CD-Charts Position 111
Average Rating:

Irish Tour

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Rory Gallagher

Release Date September 14, 1999
"Irish Tour" was essentially Rory's "Frampton Comes Alive" moment. FM "AOR" ("Album Oriented Radio") stations grabbed on to this one and would not let go. The 10 minute live version of "A Million Miles Away" accounted for the majority of airplay, especially on San Francisco's legendary station KSAN.

The album begins with a tightly-wound guitar riff that has more than a little Angus Young around the edges: "Cradle Rock" is one part roadhouse blues, one part arena rock, and a great opener.

"I Wonder Who" offers more blues, featuring a call-and-response tease of a minute or so between Rory's vocal and his guitar, before the band slowly joins the song. At the 1:45 mark, everyone's on board. Over the course of 8 minutes, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 112
Average Rating:

King of the Blues

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: B.B. King

Release Date October 20, 1992
THIS IS NOT ONLY THE BEST BLUES FROM ONE OF ITS BEST BLUESMAN, BUT IT IS ALSO A HISTORY OF B.B. FROM START TILL NOW. THE BOOK IT COMES WITH IS OUTSTANDING

CD-Charts Position 113
Average Rating:

Live at the BBC

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Robert Cray

Release Date May 13, 2008
This has a lot of hot tracks taken from a 1988 and a 1991 performance at London's Hammersmith Odeon, but it's not perfect. Cray spices up some staid studio performances with horns and extended guitar solos and turns mediocrities like Don't You Even Care, Night Patrol and These Things into winners. But slow tunes like Right Next Door, My Problem and Acting This Way, which are thinly-veiled bragging about his conquests, ruin the high-energy pace that was developed during the first half of the album and should have been excluded in favor of better tunes such as Porch Light and I Was Warned. A major disappointment was Smoking Gun which has a short, uninspired guitar solo and closes with 2 minutes of wind-down/applause and therefore isn't really almost 7 minutes ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 114
Average Rating:

Down In Louisiana

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Sonny Landreth

Release Date June 04, 2001
I first became aware of Sonny Landreth in 2005 when he played the annual winter blues series at our local theater. Prior to that I had heard the name, and knew he occasionally played with Jimmy Buffett, but other than that was not familiar with his work. When it was announced that he was coming to town a friend of mine insisted that I go check him out. I did and they guy blew me away. Landreth is probably best known for his prowess on slide guitar, but he really can play just about any style. He hails from New Orleans and to this day there is still a lot of Cajun blues influence to his music. "Down In Louisiana" is a very early Landreth release back when he was paired up with vocalist / harmonica man Mel Melton in the mid 80's. The music is very much Cajun ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 115
Average Rating:

Just Like You

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Keb' Mo'

Release Date June 18, 1996
Several years ago I went to a Bonnie Raitt concert (had great seats) and the pre-show performer was Keb Mo. I had never heard him or his music, but I had met Bonnie back in the early 70's and was so looking forward to seeing her and listening to her set. When Keb Mo came on stage...a stool and an acustic guitar, I had no idea what I was in for! Unbelievable guitarist and that voice...WOW! I didn't want it to end. I have since purchased most of his CDs and go see every performance I can! He is the best folk type blues musician in today's world. This CD is one of his best, everything from humor to spiritual to just good 'ole "sitting of the front porch" blues. Highly recommend this CD for anyone who enjoys music without all the "technology" that often gets in the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 116
Average Rating:

Blues 88's: Boogie Woogie Instrumentals

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Various Artists

Release Date April 07, 1998
I love Boogie Woogie and this CD has the bonus of NO vocals! Super GREAT!

CD-Charts Position 117
Average Rating:

King of the Blues Guitar

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Albert King

Release Date August 18, 1989
If you like blues you probably already know about Albert King. If you don't then sit back and listen to a few tracks. You'll love it.

CD-Charts Position 118
Average Rating:

Bronx in Blue

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Dion

Release Date March 21, 2006
This IS my favorite CD today. It should be featured and played for school children studying blues ...A perfect example of quality interpretation of
"blues roots music".

Bluesingly, Kristina

CD-Charts Position 119
Average Rating:

Still Alive and Well

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Johnny Winter

Release Date September 06, 1994
Johnny has had many ups and downs throughout his recording career, but this album is, from start to finish, just fantastic. If you like JW and don't own this CD, just buy it now!

CD-Charts Position 120
Average Rating:

The Essential Taj Mahal

CD-Charts > Music > Modern Blues
by: Taj Mahal

Release Date August 16, 2005
I will admit I'm a new Taj Mahal Fan. I met him at a private party several years ago and saw him again at the same annual party last fall.
I enjoy his music and this 2 CD set is good driving tunes.