Who did the best version of Baby Please Don't Go? By TONY RUSSELL published 31 July 18 From Mississippi to Northern Ireland to Australia, this classic has inspired musicians from around the world. But can the original be beaten?
T-Bone Walker: Great Blues Vocals & Guitar/I Get So Weary + Singing The Blues By TONY RUSSELL published 1 July 16 Monumental early recordings by the architect of modern blues guitar.
Neal Black & Larry Garner: Guilty Saints (Dixiefrog) By TONY RUSSELL published 1 July 16 Another Euro-American collaboration for Louisiana veteran Larry Garner.
Cuttin' Heads: Pony Blues By TONY RUSSELL published 27 June 16 Charley Patton’s equine tale has inspired generations of blues singers, but can we separate the lame nags from the thoroughbreds?
Blues Collector: Memphis Jug Band/Cannon’s Jug Stompers By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16 The Jug Bands Volume One (Natchez NEP 701)
Cuttin' Heads: Please Set A Date By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16 Memphis Minnie vs Elmore James vs Erja Lyytinen
Magic Sam Blues Band: Black Magic By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16 An expanded reissue of Sam’s second album, from 1969.
Memphis Minnie: Keep On Goin’ 1930–1953 By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16 A revealing wide-angle snapshot of one of the great blueswomen.
Jimmy Rogers: Chicago Bound By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16 The complete 50s singles of an architect of Chicago blues.
Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames: Slip Into A Dream By TONY RUSSELL published 9 May 16 Chicago guitarist and one-time sidekick of Lil’ Ed Williams.
Album Review: KAI STRAUSS By TONY RUSSELL published 31 March 16 I Go By Feel (CONTINENTAL BLUE HEAVEN)
Album Review: Sunnyland Slim By TONY RUSSELL published 25 March 16 Slim’s Shout + Chicago Blues Session (SOUL JAM)
Whose version of Little Red Rooster is better: Howlin' Wolf's or the Stones'? By TONY RUSSELL published 25 March 16 It’s the song that has ruffled feathers from the moment it first appeared, but did The Rolling Stones or Howlin' Wolf create version of has the most to crow about?
Various Artists Wait For Me By TONY RUSSELL published 22 February 16 Romance and recrimination, etched in the grooves of rare 78s.
Cuttin' Heads: Sonny Boy Williamson V The Yardbirds By TONY RUSSELL published 17 February 16 Sonny Boy Williamson's tale of playground love was transformed to fit swinging London by The Yardbirds. But which version is top of the class?
Cuttin' Heads: Muddy Waters vs Heritage Blues Orchestra By TONY RUSSELL published 15 January 16 A down-by-the-river country standard about casting a rod competes with Chicago electric blues and swing-dance. Which version is catch of the day?
Lightnin' Hopkins – Mojo Hand + Blues In My Bottle By TONY RUSSELL published 15 January 16 Two contrasting albums from the early 60s by the Texas bluesman
Various Artists – The Rough Guide To The Blues Songsters By TONY RUSSELL published 1 December 15 The curtains drawn back on the music that came before the blues.
Chris James & Patrick Rynn – Trouble Don't Last By TONY RUSSELL published 1 December 15 Downhome blues dragged thrillingly up to speed.
Snooks Eaglin: New Orleans Street Singer/That’s All Right By TONY RUSSELL published 21 October 15 Timeless recordings of a singer and guitarist who astonished 60s blues fans.
Omar Coleman: Born & Raised By TONY RUSSELL published 20 October 15 A harmonica player and singer in the great Chicago tradition.
Cuttin' Heads - Blind Lemon versus Lou Reed By TONY RUSSELL published 19 October 15 A blues about death first recorded in 1927, and then taken for a walk on the wild side in 2003. But which version is the buried treasure?
JB Lenoir: I Wanna Play A Little While... By TONY RUSSELL published 7 September 15 A 10-year survey of a unique and remarkable singer.
Wynonie Harris: Don't You Want To Rock? By TONY RUSSELL published 7 September 15 Superb collector-oriented compilation of the great blues shouter.
Muddy Waters 100 By TONY RUSSELL published 7 September 15 Admirers celebrate what would have been Muddy Waters’ hundredth birthday.
