Photo: Orianthi, William Bell (Ginette Callaway), Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Larkin Poe (Jason Stolz)
10 New Modern Blues Rock Songs You Must Hear Fall 2022
By Martine Ehrenclou
As we head into Fall and the kids are back in school, it’s time to make time for you. That means… new music for your soul! Here are 10 new modern blues rock songs you must hear.
It’s downright impossible to keep up with all the great modern blues rock and soul music that’s coming out right now, so sit back, kick your shoes off, and have a listen. These are outstanding bands and artists who are releasing new music, and some you might not even know about.
Because we love to support great music, leave it to us to create something special for your post-summer blues, whether you’re dealing with hurricanes, baking heat or just the stress of the economy. Time to relax, put your troubles away and dive into a sonic balm for your brain, and spirit.
These are hand-picked modern blues rock and roots songs from the music we’ve received or scouted out. Great for a night on the town, or just kicking back in your living room alone or with friends. Each one listed has information on the band or artist, plus song/video and link to their website. That makes it easy for you if you want to explore further.
I picked modern blues rock and roots songs from bands you might not have heard from lately. Let us know what you think. We like to hear from you. Spotify playlist with the songs below.
Let’s get to it!
The Cold Stares
The Indiana heavy blues/rock outfit The Cold Stares have unveiled “Nothing But The Blues” and “The Ghost,” two new modern songs that reflect a new era of songwriting for the band. Released August 26, 2022, both singles feature characters fueled by longings for hope, for purpose, for comfort. The Cold Stares have toured the world relentlessly as a duo, blowing away audiences across the US and Europe with a fierce, blistering live show that belied their bare bones, guitar-and-drums setup. Now, the band is embracing a whole new chemistry as they launch their next chapter, adding a third member and channeling the classic power trio sound they grew up on. You won’t be disappointed.
Info and Video Here
Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown
Modern blues/rock crew Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown released their new album Shake The Roots on September, 2022. A highly talented outfit, we love this band. They rock! TBSD has emerged as one of the best American rock bands of the present day and have made it happen with a combination of hot playing, tight and emotive songwriting, and going hard every time they hit the stage. Guitarist/vocalist/bandleader Bryant is an absolute monster musician who has evolved into a skilled producer and all-around studio dynamo over the course of the band’s career.
Info and Video Here
Larkin Poe
Just in case you missed this one, the Grammy nominated Larkin Poe released their new song “Georgia Off My Mind” on August 23, 2022 from their upcoming album Blood Harmony, out November 11, 2022. This modern roots/rock sister duo are off the charts with their beautiful vocals, harmonies, guitar and lap steel. Larkin Poe is a force, part roots/rock, part Southern rock with their new release. You’re in for a treat with this one ‘cause there’s several songs here for you to listen to.
Info and Video Here
Aynsley Lister
Award-winning, UK blues rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Aynsley Lister just announced his eight studio album, Along For The Ride, set to release on November 11, produced by Scott McKeon. To celebrate the announcement, he released his new modern blues rock single “Made Up My Mind.” This rocks, in my opinion. With a hint of Hendrix and crisp, soulful vocals, Lister is known as one of the world’s top guitar players and has supported major artists including Jools Holland, John Mayall, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Walter Trout, ZZ Top and more. Enjoy.
Info and Video Here
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
The five-time Grammy nominee, Kenny Wayne Shepherd announced the release of Trouble is 25, a top-to-bottom reinterpretation of his seminal album Trouble Is. Set for release on December 2nd, the album (which includes a bonus track of an unreleased version of “Ballad of a Thin Man”) will be accompanied by a live DVD filmed at The Strand Theatre. To celebrate the new album, Shepherd released a new modern blues rock song.
Info and Video Here
Matt O’Ree Band
Asbury Park modern blues mainstays Matt O’Ree Band have released the second single, “Better As I Go,” off their upcoming seventh album, Hand In Glove, due out later this year. Former touring guitarist for Bon Jovi, NY/NJ Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and crowned “King Of The Blues” by BB King himself, Matt O’Ree has been a driving force in the blues/rock music scene for over three decades. Their new single is a prime-time, blues/rock smash built around a heavy riff, thumping drums, and the throaty vocals of Eryn O’Ree. It’s a strutting, mid-tempo jam with horsepower that flows in an almost Zeppelin-like direction.
Info and Video Here
Orianthi
Australian Platinum-certified rock guitarist and vocalist Orianthi announces a new studio LP, Rock Candy, set to release October 14 on Frontiers Music. Orianthi drops the fiery, riff-heavy new single “Light It Up,” one of her most compelling modern rock songs to date. Rock Candy follows 2020’s studio album, “O”, released in November of 2020, She landed the lead guitar spot on Michael Jackson’s This Is It tour and played with shock-rocker Alice Cooper. She first appeared at the 51st Grammy Awards as Carrie Underwood’s lead guitarist and has collaborated with a number of artists, including Hollywood Vampires, Richie Sambora, Don Felder, Dave Stewart and James Durbin.
Info and Video Here
Bywater Call
This seven-piece modern southern soul, blues and rock outfit released their sophomore album Remain on September 2, 2022. Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes are the driving force behind the band out of Toronto, Canada, and formed the band out of a love of creating a moving experience for listeners. Sometimes the right musicians just find each other, and that’s what sounds like happened here. Much has been made about singer Meghan Parnell’s vocals, but I don’t think there’s been nearly enough made of them yet; tuneful yet raw and about as honest as anything we’ve heard.
Info and Video Here
The Commonheart
The rocking soul, blues, rock & roll band The Commonheart released their new album, For Work or Love on September 16. One of Pittsburgh’s beloved bands, dynamic vocalist Clinton Clegg leads this stellar outfit with songs and musicianship you won’t soon forget. A sure-fire winner, For Work or Love was produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. Strong songwriting is one of their signatures along with horns, great guitar, and deep rooted soulfulness.
Info and Video Here
William Bell
There’s something about William Bell’s songs. The legendary soul vocalist/songwriter William Bell has released his new single and video “One Day Closer To Home,” from his forthcoming album of the same name, out soon. Bell co-wrote “Born Under A Bad Sign” with Booker T Jones, first recorded by Albert King and then by Cream. Earning a Grammy Award for his 2017 album This Is Where I Live, Bell performed his hit “Born Under A Bad Sign” alongside Gary Clark Jr at the 2017 Grammy Awards.
Info and Video Here
We welcome your comments below.
Thanks for the list. Looking forward to discovering a new band or two. Since you listed them back to back, I’m surprised you didn’t mention the marital relationship between two of the groups. Tyler Bryant’s wife is Rebecca Lovell, lead singer of Larkin Poe. They often collaborate on each other’s recordings.
Figured everyone know that already about Tyler and Rebecca. With short paragraphs there’s only so much you can cram in.
Absolutely loving Bywater Call – Remain, the whole album, fantastic!
Bywater Call – This is the first time I heard them. Oh man that was good.