Sitting in my easy chair smoking a cigar and ponderin’ blues reviews:

Selwyn Birchwood – Don’t Call No Ambulance – Alligator Records 2014

One Fine Cuban Cigar and a sniffer of brandy – The debut album from this Tampa based musician is a great mix of blues and R&B with some fine guitar playin’. Enjoyed the grindin’ blues jam, Brown Paper Bag. I think this is a shoe in for Best New Artist album of the year.

Annika Chambers & the Houston All-Stars – Making My Mark – Montrose Records 2014

One Fine Cigar and two tickets to paradise – She does some sultry Chicago style tunes on her debut album that hold promise for a great blues future. Checkout Put It Where You Want It and Let’s Get Down to Business.

Austin Walkin’ Cane – One Heart Walkin’ – Lazy Eye Records 2014

One fine Cigar – Some excellent delta acoustic blues by this Ohio based artist. I loved the title cut and South of Lonesome.

Janiva Magness – Original – Fathead Records 2014

One fine Cigar on a relaxed evening – Another solid R&B recording from one of the great artists of our time. She is at her best on slow melancholy tunes but she can also get your hips and feet movin’! When You Were My King, Badass, I Need a Man, and The Hard Way are all great tunes.

Joe Louis Walker – Hornet’s Nest – Alligator Records 2014

Cigars all around at a party – A fantastic mix of the rockin’ blues that highlight his unique voice and guitar style. I downloaded the entire album! I’m Gonna Walk Outside is grindin’ blues at its best.

Keb’ Mo’ – Bluesamericana – Kind of Blue Music 2014

One Fine Cigar and a sniffer of brandy – Keb’ breaks the acoustic mold with a great electric R&B and blues album. Move is the blues dance song of the year in my opinion. And That’s Alright should have been nominated for blues song of the year. This has Contemporary Blues Album of the year written all over it!