Author Archives: Living Blues

Living Blues #287 Top Ten Reviews

CHRIS THOMAS KING
Big Grey Sky

21st Century Blues Records – 21CB-2142

It’s remarkable that it’s been 37 years since Chris Thomas King (as Chris Thomas) at age 24 released his first album on Arhoolie Records.

…

Living Blues #286 Top Ten Reviews

LARRY TAYLOR AND THE TAYLOR FAMILY
Generations of Blues: West Side Legacy

Nola Blue – NBR/024

This set is a celebration of the living legacy of Eddie Taylor,

…

David Evans Letter

I must object strenuously to a statement in Mark Humphrey’s review of Gayle Dean Wardlow, Stephen Calt, and Edward Komara’s King of the Delta Blues: The Life and Music of Charlie Patton (Knoxville,

…

Living Blues #285 Top Ten Reviews

SELWYN BIRCHWOOD
Exorcist

Alligator Records – AL5012

Selwyn Birchwood cuts loose on his new record, Exorcist. The singer-songwriter-guitarist extraordinaire offers up 13 choice cuts that highlight his soulful vocals and incendiary lead guitarwork.

…

30th Annual Living Blues Awards (2023)


Critics’ Poll

Blues Artist of the Year (Male)

John Primer

Blues Artist of the Year (Female)

Shemekia Copeland

Most Outstanding Blues Singer

Irma Thomas

Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar)

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica)

Charlie Musselwhite

Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard) 

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne

Most Outstanding Musician (Bass)

Bob Stroger

Most Outstanding Musician (Drums)

Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith

Most Outstanding Musician (Horns)

The Texas Horns

Most Outstanding Musician (Other)

Shardé Thomas (Fife)

Best Live Performer

Bobby Rush

Comeback Artist of the Year

Jimi “Prime Time” Smith

Artist Deserving More Attention

Dylan Triplett

Best Blues Albums of 2022

Album of the Year

Diunna Greenleaf
I Ain’t Playin’
Little Village Foundation

Best New Recording / Contemporary Blues

Shemekia Copeland
Done Come Too Far
Alligator

Best New Recording / Traditional or Acoustic Blues

Taj Mahal &

…