15 Modern Blues and Rock Artists You Need To Hear November 2021

Photo: Beth Hart by Greg Waterman, Carolyn Wonderland by Ismael Quintanilla, The Kentucky Headhunters, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram by Laura Carbone Blues and Rock

15 Modern Blues and Rock Artists You Need To Hear November 2021

By Martine Ehrenclou

It’s no small feat that artists/bands have been able to release new music with Covid-19 and some of the remaining restrictions. As we head into the holidays, it’s time for new music! Here are 15 Modern Blues & Rock Artists You Need To Hear for your late fall 2021.

Whether you’re spending the holidays with family or friends or basting your own turkey, nothing beats new music to rock out to. Music we love always kickstarts a certain joy, and for some of us, it’s our holiday from the everyday grind.

A few of these artists released singles in the fall of 2021 in advance of their upcoming albums to release in 2022, while others recently put out full length LPs.

It’s hard to believe that we are skidding down the black diamond slope to the holidays and new year. 2021 arrived with its challenges and losses but it was buoyed by superb musicians who graced us with outstanding music to hang on to. This collection will add a spring to your holiday step through New Year’s Eve and beyond.

Many of these blues, blues/rock and rock artists/bands you are familiar with, and some you probably aren’t. Regardless, it’s a mix of compelling blues, blues/rock and rock.

I hand-picked each song or video and included information and website links for each artist/band so you can dig in at your leisure. No listening to great songs and scrambling to find info on the artist or band. It’s all there for you to make your life a little easier. And after the ups and downs of 2021, we all need a dose of simple and easy. Here’s an antidote to any stress you might be feeling. I hope you enjoy.

For our recent article ’10 New Modern Blues-Rock and Rock & Roll Songs You Must Hear’ see article here. 

I welcome your comments. Please leave them in the comment section below the last song.

Beth Hart
Grammy-nominated powerhouse vocalist Beth Hart takes on one of her most profound undertakings to date with her upcoming album, A Tribute To Led Zeppelin out February 25, 2022 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group. Produced by Rob Cavallo, leave it to Hart to put her incredible spin on Led Zep. Following Hart’s previous album, War In My Mind (2019), Hart decided she had it in her after the pandemic to channel the necessary anger to do A Tribute To Led Zeppelin. In May of 2002 Hart unleashed an incendiary performance of “Whole Lotta Love” at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, and it became a fixture in her setlist for years.
Info and Video Press Here. 

Carolyn Wonderland
The award-winning Texas guitar slinger, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Carolyn Wonderland released her new Alligator Records album Tempting Fate October 8 produced by master roots musician Dave Alvin. Her 11^th album, Wonderland delivers ten riveting songs with five fiery originals featuring her riveting vocals and guitar chops. Truly, this artist is a marvel. In 2018 she became the first woman ever to be lead guitarist for legendary John Mayall in his band The Bluesbreakers and is the first female guitar hero in the label’s 50-year history.
Info and Video Press Here. 

Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram
Two-time Grammy nominee, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram released a new video “Long Distance Woman” for the song on his sophomore album, 662 out on Alligator Records, produced by Grammy winner Tom Hambridge. Ingram blazes the modern blues-rock power trail with soulful, compelling vocals, singing about a woman who is too many miles away to keep a relationship alive. Christone digs deep into the world of crunchy guitar, his solos trademark Kingfish riffing magic. The video is interspersed with live footage of Christone performing on stage with his killer guitar chops, wowing crowds.
Info and Video Press Here. 

Plush (All-Female Rock Band)
Ferocious female rockers, Plush, are here to bring true hard rock back to its rightful place at the top of the charts with the group’s self-titled debut effort Plush. The record came out October 29th, 2021 via Pavement Entertainment and shows Plush to be exactly the kind of muscled-up, life-affirming guitar band that both fans and the industry need to thrive. The album was produced by Johnny K (Staind, 3 Doors Down, Disturbed) and features thirteen powerful tracks that become even mightier once you learn that all four women in the band are under 21 years old.
Info and Video Press Here 

Tinsley Ellis
World renowned guitarist, vocalist, songwriter Tinsley Ellis will release his new album, Devil May Care on January 21, 2022 on Alligator Records. One of the most celebrated blues-rock performers and one of the genre’s most original and prolific songwriters, Ellis’ last album, Ice Cream In Hell, has been nominated for Blues Rock Album of the Year in the 2021 Blues Music Awards. Ellis used his time off the road during the pandemic to write over 200 new songs. Co-produced by Ellis and Kevin McKendree, Devil May Care “Is for the fans as much as for me,” Ellis says.
Info and Video Here

Eric Gales
Eric Gales, blues rock guitar virtuoso, vocalist, songwriter, is set to release his new album, Crown on January 28, 2022 out on Provogue/Mascot Label Group and produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith. Bonamassa is featured on the new killer single “I Want My Crown.” Memphis-born blues rock powerhouse Eric Gales is considered a wildly talented guitarist, and he battles it out with Bonamassa in this fun and riveting video. The song is superb. An assured and authentic artist, Gales conjures the expanse of blues, rock and beyond. Just listen.
Video and Info Press Here 

The Kentucky Headhunters
Southern rock Grammy winners The Kentucky Headhunters releases their new album That’s A Fact Jack! on October 22, 2021 on Practice House Records. And the song you’ll listen to is a winner. That’s A Fact, Jack! is as hot a set of new music as the Heads have ever dropped and the band’s signature blend of blues, country, southern rock, and top-notch songwriting skills rolls ever forward. Despite achieving a Grammy win, a CMA Album of the Year award, two CMA Vocal Group of the Year awards, two Top Ten albums, and four consecutive Top 40 singles, this talented crew still means every note and plays like a new band with something to prove. After decades of success, their love of what they’re doing remains plain to see.
Info and Video Press Here

Seth Lee Jones
Tulsa-based blues/rock slide guitarist, singer, Seth Lee Jones  released his new album Flathead on Horton Records, a collection of rocked up and reinvented blues covers recorded live in the studio.  A third-generation guitar player and a skilled luthier, Jones was born into a musical family in Tulsa, moving to Los Angeles at fifteen. He later studied classical and jazz and graduated from Hollywood’s Musicians Institute. Jones is one of the most interesting American guitarists right now. You won’t regret checking this one out.
Info and Video Here

Kris Lager
A one-of-a-kind songwriter, guitarist, singer, keyboardist, and entertainer, Kris Lager is a charismatic performer who just released his new album, Blues Lover out October 5. He has developed a ‘Celebrate Life’ message and mantra that emanates with every performance. Based out of Omaha, Nebraska, Lager is regarded as a gifted songwriter, and has gone back to his blues roots with his new release. All songs were recorded live and are a mix of originals and covers. Don’t miss Kris Lager.
Video 
Website

Joe Bonamassa
Even though you might have listened to the blues/rock guitar master’s new album, Time Clocks, for some this album might have slipped past because Joe is one of the most prolific artists working today. A thrilling, expansive and moody record with big production, it was released October 29 via Provogue, produced by Kevin Shirley. Time Clocks reflects Bonamassa’s undeniable brilliance and mastery of craft.
Info and Video Press Here 

Jesse Roper
Canadian guitarist, singer, songwriter Jesse Roper released a new single and video “Another Day Down” from his upcoming album to be released in 2022. Recorded in New York City with producer Gus van Go (Arkells/Sam Roberts Band/The Stills) the material destined for Roper’s third full-length album finds him in an exploratory mood, expanding the palette of his blues-driven rock n’ roll. Ultimately Roper’s songs have always been centered upon his powerhouse, soulful vocals, and “Another Day Down” is no different.
Info and Video Press Here 

Memphissippi Sounds
Hill Country Blues duo Memphissippi Sounds, made up of Damion Pearson (harmonica, guitar, vocals) and Cameron Kimbrough (drums, guitar, vocals) have released their new album, Welcome To This Land, out on Little Village. Cameron Kimbrough is the grandson of Junior Kimbrough so it’s not surprising why he’s in touch with these original blues. The album has one foot in the past and the other pointed toward the future.
Info and Video Press Here 

Smith/Kotzen
World class musicians Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden guitarist) and Richie Kotzen (Winery Dogs, Mr. Big guitarist, vocalist) release four previously unreleased songs for their newest EP, Better Days out November 26 in conjunction with International Record Store Day. The EP reflects the ongoing strength of the dynamic writing and recording partnership between these two electrifying guitarists/vocalists. Both are seasoned performers on the global stage, having honed their skills throughout there individual careers to create their own unique sound.
Info and Video Press Here. 

Blues Traveler
Grammy winners and 2022 Grammy nominees, Blues Traveler released their new album, Traveler’s Blues feat. Christone ‘Kingfish” Ingram, Rita Wilson, Warren Haynes, John Scofield, and Keb’ Mo’ on Round Hill Records. Blues Traveler are taking a leap forward on their fourteenth full-length album, Traveler’s Blues and this time around, the quintet—John Popper (vocals, harmonica), Chan Kinchla (guitar), Tad Kinchla(bass), Ben Wilson (keyboards) and Brendan Hill (drums) recorded an album they were always meant to make.
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J.T. Loux
Rock singer/songwriter/guitarist J.T. Loux  released a debut album called Taken by Moonlight and a fired-up power trio that bears his name. Multi-platinum rocker Frank Hannon of Tesla produced the record and mentored J.T. music is rooted deeply in the Golden Age of guitar rock while still blasting off with the energy of a young band living in the present day. Loux seamlessly integrates the primordial vibes of The Beatles, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors with the influence of modern stars like Jack White, Royal Blood, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age.
Info and Video Press Here 

I welcome your comments in the comment section below.