Posts by Jim Hynes

[rating=8.00] The high energy, roots-oriented Ben Miller Band has grown a fan base mostly from their engaging live shows and prime spots, opening for ZZ Top and other headliners. This, Choke Cherry Tree is their third album and second release on the New West label. Multi-instrumentalists and founding members Ben Miller and Scott Leeper are […]

[rating=8.00] After an extended hiatus Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Jeffrey Gaines returns with ten new tunes on his album Alright. Gaines has a gift for upbeat, soul-searching songs with introspective lyrics and catchy hooks.  This one has a real symmetry to it, almost like a well designed live performance, where the songs build from a gentle start to […]

[rating=8.00] Given the success of Muscle Shoals, the movie documentary, a resurgence of recent recordings in Muscle Shoals (i.e Gregg Allman and The Black Keys to name just two), and the recent passing of FAME Studios founder, Rick Hall, more people are probably familiar with The Swampers now than were in their heyday. Muscle Shoals […]

[rating=9.00] Keyboard master Chick Corea and acclaimed drummer Steve Gadd met five decades ago and have played together intermittently during that time. Now they’ve come together again, formed a sextet and are delivering vital improvisational music with Spanish tinges, funky rhythms, and inspired soloing. This debut of The Chick Corea+ Steve Gadd Band is called […]

[rating=8.00] John Gorka has one of those singular voices that’s immediately recognizable not only for its deep resonance but for its warmth and comfort. On Gorka’s fifteenth album, “True in Time,” his patented delivery and intimate guitar are supported by a stellar cast of Minneapolis-based (Gorka’s home town) musicians who laid down these tracks in […]

[rating=8.00] Leave it to Omnivore Recordings to keep reminding us about valuable music, both past and present. The latest gifts, with more coming, are the first two volumes of the legendary D.C./Baltimore-based soul and R&B label, Ru-Jac. Specifically, they are The Ru-Jac Records Story: Something Got a Hold on Me – Volume I (1963-64) and […]

[rating=9.00] Just in time for perhaps a late gift, of this century’s most decorated jazz albums, Herbie Hancock’s River-The Joni Letters, is now available in a double CD format containing four new tracks that are appearing in CD format for the first time. Now the recordings are available in all formats, including vinyl. This is […]

[rating=8.00] Hans Chew describes his work as piano-based Americana and R&B but that doesn’t go far enough. His music encompasses familiar rock strains from the 70s and even hints of jazz and classical. It’s hard to describe in just a few words or catchphrases. This is an adventurous, interesting listen. At its core, though, it’s […]

[rating=8.00] While James Maddock’s 2015 release, Green, was full of nostalgia and some feel-good gems, the veteran singer-songwriter reveals an angrier side on his latest effort Insanity vs. Humanity. Somehow, the album, which is been out for two months now, seems to have fallen a bit under the radar yet his honest statement certainly demands more […]

[rating=8.00] The first question some of you may have as I know I did – what is Rule 62? It takes its name from Alcoholics Anonymous excerpt that can be summed up quickly as “Don’t Take Yourself Too Damn Seriously.” It’s this principle that guides her work. Whitney Rose journeyed to Nashville, collaborated with her […]

[rating=9.00] The late Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown would probably be proud of Samantha Fish’s approach. The oft cantankerous Brown would frequently snub basic blues; embracing his brand of “American music” which included country, Cajun, jazz, and blues. Still only in her late twenties, Fish could easily have built a career as a guitar shredding blues woman. […]

[rating=9.00] Jim Byrnes soaked in the blues in St. Louis as an adolescent but has lived in Vancouver ever since he returned as a Vietnam vet. With thirteen years or so of a partnership with master guitarist and producer Steve Dawson, Long Hot Summer Days is their seventh album together. While Byrnes may be a […]

[rating=8.00] Terry Ohms started as a side project for Vulture Whale, the Birmingham, AL-based indie group who fused southern rock, punk, and general rowdiness. Under the Ohms moniker, the band’s frontman Wes McDonald has released several projects, this, the A Lot More Than Enough’, the latest of which features plenty of hooks and psychedelic excursions. […]

[rating=8.00] When you think of three-part harmony, The Persuasions and Crosby, Stills, and Nash inevitably come to mind and perhaps on the female side, Trio (Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt). In this millennium though, The Wailin’ Jennys are inarguably among the best, especially in terms of a cappella. It’s almost as if they […]

[rating=8.00] Don’t expect the alt-rock glory of early 90s Spin Doctors on Chris Barron’s Angels and One-Armed Jugglers. This is Barron taking a rather meandering journey through eleven originals, that touch on jazz, blues, Broadway, and solo performance. In fact, every tune was written by Barron alone with his guitar and they will ultimately be […]

[rating=8.00] When Radney Foster’s name is mentioned, his classic album Del Rio, Texas 1959 (his birthplace), his success with the duo Foster & Lloyd, and his hits for mega country stars come to mind.  In a career that has straddled that line between Texas and Nashville, Foster hunkered down with producer and multi-instrumentalist Will Kimbrough […]