It's time once again for the Blues Power Ranking 6-Pack, a feature within the feature that is Verse Chorus Verse. You know what the news is. This is the analysis portion of our program wherein I help you find the best of the best. Here are six songs from six albums on the Blues Power Rankings, the best source of what's hot at blues radio.
1) Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King – "Have Blues, Will Travel" – Have Blues, Will Travel: Love, love, love this title track from the latest offering from Kubek & King. This spirited, Texas-roadhouse style raveup is a creative spin on the ramblin' blues lifestyle. The tale is well told and accompanied by some blazing guitar.
2) Derek Trucks Band – "Down Don't Bother Me" – Roadsongs: Speaking of blazing guitar, you have Derek Trucks. I didn't vote for Trucks to win Guitarist of The Year at the BMAs but I'm not deaf; this is one of the finest young guitarists on the planet. "Down Don't Bother Me" has been recorded innumerable times and Trucks' mesmerizing lead makes this version one of the best you'll hear.
3) Karen Lovely – "Never Felt No Blues" – Still The Rain: I first learned of Karen Lovely after she placed second at the International Blues Challenge last year. I first heard her sing in an impromptu jam at Rum Boogie Café in Memphis and I took notice when I saw she had a new record coming out this year, wondering if she, like so many before her, would use the IBC as a springboard forward. Finding a copy of the CD isn't easy, but iTunes and Amazon both have the album if you can stand digital. Reluctantly I gave in and did the download. It's not my favorite medium but Lovely made it worth my while all the same. She has a powerhouse, passionate voice and on "Never Felt No Blues" she has complete control of it, delivering just the right amount of intensity. She's backed by a great band with some excellent lead guitar and nice piano work. I just hope she one day gets some better distribution.
Article comments
1 - Joanie
Smokin' Joe and Bnois nail it on this album. Check out RU4 Real. It's clever and it's GOOD.
Karen Lovely...oh Josh, honey, don't hate me but I got to see her more than once in Portland and she knocked my socks off. WOW!
Honeyboy, what can I say? You know how I feel about him.
And Janiva really takes Feelin' Good and makes it her own when on stage.
Rob Stone is burning up the charts with this CD and this song is a great indication of why.
As for Trucks, he's good, but I am still not falling in line with all the love.
2 - Josh Hathaway
I've got the King/Kubek record and am working on getting a full review of it. I'm with you, though, they're pretty consistently great throughout the disc.
If I have one wish at 10:37am it's that one of the larger independent blues labels will pick Karen up and help get this disc in front of people. I really dig the two songs I downloaded and am working to acquire the album in its entirety.
Rob, Chris, and Patrick are a formidable blues trio regardless whose album they're playing on. Love them and am really happy to see Rob's record getting some play.
Janiva surprised me on that song. I was afraid she'd try to do what others do with it and come up short. The arrangement suits her and she does a damn nice job.
Honeyboy is legend.
3 - Joanie
Yep, yep, yep, and yeppers.
Can I have my brain back now?
4 - Lori
Hi Josh,
Your wish has come true! Karen Lovely now has distribution. BDC (handling Nick Moss, on Blue Bella and many more) picked up distribution and both titles Still The Rain and Lucky Girl will be in this months upcoming catalog! We will be advertising heavily! I'd love to get a full copy to you for complete review. She's amazing and we want the world to hear her.
5 - Kelly
I saw Karen Lovely a year ago live.. she is an AMAZING singer! Definitely one of my favorites
6 - Web Design Ludhiana
What's up it's me, I am also visiting this site on
a regular basis, this site is in fact fastidious and the viewers are genuinely sharing good
thoughts.