Photos: Joanne Shaw Taylor by Christie Goodwin, Ghost Hounds by Jay Acarnsalin, Samantha Fish by Scott Lukes, Taylor Scott by Scott Lukes
10 New Modern Blues & Rock Songs You Must Hear Summer 2021
By Martine Ehrenclou
As we near Labor Day, the quest for new music is real. Isn’t it always? But for a holiday weekend with a backyard barbeque or even soaking in some solitude on your back porch, it makes the end of summer all that more enjoyable with new, outstanding music.
With summer nearing a close, there’s a certain wistfulness for turning back the clock to the beginning of June when live summer music shows and festivals started opening up and they all lay ahead. That anticipation, especially with the year we all had, was palpable. Well, here’s your antidote. 10 new modern blues and rock songs to hurl you into the coming weeks and to pump your excitement for upcoming album releases, of which there is a truck load. Aren’t we lucky.
With more concerts and festivals still ahead, listen to this lineup of stellar musicians. Maybe some will kickstart your desire to see them live. They have for me. If you’re living in parts of the country where the weather has you hunkering close to the air conditioner, press play and lose yourself in the music. These artists will boost your summer nights with a cool blast of memorable songs.
Each of these artists are hand-picked as are the songs. They are soulful singers, guitar wizards or straight up great bands with new music.
Joe Bonamassa
In case you haven’t heard, blues/rock guitar master Joe Bonamassa released a new single “The Heart That Never Waits” from his upcoming new studio album, ‘Time Clocks’ out Oct. 29. Joe hits his incomparable stride with the bluesy new song, a killer back-to-blues winner. His new album is a “toast to his longtime fans.” Recorded in NYC, the album uncovers Bonamassa at a newfound peak with heartfelt songwriting and unparalleled blues/rock prowess. Personally, I love this song.
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Taylor Scott Band
Guitar virtuoso, singer songwriter, Taylor Scott just released his “Bleeding Out” single, produced by three-time Grammy winner, Steve Berlin. It’s a funked up, blues rocking joy to listen to. Scott’s vocals are soulful, tuneful and his guitar chops are of the next level kind. Denver-based, Taylor Scott is a road warrior guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with an uncanny knack for mixing elements of rock, blues, and funk into fresh original songs. He toured the world with blues legend Otis Taylor.
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Joanne Shaw Taylor
Critically acclaimed British guitarist, singer, songwriter, Joanne Shaw Taylor released her new single “If That Ain’t A Reason” from her upcoming album, ‘The Blues Album’ out September 24 on KTBA Records, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith. Regarded as the UK’s premiere blues/rock guitarist, Joanne’s vocals are also showcased here and they are smokin’, sultry and soulful. The 11-track album features Joanne’s personalized covers of rare blues classics originally recorded by Albert King, Peter Green, Little Richard, Magic Sam, Aretha Franklin, Little Milton and more. IT features Josh Smith, Reese Wynans, Greg Morrow, Steve Mackey, Steve Patrick, and more.
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Ghost Hounds
Rock and roll band, Ghost Hounds, are set to release their sophomore album, ‘A Little Calamity’ on September 3rdvia Maple House Records. As if baptized in the Mississippi Delta and blasted through Birmingham’s billowing smokestacks, six kindred musical spirits congregate in Ghost Hounds. The Pittsburgh, PA six-piece is comprised of Tré Nation (vocals), Johnny Baab (guitar), Thomas Tull (guitar), Bennett Miller (bass), Blaise Lanzetta (drums), and Joe Munroe (keys.) Their debut album, Roses Are Black (2019) featured Slash, Kenny Aronoff, Reese Wynans and Michael Rhodes. The band opened for Bob Segar and the Rolling Stones.
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The L.A. Maybe
Carolinas-based heavy rock band The L.A. Maybe is a fan favorite and one of mine too. Fronted by lead singer Avi Robinson, who was nearly selected to front the legendary band, AC/DC in 2016, the band builds their sound on the foundational elements of rock and roll. Big greasy riffs, impressive hooks, soaring solos and ripping guitar solos. The New Wave Of Classic Rock. Not to be missed.
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Samantha Fish
Genre-bending guitar phenom, singer, songwriter Samantha Fish is set to release her new album, ‘Faster’ out September 10, the follow-up to her 2019 Kill Or Be Kind. She just released her new single and video “Crowd Control”, a rolling rocker featuring Samantha’s voice at it’s best, soulful, sultry and in command. The multi award-winner is electrifying live and a sure-fire crowd pleaser.
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Duff Musiq
Veteran guitarist, award-winning Canadian producer, and songwriter, Duffmusiq features a hot blend of blues, jazz, roots music and funk for his new EP, Urban Love. A smooth and melodic feast. One listen to the song “Ordinary Fool” and you’ll see what I mean. He might be unknown to you, but his music has been used in major film and TV productions. Style, grace and innovative guitar riffs.
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Seth James
Texas Singer, songwriter, guitarist Seth James’ music is a musical gumbo of Texas blues, R&B, rock, country soul and funk, infectious and superb. His new album, Different Hat, releases August 27 via Tiny Ass Records. Recorded live, the album was produced by Kevin McKendree and features Lee Roy Parnell and Anson Funderburgh. Clever songwriting, virtuosic guitar playing and an easy, soulful voice abound on this thoroughly enjoyable album. Seth has been around for a while, having toured with Delbert McClinton and others. Check ‘em out.
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Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
Internationally beloved guitarist, singer and songwriter, Tommy Castro, leader of Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, is set to release a new album, Tommy Castro Presents a Bluesman Came To Town on September 17, produced by Grammy Award winner Tom Hambridge via Alligator Records. A roots music odyssey, A Bluesman Came To Town is a blend of blues, rock and roll and R&B.
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Blue Light Bandits
Blue Light Bandits release their video for “Punk Rock Dreams,” a soulful blend of rock , jazz, neo-soul and funk. With a killer vocalist and tight band, this award-winning four-piece independent groove rock band is from Worcester, MA. “Punk Rock Dreams” is from their recently released LP, Honestly Glad it Happened. The video offers a close look at the band’s on-stage performance, with exclusive shots of band members Dan DeCristofaro, Ethan Bates, Simon Admasson and Jay Faires grooving to the contagious melodies and soulful lyrics the original song.
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I welcome your comments!
Love this list of wildly talented artists! Thank you for putting them all together here!!
Why does everyone always leave BETH HART off these lists? In many circle you can’t hear/mention the name “Joe Bonnamassa” without hearing Beth’s name. She’s done 3 albums with him & toured with him several times as well as Kenny Wayne Shepherd (who you also left off the list) She’s co-written & done shows with “Slash” Buddy Guy and JEFF BECK for crying out loud & has longtime fans all over the world since her “10 time win on “Star Search” in the 90s. Plus if anyone has lived the blues it’s her. Spend some time watching her live videos (with & without other musicians) & interviews, get to know her & i guarantee you’ll be hooked as well!
Suzi,
This is a list of new music. Beth Hart doesn’t have new music out as in the last month. We feature Beth Hart all the time. We think as highly of her as you do.
Hi Martine thanx for the reply! I’m glad you also love Beth Hart & wow Joe Bonnamassa is on the list..i missed that somehow!! Awesome!! Have a bluesy day ✌
Dirty Dave Osti’s new album “Retro-Sonic Blues Train” is great. Every song is good. How did this slip by your reviews?
Kerry
Osti’s new album just came in day before yesterday. We’re fast but not that fast.