| 1) | Double
Trouble "Been A Long Time"
Cooking Vinyl An all star cast joins the former SRV rhythm section for a priceless album of contemporary blues...featuring the lies of Lou Ann Barton/Dr John/Willy Nelson/Jimmy Vaughan / Malford Milligan / Charlie Sexton / Kenny Wayne Shepherd / Susan Tedechi / Johnny Lang etc. Everyone plays to their potential, and this album may be regarded as a quality template for all subsequent blues releases over the next 12 months. |
| 2) | Chuck Prophet
"No Other Love" New West Records If the term Alt.Country means nothing to you, this is the very best introduction as the former Green On Red front man delivers a peach of an album for the enterpising new west records. Killer songs, beautiful playing and a voice that oozes a world weary sensuality. |
| 3) | Roadhouse
"Blues Highway" Roadhouse records One of the very best homegrown UK Roots Rock & Blues records of the year, Blues Highway contains a batch of Gary Boner songs such as the title track, "Desert Sky"; "Voodoo Queen" and "Dark Rain" that the likes of Tom Petty, Neil Young etc would love to have written. A great album from a great live band. Listen to clips here |
| 4) | Stephen Bruton
"Spirit World" New West Records The former Dylan / Bonnie Rait sideman was hot in Europe 6 or 7 years ago when signed to Dos. This album marks a welcome return for a fine song writer / guitarist who has moved on from his bluesy roots style into a new mature Country tinged, r&b song writing style. |
| 5) | Amor
"Even After That" Manhaton Records He may be saddled with "the former hoax" tag, but as his second album suggests, Jon Amor has a much more hard hitting individualistic style. Heavy duty riffs, biting lyrics, and angular funk, this is contemporary rock with a tip of the hat to the Beatles. Listen to clips here |
| 6) | Nine Below Zero
"Chilled" Zed Records Nine Below Zero unplugged works surprisingly well, and in the main because Dennis Greaves thrives in his new found role as a balladeer, and Mark Feltham gives full reign to his Van McCoy style harp. A pleasant example of a fast maturing r&b band, successfully delving into new musical ideas. |
| 7) | Stan Webb
"Webb" Indigo records His first studio album for years is a slow burner. Together with the esteemed Nashville based blues guitarist/producer Fred James (who penned "Full Moon On main Street"), Stan Webb finds a Memphis Soul groove. There's even a soulful reworking of The Beatles "She Loves You", in an album that nicely balances strong production values with Stan's characteristic post Freddie King guitar tone. |
| 8) | Barry Richman
"Untitled promo" This EP CD is everything lovers of The Allman Brothers, and the riffs of early career Carlos Santana will love. There's a real feel of the South about Barry, and his Greg Allman style vocals perfectly compliment a great band. File under gloriously retro. BarryRichman.com |
| 9) | Man
"Undrugged" Point records Although similar project to Nine below Zero, this album is born of two session with a 5 year gap. Man fans will welcome the Terry Williams tracks, but equally enjoy current drummer Bob Richards on subtle percussion. It's a mixed bag but the highlights are worth the CD purchase, including Micky Jones leaning into the Beach Boys "Sail On", and a stripped down "Scotch Corner" Listen to clips here |
| 10) | Geoff Achison & Friends
"Each Long Day" Powerhouse records A very fine player with a classy band, Geoff subtly insinuates his way through some familiar material with his own style. Daubed "The New Australian Kid On The Block", Geoff is a strong player with a real feel for the blues. |