WHAT'S INSIDE:
When You Can Sing . . .
A Conversation with Irma Thomas
By Robert H. Cataliotti
It has been 26 years since the Soul Queen of New Orleans has graced the cover of Living Blues. We sat down with Irma Thomas earlier this year and talked about her career, Katrina, and life at age 81.
Merle Perkins
Still Percolating
By Alex McCarthy
Chicago drummer Merle Perkins has played behind everyone from Freddie King to Eddy Clearwater and put in decades fronting his own band, the Perkolators. His lyrical “talking drum” solos are legendary while his relaxed drumming style has won him fans worldwide.
D.K. Harrell
Adding Myself to It
By Scott Barretta
Twenty-four-year-old D.K. Harrell was turned on to the blues by his mother and grandparents but watching YouTube is how he learned to play the guitar. Enamored with B.B. King early on, Harrell does an amazingly good rendition of the legend. As his career grows, he in stepping out and finding his own voice.
Let It Roll
Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy, Chess Records, Chicago, September 1963
By Jas Obrecht
One of the great blues recordings of the post-1960s is Muddy Waters’ Folk Singer on Chess Records. Featuring Waters, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon, and Clifton James, the recording captures the intimacy of four masters doing what they do best.
Record Reviews:
- New Releases: John Primer, Lee Fields, and Kirk Fletcher
- Reissues: Cleo Page, Lefty Dizz & Johnny “Big Moose” Walker, and Lil’ Son Jackson
Editorial
Blues News
LB Talks To Matt Stubbs of GA-20
Obituaries
Remembering Paul Garon
Radio Charts
Cover photo by Brenda Ladd: Irma Thomas performing a tribute to Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 28, 2019.
