Joe Bonamassa and various artists
B.B. King Blues Summit 100
Joe Bonamassa pays tribute to The King of the Blues, B.B. King, and celebrates what would’ve been his 100th birthday, with contributions from Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Slash, Shemekia Copeland, Marcus King, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Larkin Poe, Jimmie Vaughan, Warren Haynes, Dion, Aloe Blacc, Kirk Fletcher, and many others.
Al Green
To Love Somebody
The Reverend is back with his first project since 2008, an EP with Fat Possum Records: “Green stamps his signature stylings on the Bee Gees’ 1967 hit “To Love Somebody,” an unreleased, alternate version of his 2023 acclaimed single “Perfect Day,” featuring British singer/songwriter RAYE, The Velvet Underground’s “I Found A Reason,” and his previously released rendition of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts,” which Michael Stipe eloquently praised.
Here Come the Mummies
Road Trip
Uhh, how did we not hear any sooner about this “eight-piece funk-rock band of 5,000-year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind playing Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” and currently rampaging across the country with their latest EP? Well, anyway, this Nashville-based band of undead virtuosos (rumored to be masked Grammy-winning session players) kick off their new record and tour with this highly infectious, funky groove that’s an absolute must for any vacation playlist. Or really any playlist. Click the cover pic for an awesome live clip. “So bye, bye, bye, leave your baggage behind, there’s only good vibes on the road trip…”
Louisiana Surf Department
“Bright Bright’”
This Austin-based rock quartet has racked up quite a lot in just barely two years since its inception: more than 400 shows, two EPs, a full-length album Thank Youuu, a licensing deal with Real Ale, national and international touring, and clinching a Sonic Guild 2025 grant. Though formed and based in Austin, frontman John Core hails from Crowley, Louisiana, hence their self-proclaimed “swampadelic” bonafides that form the perfect base for their feel-good rockin’ twang with hip swagger and a fun live show.
Matt Smith
…this is not OK…
The twentieth solo album from Monstas frontman Matt Smith pretty much says it all about the current state of America. Despite the somewhat apocalyptic cover, the album still manages to appeal to hope, in spite of it all. As Matt himself prefaces the digital download of “World Is a Wheel:” “This one is a song of hope for our future. What goes around comes around. I had recently visited Memphis, and the classic sounds of Sun and Stax infused the music for this one, combining Memphis soul with Texas blues. We need healing and to find a way to live together.”
Mavis Staples
“Sad and Beautiful World”
“Grim days call for fierce love.” That first sentence on the promo page for this album sets the whole tone for the latest from this living legend. Known for uplifting message songs at some of the most tumultuous times, she once again comes through with exactly that. “Sad and Beautiful World” is pensive and soulful, acknowledging hardship but clinging to the strength and hope that comes with the wisdom that the world is indeed sad and beautiful and that we will get through these grim days, too. Good medicine!