10 New Blues, Rock & Roots Songs You Need To Hear Nov. 2020

By Martine Ehrenclou

Here are 10 new blues, rock and roots songs you need to hear now. Whether to help you get through the hard times of the pandemic or the aftermath of a stressful election, these are new hand-picked tunes from artists/bands you might or might not now know about. And discovering new, outstanding music is what we live for.

All the more reason to dive into some of the best new music that takes us away from the stress. Music does in fact heal and I hope these songs offer you some healing, or an escape, or just plain old fashioned joy.

We all need feel-good music right now. Whether that’s up-tempo grooves or magnificent soulful songs, we crave music that soothes. Here you go. There’s a blend of both. I’ve included information on each artist/band, their websites and songs, so if one catches your ear, you’ll know where to go for more. And it’s important to me, especially during these troubled times, to support currently recording artists and bands. We all want that.

Dive in, even if you aren’t familiar with the artists’ names and your natural inclination isn’t to press play on music that isn’t already in your playlists. At a time when our emotional reserves might be low, you might think it’s easier to breeze past the artists you’ve never heard of but honestly, you’d be missing out. I encourage you to listen. These artists/bands are really good.

Few of these tunes are straight up blues or blues/rock. They borrow from other styles to create their unique sound. I find that particularly interesting when choosing music to feature. Some are more rock n’ roll, and others have undercurrents of R&B or roots music. But I can promise that each is outstanding in its own way.

I hope you enjoy. I welcome your comments in the comment section below just to say hello or to let us know what you think. We won’t send you anything and you won’t end up on our mailing list, unless you specifically sign up for our weekly newsletter.

“Tupelo” by Magnolia Bayou
Mississippi blues/rockers with a swampy feel, “Tupelo” is from Magnolia Bayou’s new album, Strange Place out Sept. 24, 2020. With influences from the band’s own Southern heritage, this band’s vocalist/guitarist Andrew Fulton has something special in his soulful, commanding vocals along with Dylan Palmiero (lead guitar), Josh Estes (bass) and Cedric Feazell (drums.” Together they create awesome music.
Album Review 
Website 

 

“War” cover (Edwin Starr) by Vintage Trouble
Los Angeles-based rock and roll/soul band Vintage Trouble have quietly become rock and roll’s best kept secret, creating swaggering rock, soulful blues, and R&B grooves. Formed in 2010 by vocalist/frontman Ty Taylor and guitarist Nalle Colt, and joined by Rick Barrio Dill on bass and Richard Danielson on drums, Vintage Trouble has toured across 30 countries with The Rolling Stones, The Who, AC/DC, Lenny Kravitz, and Bon Jovi, and many more. See this band live (even a virtual livestream performance)—you won’t regret it.
Single Review 
Website 

 

“Walking Wounded” by Robin Trower, Maxi Priest, Livingstone Brown
Three legendary artists–singer/songwriter Maxi Priest, guitarist Robin Trower, and producer/engineer/musician Livingstone Brown released their new album United State of Mind  on October 9, 2020 via Manhaton Records. A brilliant blend of contemporary blues, R&B, and rock, multi Grammy nominee Maxi Priest’s superb vocals combined with Robin Trower’s masterful guitar playing and Livingstone Brown producing, is bliss.
Album Review  
Website 

 

“In The Air Tonight” (Phil Collins cover) by Larkin Poe
From their upcoming album, Kindred Spirits, out November 20, 2020, this Grammy nominated roots/rock sister duo blend rocking blues and roots music. Atlanta-bread, Nashville-based multi-instrumentalists Rebecca and Megan Lovell, feature strong vocals and harmonies, heavy electric guitar riffs, slide guitar and more, to form their own badass music, drawn their Southern heritage. Their upcoming album is their first-ever covers album. You will be blown away by the vocals.
Album Review of Larkin Poe’s last album Self Made Man 
Website 

 

“Slippin’ And Slidin’” by The Immediate Family
This really is a supergroup, a rock and roll band of legendary musicians composed of the most recorded, respected and sought-after players in modern music. Danny Kortchmar (guitar, vocals), Waddy Wachtel (guitar, vocals), Leland Sklar (bass), Russ Kunkel (drums) and Steve Postell (guitar, vocals.) Their work can be heard on albums from Jackson Browne, James, Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Keith Richards, Warren Zevon, Neil Young and many more. Together they’ve created a whopping good EP Slippin’ And Slidin’ out October 16, 2020 with more to come in 2021.
Album Review
Website

 

“Voodoo Blues” by Grainne Duffy
A wickedly talented blues singer, songwriter, guitarist from Ireland, this song is the title track from her new album, Voodoo Blues. Blues roots mixed with rock and soul, Duffy’s vocals are powerful and soulful. Duffy is known for her exceptional voice inspired by the wellsprings of Memphis but it also reflects the rich undercurrents of her Irish Celtic roots. Voodoo Blues is her fifth release out October 15, 2020. This song might remind you a bit of Bonnie Raitt.
Website 

 

“This Time Around” by Robert Jon & The Wreck
Southern rock n’ roll outfit, Robert Jon & The Wreck released their impressive new album, Last Light On The Highway on May 8, 2020. There’s more than meets the eye with the band and their own blend of Southern rock, R&B and Soul. With easy-on-the-ears vocals from Robert Jon Burrison (vocals, guitar), and Andrew Espantman (drums, vocals) Steve Maggiora (keyboards, backing vocals) Henry James (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Warren Murrel on bass, you have one stellar band. With beautiful harmonies, quality songwriting and mind-expanding musicianship, this is a band that has a lot to offer beyond Southern rock.
 Album Review
Website 

 

“Unemployed Highly Annoyed” by Jeremiah Johnson
Blues rocker Jeremiah Johnson hits the mark with his new album, Unemployed Highly Annoyed out October 30^th on Ruf Records. A talented guitarist, singer-songwriter, this album is a response to the pandemic. It’s a true ‘lock-down recording,’ with a what-you-see-is-what-you-get aesthetic and a group of just three musicians comprising of, Johnson, (Devon Allman Project alumni) Tony Antonelli on percussion, and multi-instrumentalist Paul Niehaus IV (head of the Blue Lotus Recordings label) on bass and keys.

Born in St. Louis, he is the voice of Mississippi River blues blending hard work and struggle into his rocking blues. A tune with plenty of swagger and kick, this is Johnson’s second release this year.
Album Review 
Website

 

“Lies and Fear” by Alastair Greene
Killer blues/rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Alastair Greene just released a new album, The New World Blues out Oct. 23, 2020 on Whiskey Bayou Records, produced by Tab Benoit. Alastair is considered a guitar player’s guitar player and you’ll see why on this blues song with groove. His credentials include eight years of touring with the Alan Parsons Project and dates with Starship feat. Mickey Thomas, plus a world tour with Sugar Ray Rayford’s band, nominated for a 2020 Blues Music Award.
Album Review 
Website

 

“Copycat” by Lynne Jackaman
British singer and songwriter Lynne Jackaman, former lead singer of rock band Saint Jude, released her new and long awaited album One Shot on August 14, 2020. This song features a mighty singer who has raw power that never descends into vocal gymnastics. Jackaman blends soul, rock and funky grooves on her album, recorded at FAME Studios, Muscle Shoals, with the legendary Muscle Shoals rhythm section. A strong songwriter, the album is flush with catchy songs, meaningful lyrics and Jackaman’s voice, which is heaven-sent.
Album Review
Website

 
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