Eden Brent - Mississippi Number One - Yellow Dog

She hails from Greenville Mississippi where they call her "Little Boogaloo." She plays piano in the old school tradition and sings with a 'whiskey soaked', worldy wise voice. This CD began as a solo project and the solo tracks are the best.

Toby Walker - Hand Picked - Band In The Hand Records

Some mighty tasty picking from Long Island's finest, well chosen covers (he breathes new life into an instrumental version of Hank's Mind Your Own Business) and several clever originals. Jay Ungar and Molly Mason lend stellar support

Janiva Magness - What Love Will Do - Alligator

The Alligator debut for this two time winner of The Blues Music Awards 'Best Contemporary Female Artist'. Janiva Magness is a force to be reckoned with.

Sean Costello - We Can Get Together - Delta Groove

Stirring (some might say 'haunted') vocals and scalding guitar work from this young lion of the Blues. His tragic death on April 15th, one day short of his 29th birthday, was the musical low point of 2008.

Danny Caron - How Sweet It Is - Danny Caron Records

He was the musical director for Charles Brown's Band for many years and this collection does feature a Charles Brown vocal from the vault. But Danny's guitar is the main event. Ever tasteful through a variety of styles (funk, zydeco, jazz standards, straight ahead blues), his playing is pure joy for the ears. Guest vocalist Barbara Morrison shines brightly on 'The Promised Land'.

James Hunter - The Hard Way - Hear Music

His retro soul vibe conjures visions of Sam Cooke, James Brown and Ray Charles with a splash of reggae rhythms thrown in. Great tunes, concise arrangements, and short bursts of stinging guitar delivered with surgical precision, a warm and satisfying album recorded the old fashioned way.