Hundred-word Reviews for June 2025: Blues

Capsule reviews of some very worthy new releases. This go-round is all blues, to coin a phrase.

Janiva Magness – Back for Me
Award-winning blues diva Janiva Magness is the real deal. She’s been a force in blues for years. And while tough times undeniably provide inspiration for blues material, Magness turns out an inspired set of tunes while things are going well. It’s a hard-won happiness, and the experiences that got her here inform her song selections. They’re a varied bunch – both musically and lyrically – and they showcase Magness’ dazzling power, versatility and expressiveness. And – surprise! – Renée Zellweger writes songs! See “November,” a solid co-write with Doyle Bramhall II. Guests (Joe Bonamassa, Sue Foley, Jesse Dayton) make a great album even better.

Charlie Musselwhite – Look Out Highway
The Chicago style of blues (my favorite style, btw) rarely disappoints. And for many years now, Grammy (and most every other kind of) winner Charlie Musselwhite has been a prime exemplar of the form. His work with Elvin Bishop and on his own is blues par excellence. His latest features two longtime associates who’ve made names for themselves: Matt Stubbs of GA-20 and Kid Andersen of, well, damn near everything, but especially Greaseland Studios. Musselwhite’s gritty, rough ‘n’ ready style of blues-harpification and soulful vocals are set against tasty musical backing. At age 81, Musselwhite is showing how it’s done.

Johnny Iguana – At Delmark
Johnny Iguana is renowned as the pianist in the Claudettes. That group has gone through a number of stylistic changes, all well worth hearing. The thread connecting it all is Iguana’s expressive piano work. He finally gets a solo piano album. Here everything’s rendered on his 1917 Steinway, with a production aesthetic as tried, true and authentic as that piano. Everything here – old ragtime pieces, Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” Chuck Berry, AC/DC and originals like the wonderfully evocative “Stormy Night at a Moroccan Blues Bar” – is delivered with style. One of the best one-instrument albums I’ve heard in years.

Terry Hanck – Grease to Gravy
Soulful blues with a swinging jazz vibe is the stock in trade of this excellent singer and tenor sax man. Hanck was largely responsible for bringing Kid Anderson to the U.S. from Norway, and for that alone he deserves an important place in music. As it happens, he makes great music, too. Grease to Gravy is a timeless collection of originals and well-chosen covers. It’s not a concept album, but the songs hold together to present a cohesive character and feel. Hanck has a good sense of humor and a knack for making music that always connects with the listener.

Tad Robinson – Soul in Blue
Chicago-born Robinson started making albums under his own name more than 30 years ago, after honing his craft as lead singer in Dave Specter’s band. Soul in Blue is his eighth solo album, and his first in nearly six years. His well-worn vocals and tuneful blues harp shine on these ten tunes. Primarily original material, the album is jam-packed with special guests (Specter and a dozen others). Everyone sounds like they’re having a good time; chances are high that you’ll feel the same when you spin Soul in Blue. I’m not sure why, but he reminds me of Mitch Ryder.