Hundred-word Reviews for July 2026: Blues and Jazz

So much good music, so little time. Here’s a quick look at five newish releases.

Duke Robillard – Blast Off!
Guitairst Duke Robillard has been a recording artist for more than 50 years. After founding Roomful of Blues, he served as first-chair guitarist in the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Even the, he maintained a concurrent solo career, one that continues to this day. And despite his close association with blues and r&b, Robillard’s musical vision has always taken in more than those forms. His jazz/swing proclivities come to the fore on Blast Off! Fans of Louis Prima, Louis Jordan and other giants of jump blues/wing will delight in this collection. It’s authentic without sounding dated, true to the style without feeling gimmicky.

Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials – Slideways
Slide guitarist Lil’ Ed was an early star on Bruce Iglauer’s Alligator Records. And his music with the Imperials transcends blues, often serving as an excellent entry point for listeners venturing into the blues. His accessible, good-timin’ approach to songcraft combines killer riffage, sinewy slide playing and wonderfully uptempo arrangements. Ed and his band have racked up numerous awards, all richly deserved. Slideways is a showcase for both Ed’s top-flight guitar work and the whip-smart ensemble work of his Imperials. Co-produced with Iglauer, Slideways showcases a 70 year old musician, bandleader and songwriter still at the top of is game.

Selwyn Birchwood – Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues
Contemporary bluesman Selwyn Birchwood’s fiery style has won him fans well outside the comparatively insular world of blues. Some purists might take issue with his rock-leaning approach, but the fact remains that at age 41, Birchwood is a master of whatever musical task he takes on. Notably, as thrilling as his fretwork can be, his approach doesn’t lead listeners to think, “Oh, he sounds just like [fill in the blank].” The sturdy songs on his latest album – all self-composed – showcase his many assets. For newcomers, Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues can serve as a fine entry point into his impressive work.

Soft Machine – Thirteen
The roster of celebrated musicians who’ve passed through the ranks of Soft Machine is indeed impressive. While the players have changed, the aesthetic remains the same. Rock sensibility merged with the adventurous and improvisational fire of jazz, all presented without compromise. The current lineup is anchored by longtime guitarist John Etheridge, who first joined in 1975. Emphasizing the band’s pedigree and through-line, Thirteen features a track (“Daevid’s Special Cuppa”) that includes a 2000 recording of founding member Daevid Allen. Listeners who dug Third all those years ago will remain impressed by this lineup, proudly carrying on in the grand tradition.

Daggerboard – The Skipper and Mike Clark
Wide Hive Records can be counted on to bring boundary-pushing jazz that remains rooted in the form’s most enduring musical values. The label’s flagship group, Daggerboard is joined by jazz stars Henry Franklin (“The Skipper”) on upright bass and drummer Mike Clark. They receive co-billing, and their subtle, stellar work more than justifies it. In fact subtlety is a key value on this set; the songs feel composed (which they are) yet maintain the mystery and allure that comes with improvisation. The percussion work and piano are standout elements, but this deeply layered music has something for all jazz aficionados.