography. Unlike Deuces Wild and 80, all the guests come from the blues and R&B scene. The only song which is not a duet is the original "I Gotta Move Out Of This Neighborhood", which segues into "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother" (originally from Indianola Mississippi Seeds). All songs feature the B.B. King band of the era except for "Playin' With My Friends" (the only other new song on the album) and "You Shook Me", where the accompaniment comes from the Robert Cray Band, plus "Everybody's Had the Blues" featuring Joe Louis Walker's band.” Digging further back into 1994 this week, with this Grammy winning classic from the late great BB King. Plus new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Chris Cain, Parlour Greens and Connoly Hayes.

“The Fabulous Thunderbirds is a familiar name for anyone into contemporary blues and blues rock. This is the band that created classic albums like T-Bird Rhythm and Tuff Enuff, powered by hits like the title track and “Wrap It Up,” Tuff Enuff went platinum, selling more than one million copies. Led by founding member Kim Wilson, the Fabulous Thunderbirds have been nominated for Grammy Awards six times and for Blues Music Awards more than 20 times.” I’ve pulled together a show packed full of the very best new releases that are hitting my inbox this month. Featuring some incredible music from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Canned Heat, Rory Block, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Parlour Greens, Connoly Hayes, Jubu Smith, Lisa Anderson,  Kid Anderson, Cedric Burnside, Pete Cornelius, Toronzo Cannon and Doug Macleod. Plus songs by Charlie Musselwhite and Chris Cain who are touring Australia in the next couple of months.

John Hammond Jr. made the leap to the Virgin blues division Pointblank with Got Love If You Want It in 1992, but he truly made an artistic comeback with its follow-up, Trouble No More, an excellent collection split between solo acoustic numbers and storming electric blues. For the electric numbers, he's supported by Little Charlie & the Nightcats who give Hammond a surprisingly gritty and flexible support. But the heart of the album is in the acoustic cuts, where he proves that he has absorbed the Delta blues completely. These are among his finest acoustic work, and they're what makes Trouble No More such an impressive effort. Thom Owens Continuing my exploration of the classic albums of 1994, Im thrilled to feature John Hammonds wonderful Point Blank release Trouble No More. Plus new releases from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Curtis Salgado, Lisa Anderson, Bobby Christina Caravan, Jim Keller and Billy Price.

“I always felt that Buddy Guy’s two Grammy award–winning ’90s releases—Damn Right I’ve Got the Blues and Feels Like Rain—were fine examples of the legendary guitarist’s crossover blues, but when I wanted to hear him at his raw, sweaty, string-strangling best I found myself going back to his fierce 1981 Alligator release, Stone Crazy. That’s not a requirement anymore, though, because the man largely responsible for inspiring the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton found real magic in his fingertips on Slippin’ In, resulting in some of the most riveting guitar work in his 34-year recording career. Guy recorded half of Slippin’ In in Chicago with his band, and the other half down Austin, Texas way with Vaughan’s former Double Trouble lineup. Maybe it was the idea of playing with close friend Vaughan’s old band that inspired Guy to play his guts out; maybe having Chuck Berry piano genius Johnnie Johnson on board drove him to it. Perhaps it was the production and engineering skills of Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin) that made the difference in capturing Guy’s guitar at full fever. Whatever the reason, you can’t help but be moved by Guy’s impassioned instrumental outbursts on trusty gems by Charles Brown (“Please Don’t Drive Me Away”), Jimmy Reed (“Shame, Shame, Shame”), and especially Lowell Fulson (“Love Her with a Feeling”). The guy sings his ass off too, so you don’t have to be a guitar nut to dig this 50-minute platter of prime blues cuts.”                             Steve Newton Continuing my deep dive back into 1994 this week by featuring Buddy Guys ’94’s classic Grammy award wining Silvertone Records release “Slippin In”. Plus new releases from Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Toronzo Cannon, Louis King, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Jubu Smith.

Jimmie Vaughan’s first solo album includes a subdued country gospel blues eulogy for his late brother Stevie Ray in the form of “Six Strings Down,” Written by Art and Cyril Neville. The bulk of the recording though, comes in the form of the relentless, Texas blues rave ups that made Jimmie the solid rock of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Dr John gives a New Orleans Shufftle to two songs he co-wrote with Jimmie, but more typical is the first single Boom-Bappa-Boom, which boasts a hypnotic rhythm perfectly described by its title. Jimmie’s refusal to play an unnecessary note makes his groove irrestible.   Rickey Wright Continuing my celebration of Blues With A Feelings 30th year this week by throwing back to Jimmie Vaughan’s Grammy nominated 1994 classic album Strange Pleasure. Plus new tracks from Kid & Lisa Andersen, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jubu and Toronzo Cannon.

Blues legend Taj Mahal has put out a finely crafted album mixing blues and pop like he's never done before. The album starts up with a screaming harmonica on "Blues Ain't Nothing," one of two tunes that Taj penned. Bill Payne and Richie Hayword (from Little Feat) help out on Howlin' Wolf's "Sitting on Top of The World." Good ol' rock n' roll can be heard on Fats Domino's "l'm Ready." Etta James (who was recently in Ann Arbor at the Blues & Jazz Festival) belts out a hot duet on "Mockingbird." The Hoochi Coochi Coo" will get those two left feet up on the dance floor. Drenched with blues, "Going to the River" will make a grown person cry in their beer. Listen for "Mockingbird" and "Blue Light Boogie" on WDET. This is a fun record to listen to, and hey, that's what music is all about.  --By Tom Rule I’ve had Taj Mahal on my mind since his birthday on the 17th and with that in mind, Im featuring this week Taj’s 1993 classic “Dancing The Blues” Plus new releases by Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Kid & Lisa Anderson, Billy Price. Toronzo Cannon and Curtis Salgado.

Recorded in 1971, but unreleased in the U.S. until 1999, B.B. King's Live in Japan deserves high marks for exuberance alone… Live in Japan may not have the long-standing reputation of Cook County Jail or Live at the Regal but it's an excellent album, with a decidedly different feel from these two classics. King's obvious enthusiasm for his music and for his audience is infectious, and you can hear the sheer joy of it in every note.                                                              Genevieve Williams I’ve had BB King on my mind for weeks and I can’t wait to feature for you, this little known classic live album. Plus new releases from Cedric Burnside, Curtis Salgado and Toronzo Cannon.

The Blues Music Awards brings together Blues performers, industry representatives, and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year. The BMAs are generally recognized as the highest honor given to blues musicians and are awarded by vote of Blues Foundation members. The Renasant Convention Center was packed with blues musicians, fans, and music-world luminaries on May 9th, anxious to see who would be the winners at the 45th Annual Blues Music Awards. Besides awarding honors in 25 categories… I’m thrilled to bring to you a selection of songs from this years incredible list of winners. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram was the big winner of the night hauling in four awards including “Album of the Year” for Live in London. Other multiple award winners included Mike Zito, Bobby Rush, Ruthie Foster, and John Primer. #blueswithafeelingpodcast #shakeyshaun_ #bluespodcast #bluesfoundation #bluesmusicawards #christonekingfishingram #ruthiefoster #mikezito #bobbyrush #johnprimer

“AUSTRALIA! After five years away, we're coming back this May and we're bringing the New Orleans funk with us! Join us all across your fine nation” Less than a week now till Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentleman arrive here in Australia so I’m bringing the funk on this weeks show by featuring the bands incredible recorded here in Australia live set Mo Hoppa. Plus new  releases from Cedric Burnside, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Sue Foley, Chris O’Leary, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Eric Bibb.

“Grammy award winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Jon Cleary returns for his first Australian tour in five years with his band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, to celebrate twenty years since the band’s inception and first album. London born, but a longtime resident of New Orleans, Jon has enjoyed a dizzying career, having graced stages alongside Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Allen Toussaint, Dr John, Brian May, Robert Plant, D’Angelo, Eric Clapton, Mavis Staples, Boz Scaggs, James Taylor, Charles Brown, Ike Turner… The list goes on.” Thrilled to be joined by Jon Cleary on the show this week as he prepares for Jazz Fest in New Orleans, ahead of his Australian tour in May. To celebrate, Im featuring Jons very cool 2023 release So Swell.

 “I am an American world musician, Texas drive.” Brown has roots in the hard-swinging big-band blues ‘n’ boogie he recorded for Aladdin and Peacock in the 40s, but today his music is a kaleidoscope of western swing, Cajun, hard-core country, funk, rock, and jazz. His guitar style still echoes T-Bone Walker–even at its most emotive, it stays pristine and precise.                                                                    Chicago Reader Its 30 years since Clarence Gatemouth Brown went into the studio to record this classic 1994 Verve Records release and I’m throwing a blues part to celebrate. Plus new releases from Jon Cleary, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats and Cedric Burnside.

“Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials are the hottest purveyors of bottleneck boogie to come out of Chicago since Hound Dog Taylor.” – The Chicago Sun-Times “Raw-boned, old-fashioned Chicago blues has a new young master –Lil’ Ed Williams.” – The New York Times With Lil Ed Williams  enjoying a birthday on April 8, I’ve pulled a classic album for this weeks show, the bands debut release for Alligator Records “Roughhousin” For all your houserockin needs, down miss this Chicago Blues classic. Plus new releases from Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Katie Henry, James Harman, Marcel Smith and Sue Foley.

“Mooney is one of a handful of younger blues players who has forged his own style, a jarring juxtaposition of angular Delta guitar and funky New Orleans backbeats. He explores the dark sides of those traditions in Against the Wall, a harrowing and stark work. Mooney's voice and guitar, both quivering, conjure up the image of a lost soul at a Delta crossroads at midnight; his shadowy bass- and-drum rhythm section evokes the ominous powers of voodoo.”                                                         All Music Overdue for a classic album feature, I’ve dug deep into the Blues With A Feeling library this week to bring you this sensational album, John Mooneys 1996 classic “Against The Wall” A particular favourite of mine, I’m thrilled to feature this incredible record for you this week. Plus new releases from Cedric Burnside, James Harman, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Sue Foley, Eric Bibb and Anthony Geraci.

“A welcome ray of sunshine…Ball is a killer pianist, a great singer and songwriter. Potent blues, sweet zydeco, soulful, fast and furious Texas boogie…heartfelt, powerful and righteous.” – Billboard “Rollicking, playful, good-time blues and intimate, reflective balladry…her songs ring with emotional depth.” – Rolling Stone I’ve cooked up a very cool show this week, celebrating Women in Blues in general and Marcia Ball in particular with this killer live set from the 2005 Alligator Records release Live! Down The Road. Full of what makes Marcia Balls music so loved. Plus tracks from the latest releases from Sue Foley and Angela Strehli.

“Consisting of tapes recorded live over two nights in March of 1985 at the Belly Up Tavern in Soldano Beach, California, this captures James Harman and one of his best bands in full cry… Harman and the boys kick hard and heavy through half a dozen of his better-known numbers… The guitar interplay between Hollywood Fats and Kid Ramos is textbook in its accuracy and passion, and the rocksteady rhythm section of Stephen Hodges on drums and William Campbell keeps things totally in groove territory every beat of the way”                                                                         Cub Koda Shaun’s pulled another classic live recording for this weeks Blues With A Feeling Live Focus. Featuring the incredible James Harman Band – Strictly Live ’85. Plus a selection of incredible new releases from Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Sue Foley, Tinsley Ellis, Marcel Smith, Ben Harper and James Harman himself.

“Myers is no stranger to irony, as his ballad "Shedding Tears of Laughter" attests, and he covers tunes by Little Walter, B.B. King and Elmore James with considerable authority. Yet it's mostly Funderburgh's far-ranging but always tasteful guitar work -- check out his evocative homages to James, Albert Collins and Freddie King -- that make "Live at the Grand Emporium" sound really grand.” Washington Post A modern blues classic for you this week as Shaun delves back into the mid 90s for this wonderful live show from Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets feat. Sam Myers

“The ultimate “blues brother”, Eric Bibb, is known and revered globally as a fiery singer-songwriter with true soul, grounded in the folk/blues tradition but with contemporary sensibilities. ​ 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.” After an extensive sell-out tour in early 2023 and with a new Grammy nomination in hand, blues legend Eric Bibb has announced his return to Australia and New Zealand, back by popular demand to play at select venues around the two countries in May and June, 2024. With Eric Bibb returning to Australia in 2024, I’ve taken to the opportunity to sit down with Eric and talk about his latest release, the Grammy nominated “Ridin” Its an incredible record and Im thrilled to have Eric join me on the show once again.

I’ve put together a great collection of new release tracks this week. There’s some incredible blues hitting the shelves at the moment and I’m looking forward to blessing your ears with just some of the very best. Featuring songs from the late great James Harman, Jon Cleary, Cedric Burnside, Eric Bibb, Sue Foley, Taj Mahal, DK Harrell, Checkerboard Lounge, John Primer, JJ Grey & Mofro, Mike Wheeler, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, Tom Hambridge and plenty more.

“Jimmy Rogers was very much a musician's musician -- the kind of guitarist that earned accolades from contemporaries and successors alike -- yet one who never wins a wide, mainstream audience. Blues Blues Blues was designed as the album that would find Rogers a larger audience, and as such, it has all the bells and whistles of a big-deal blues album.”                                                                         All Music Its been 25 year since the release of Jimmy Rogers final album release Blues Blues Blues and Shaun’s celebrating by featuring this album in its entirety. Featuring an astonishing array of special guests which includes Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Stephen Stills, Taj Mahal and many more.

"a set of scorching performances that remind us not of what she might have been, but what she is—a natural-born singer who's learned hard lessons by living them.”                                                             The Rolling Stone Album Guide With legendary Austin Texas based singer Lou Ann Barton celebrating a birthday last week, I’ve dug deep into the catalogue of Antones Records for this absolute gem from 1989 “Read my Lips”. Plus new releases from Tinsley Ellis, Sue Foley, Chris O’Leary, Dillion James and the Allman Betts Band.

With the 2024 Grammy award winners announced just a week ago, Shaun’s highlighting winners in a couple of categories that are right up Blues With A Feelings alley. You’ll hear tracks from Best Traditional Blues winner Bobby Rush, Best Contemporary Blues album winners Larkin Poe, The winner of the Best Large Jazz Ensemble The Count Basie Orchestra and one of two that tied for Best Regional Roots album Buckwheat Zydeco Jr and The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band. 4 superb albums from 4 incredible acts, it’s a glorious celebration of the music worlds very best for 2024.

Shaun's pulled together an awesome mix of songs for this weeks New Release spotlight. Featuring some of the very best new releases to hit the BWAF desk in the last little while, you'll hear tracks by Taj Mahal,  Tracey Nelson, Chris O’Leary, Tom Hambridge, Jason Ricci & the Bad Kind, Danielle Nicole, Tinsley Ellis, JJ Grey & Mofro, Steve Freund, Candice Ivory, John Primer, Monster Mike Welch, The Wicked Lowdown, Joel Astley, Kevin Burt and Bernard Allison.        

“Etta James has worked in countless styles throughout her long career, and she is equally at home singing gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, and even rock & roll, but her roots have always been solidly planted in the blues, and she is arguably the finest living singer active in the genre. Perhaps because she doesn't sing only the blues, however, when she does, it sticks out as something special” All Music With Etta James birthday on January 25, Shaun's throwing another classic Blues With A Feeling birthday for one of the all time great voices, by featuring her wonderful Granny award winning 2004 release Blues To The Bone. With special guest guitarist and producer Bobby Murray, who joins Shaun for a lovely chat about working with Etta on and off the road for 23 years. Plus new releases from Tinsley Ellis, JJ Grey & Mofro, Ash Grunwald and Chris O’Leary

Legendary blues guitarist Luther Tucker celebrated a birthday this week and Shaun’s celebrating by featuring his Antones records release Sad Hours. Plus with the announcement of the Blues Foundations Hall of Fame class of 2024, he’s featuring tracks by a selection of the artists that will be inducted in May. Including Lurrie Bell, Jimmy Rushing, OV Wright, Odetta and Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials.

"He's a seminal force, a guru, and original creator of the New Orleans piano style...the teacher of great players like Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Mac Rebennack, James Booker and Huey Smith.  All acknowledge him as The Great Master."--Jerry Wexler With the great Professor Longhairs birthday this week, Shaun’s pulled another classic album feature for you “Crawfish Fiesta”. Featuring Dr John on guitar and Johnny Vidacovich on drums, its ‘Fess at his very best. Plus new release from The Allman Betts band and Larry McCray.

“All Over You is a forgotten gem, remastered and presented here for the first time on vinyl, nearly 25 years to do the day after its original release. Recorded raw with a band pulled from the ranks of Austin's legendary Antone's Nightclub, this session finds an older, laid-back Lester revisiting his classic Excello sides and distilling them to their essence.” With the re-release of this wonderful record a cpl of weeks ago, Shauns put together another Blues With A Feeling classic album feature. Plus new releases from Bobby Rush, Christone Ingram, Monster Mike Welch and Betty LaVette.

Greg “Fingers” Taylor passed away on November 23, 2023 at the age of 71.  Greg “Fingers” Taylor was an American harmonica and blues artist best known for his work with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band. In addition to appearing on tour for over 30 plus years and on the majority of Buffett’s albums. Fingers also recorded with James Taylor, Chris LeDoux, Jerry Jeff Walker, Mac McAnally, Little Milton, Al Kooper, Jimmy Hall, Tim Krekel, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Michael Nesmith, Bo Diddley, Larry Raspberry, Debbie Davies, Don Nix and The Tams. Fingers was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2011. With the sad passing of Greg Taylor last month, Shaun’s playing selected tracks from his five solo albums, plus excerpts from a Paul Leslie interview backstage with Fingers in 2006.

Rosco Gordon  was an American blues singer, pianist, and songwriter. He is best known for his hit songs "Booted," "No More Doggin', and "Just a Little Bit". Gordon was a pioneer of the Memphis blues style.  He played piano in a style known as the "Rosco rhythm," with the emphasis on the off-beat.  This rhythm was an influence on later musical styles such as Jamaican ska and reggae. (Wikipedia) Don’t miss this wonderful show as Shaun features the great Rosco Gordons classic Duke Robillard produced Stony Plain records release Memphis Tennessee, with an added bonus as broadcaster and label boss Holger Peterson chats with Rosco about his incredible life in the blues. Plus new releases from Christone Ingram, Marcel Smith, Tom Hambridge and Bobby Rush.

After the release of the full list of nominees in the two blues categories in the 2024 Grammy Awards last week, Shaun’s presenting a great mix of tracks from the nominated albums. Featuring Christone Ingram, Eric Bibb, Tracey Nelson,  John Primer, Bobby Rush, Ruthie Foster, Larkin Poe, Betty Lavette and Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton.

“A guitarist almost without peer, Spiegel deconstructs how the blues guitar is supposed to operate, makes sweet love to it, then kicks it out the back door” – Australian Guitar Player Magazine With Lloyd Spiegel in the final weeks of his Bakehouse Dozen Australian tour, he joins Shaun for a chat about life on and off the road, about his new 3 piece band, about guitars and the evolution of the Lloyd Spiegel Cole Clark signature model. Featuring his latest live record Bakehouse Dozen.   Plus new releases from Bobby Rush, Candice Ivory and Tom Hambridge.

”Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, musical heir to a long line of blues greats from the Mississippi Delta, has been compared to the likes of BB King. But while the legendary guitarist is one of Ingram's favorites, "I kinda think I have my own thing going." The guitar phenom won a Grammy last year and is a key part of a burgeoning blues revival in his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, bringing the licks and wails that define the genre to a new generation. And this is at just 24 years old.”                                                                                                            60 minutes With the end of the year approaching, Shauns taking a deep dive into some of the best of the current new releases hitting the stands. Grammy winning rising star Christone Ingram is joined by Mattias Lattin, Monster Milke Welch, Robert Finley, The Wicked Lowdown, Blackburn Brothers, Bobby Rush, Candice Ivory, Chris O’Leary, DK Harrell, Sue Foley, Fiona Boyes, Frank L Goldwasser, Jason Ricci & the Bad Kind, Joel Astley and Lloyd Spiegel.

“Elvin Bishop’s 2007 release Booty Bumpin’, captures the blues legend at home in front of a live audience, doing what he does best; stirring up a party with a bluesy stew of slide guitar and groovin’ rhythms. With a set featuring both old favorites and recent triumphs, the album exemplifies why Elvin has become one of the most respected and beloved artists to come out of the 60’s blues-rock explosion.”                                                                                                             allaboutjazz.com Shauns pulled a ripping life set from Elvin Bishop this week to get your week off right. Plus tracks from new releases by Sue Foley, Candice Ivory, Marc Stone and Nat Myers.

“Jackie Venson is truly an Austin legend in the making”                                                                 FORBES MAGAZINE With Jackie Venson added to the lineup for then 35th Bluesfest at Byron Bay in 2024, Shaun’s joined by this incredible artist for a chat about her life in music, cut together with tracks from her 2021 release “Love Transcends”. Plus new releases from Sue Foley, Robert Finley, Nat Myers, Christone Kingfish Ingram, DK Harell, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind and Nick Clark.

“When Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ met in the studio to record this album, the synergy was akin to a supernova, pairing two of the biggest stars in the blues world, and this release, which combines the efforts of two of the music universe’s brightest lights, is certain to be essential listening for perpetuity.”                                                                                           Bluesblast magazine 2017 With Taj Mahal announced last week as set to appear at Bluesfest 2024 and Keb Mo celebrating a birthday last week, Shaun’s featuring this celebrated album, the 2018 Best Contemporary Blues album Grammy award winner TajMo. Plus new releases from Bobby Rush, Jason Ricci & the Bad Kind, Jackie Venson, Tom Hambridge and Christone Kingfish Ingram.

“Mike was an extraordinary talent, as at home with bluegrass and old-time fiddle music as he was with the blues. He was a superb blues harp player too.” Mark Knopfler With the sad passing of the great Mike Henderson just over a week ago, Shaun’s joined by master singer/songwriter Kevin Welch to remember this remarkable talent. With tracks from four incredible albums. Edge Of Night, First Blood, Thicker Than Water and If You Think It’s Hot Here.

“Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram has already made his mark as one of the best, and undoubtedly most exciting, blues guitarists in the world.” –Guitar World Over the course of blues history, there are a small number of live albums that have stood the test of time to become classics of the genre—Muddy Waters’ At Newport 1960, B.B. King’s Live In Cook County Jail and Albert King’s Live Wire/Blues Power are among these deeply rooted, highly emotional and truly iconic recordings. And now comes Live In London, the jaw-dropping third album from GRAMMY Award-winning, 24-year-old Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Recorded on June 6, 2023, in front of a sweaty, sold-out, standing-room-only crowd at the famous UK club, The Garage, Live In London is the guitar-driven live album Kingfish’s fans around the world have been clamoring for since they first watched him perform as a teenager on YouTube.

“James Edward "Snooky" Pryor was an American Chicago blues harmonica player. He claimed to have pioneered the now-common method of playing amplified harmonica by cupping a small microphone in his hands along with the harmonica.” There’s a lot more to Snooky Pryors career than just that snippet of history but it says a lot about his role in the development of post WW 2 electric Chicago Blues. With Snooky celebrating a birthday on the 15th, Shaun’s pulled a classic album feature from deep in the back catalogue of Antones Records With classic backing from a first call list of sidemen, rarely seen before or since. Snooky Pryors 1994 release In This Mess Up To My Chest. Plus new releases from Christone Kingfish Ingram, Candice Ivory, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind and Monster Mike Welch.

“He didn’t just play the guitar—he attacked it. His authoritative presence and vigorous showmanship earned him the nickname the “Texas Cannonball.” His heavy-handed licks can still be heard today in the playing of Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor, all King acolytes. Blues innovator Freddie King sang like a lion and struck his guitar’s strings with rattlesnake intensity. Those talents, along with his compositional brilliance, took King to the pinnacle of success in the blues world of the sixties and seventies.”                                                                                           Ted Drozowski With Freddie King celebrating a birthday early in September, Shaun’s dug deep into the Blues With A Feeling library for an absolute classic, 1972s Shelter Records release Texas Cannonball.

It was the great singer, songwriter and piano player Memphis Slims birthday this week and Shaun’s celebrating by featuring his classic collaboration with Buddy Guy “Southside Reunion”. Rollicking piano led Chicago blues recorded in France while Buddy was on tour with The Roling Stones. Plus new releases from Ray Beadle, DK Harrell, The Wicked Lowdown,  Nick Moss Band feat Denis Gruenling, Bobby Rush, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind and Monster Mike Welch.

“In a career that has spanned more than four decades, Robert Cray has played with virtually all the guitar giants: Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, and Keith Richards. And in the process, the Strat-wielding bluesman himself became a giant” The blues guitarist celebrates 40 years in the biz with a jam-packed box set that blends new and old live recordings and video interviews.                                                                                                                         Premier Guitar Aug 2015 Continuing Shaun’s Robert Cray Birthday celebrations this week by featuring this wonderful live recording of the Robert Cray Band at the peak of their powers – 4 Nights of 40 Years Live. Plus tracks from the latest releases by Nic Clark, Robert Finley and the Nick Moss Band feat.Denis Gruenling