Just when we thought last year’s blues rock and roots albums couldn’t be topped, 2024 arrives with more than its fair share of outstanding releases. We were bowled over by each of these albums, including a few others that didn’t make it on the list. It wasn’t easy to choose just twenty.
This is not a list in order of one to twenty. Each of them deserves your attention. These were chosen by you and the Rock & Blues editorial staff. Each record spoke to us in its own way and is worth checking out, if you haven’t already. Odds are you’ve been spinning these records all year because Rock & Blues Muse readers are the coolest. Crank them up and throw a party!
I encourage you to sample each one of them and dig deep. You can find each artist and the album in the Rock & Blues Muse site by using the search bar. Enjoy.
Many thanks to everyone who voted. We welcome your comments in the comments section below.
Warren Haynes, A Million Voices Whisper
The fourth solo album for Warren Haynes, the Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, producer and Gov’t Mule frontman. As soulful and focused as ever, Haynes once again reveals his brilliance as a songwriter, guitarist and singer. Guests include Derek Trucks, Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson. His all-star band includes John Medeski on keyboards, longtime drummer Terence Higgins and Gov’t Mule bassist Kevin Scott.
Danielle Nicole, The Love You Bleed
Grammy nominated bassist, singer, and songwriter Danielle Nicole has received seven Blues Music awards. An emotionally powerful vocalist, Nicole’s album has a consistent thread throughout—love, longing and love lost. All but one of the tracks were written or co-written by the songstress herself and guitarist Brandon Miller. Produced by Tony Braunagel, the release was recorded live off the floor with her touring band, a distinction from her previous albums. The record is dynamic and features Nicole’s tremendous talents as well as guitar slinger Miller.
Mike Zito, Life Is Hard
Multi Blues Music Award winner Mike Zito released the album of his life with Life Is Hard, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith. The 12 tracks include several heartbreakers, but also lively and meaningful blues songs penned by Tinsley Ellis, Walter Trout, Tab Benoit and Fred James. The album is a scorcher—Zito and his late wife Laura planned the idea for an album where he poured his heart out after her death from cancer. But there are also lively blues tunes, performed by some of the best musicians in the business, including Zito himself.
Tab Benoit, I Hear Thunder
His first album in 14 years, multi award-winner Tab Benoit satiates fans with his new 10-track release co-written with Anders Osborne. A natural born storyteller with plenty of humor, Benoit’s blues rock guitar chops continue to thrill, and his voice compared to Otis Redding, has lost none of its soulfulness and charisma. I Hear Thunder is flush with stomping groove and catchy riffs, along with creative songwriting that can only come from this celebrated Louisiana bluesman.
Joe Bonamassa, Live At The Hollywood Bowl
Another live album, you say. Not so fast. Live At The Hollywood Bowl is a splendid effort by Bonamassa, complete with symphony orchestra. The orchestral arrangements were written and arranged by David Campbell, Trevor Rabin and Jeff Bova. This is Bonamassa’s debut at the iconic venue and the result is a brilliant sweep of his songs through the years– from the soulful to the lively to the sincerely moving. The orchestra adds richness and breadth to his whopping guitar chops and powerful vocals.
Sue Foley, One Guitar Woman
One Guitar Woman by celebrated blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Sue Foley, is a moving tribute to the female pioneers of guitar, the women whose music and lives paved the way for those who followed. With true inspiration, Sue performs each song with just her guitar. From Memphis Minnie, Maybelle Carter, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, to classic French artists like Ida Presti, Foley is in her element with complex fingerpicking and compelling vocals.
Ruthie Foster, Mileage
The Grammy nominated Mileage is a celebration of Foster’s unique storytelling and powerful voice. A rich tapestry of blues, folk, gospel and soul, the album was produced by Tyler Bryant. Mileage captures Foster’s East Texas heritage and journey as an artist, the songs unfurl messages of love and hope, co-written with Bryant and Larkin Poe’s Rebecca Lovell. Her commitment to artistic freedom and authenticity has endeared her to fans and critics alike.
Shemekia Copeland, Blame It On Eve
Seven-time Grammy nominee and multi–Blues Music Award-winner, Shemekia Copeland is one of the most powerful artists of our time. Receiving three Grammy nominations, Blame It On Eve is as compelling as it is honest. She is a fierce vocalist with soulfulness springing from deep within. This is her fourth album working with Will Kimbrough. The 12 songs range from women’s rights to everyday issues. A dynamic force in the blues, Copeland is the daughter of famous bluesman Johnny Copeland.
Tinsley Ellis, Naked Truth
Guitar legend Tinsley Ellis takes it to the streets with his first solo acoustic album. Produced by Ellis, he strips back his blistering blues-rock to the folk-blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House and Robert Johnson. And it’s that front porch simplicity that brings forth another side entirely to this acclaimed artist. The album is vulnerable and rootsy and showcases Ellis’ passion and truth fueled by an acoustic setting. Known as a ferocious guitar player and live performer whose soulfulness is front and center, Naked Truth sees Ellis recording solo with just two acoustic guitars. What emerges is authentic and honest, a collection of 12 songs with nine new originals. Through compelling songwriting, riff-heavy slide guitar, and passionate picking, the album lures the listener into a certain fierce rawness.
Sugaray Rayford, Human Decency
Grammy nominee and multi–Blues Music Award winner, Sugaray Rayford is at the top of his soul-blues game on this album. An all-star cast of musicians come together on the third collaboration between vocalist/songwriter Rayford and producer, songwriter Eric Corne. The nine original songs on Human Decency are smart and edgy, delivered by powerhouse vocalist Sugaray. The album continues his trajectory of soul-blues with a message. The songs include important themes about coming together regardless of race and other differences, and focusing on the common good. What Sugaray is doing is significant—he is becoming one of the powerful voices who takes on moral issues through catchy, interesting songs.
Slash, Orgy of the Damned
Not only did Mr. Guns N’ Roses prove himself a credible blues guitarist on this full excursion into the genre, but the tour supporting this set of predominantly covers was one of the biggest roots events of the summer. While song choices fell on the recognizable side (“Stormy Monday,” “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Key to the Highway,” “Born Under a Bad Sign”), Slash invited plenty of famous guests (Paul Rodgers, Billy F. Gibbons, Gary Clarke Jr. and others) to fire them up into pulsating, hard rocking territory. It all worked beautifully, giving the genre some superstar glitz and bringing some of Slash’s audience into the blues fold.
Blackberry Smoke, Be Right Here
Those who thought the heyday of Southern rock had reached its zenith in the mid 70s now have to rethink that. Atlanta’s Blackberry Smoke, led by singer/songwriter/guitarist/founder Charlie Starr have absorbed all the best influences of forbearers like the Allmans, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band. They then infused elements of Drive-By Truckers to deliver the rust-dirt goods in a series of terrific albums, like this year’s ‘Be Right Here.’ They’re always on the road, bringing their rootsy, somewhat retro rocking highlighted on their newest release’s ten tough-as-they-look songs to the masses. And they just keep getting better.
Eddie 9V, Saratoga
Atlanta’s Eddie 9V took turned away from the guitar solo route, towards a more soulful stance on his third album for the Ruf label. It was a wise move, bringing attention to his sharply penned tunes and R&B laced singing. While he’s no Al Green, he can moan, groan, howl, shout and wail with similar sweat-induced emotion, something few others his age can pull off as effectively. And when he goes full Otis Redding as on “Cry Like the River,” it’ll give you chills. Better yet, he’s just getting started.
Walter Trout, Broken
Trout’s illustrious career as a sideman for John Lee Hooker and John Mayall, a member of Canned Heat and plenty of touring and recording on his own was sidelined by liver failure. That forced him to learn how to speak and play guitar all over again. But since 2015 he’s been on a tear, culminating in this year’s ‘Broken,’ his 20th (or so) solo album. The title cut alone, a duet with fellow road warrior Beth Hart, is one of the most moving and heartfelt songs about survival of this or any other year. But the rest of the album is equally as affecting, lyrically and instrumentally. Trout digs into these originals with the intensity of someone who, after facing down mortality, values living another day.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dirt on my Diamonds Vol. 2
Shepherd wisely divided the results of 2023s productive FAME studio sessions into two separate releases, the second of which is easily as compelling as last year’s model. Horns are again featured in the gutsy funk of “Watch You Go” as Shepherd highlights a more R&B approach while maintaining the rugged boogie, this time exemplified by a roughed-up cover of ZZ Top’s “She Loves My Automobile.” Guitar solos remain short, sharp, and tasty with the emphasis on songs and groove.
Albert Castigilia, Righteous Souls
Last year’s ‘Blood Brothers’ collaboration with label owner and fellow blues rocking guitar peer Mike Zito helped raise veteran Castiglia’s profile. He returns with his own band and lots of guests/friends like Rick Estrin, Popa Chubby, Danielle Nicole and the inescapable Joe Bonamassa to help out. The majority of the material is covers, but they are generally obscure, the playing is inspired and the visitors add to the album’s energy without hogging the spotlight from Castiglia’s emotional singing and taut guitar work.
Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, The Hits Keep Coming
Harmonica blowing/singing frontman Estrin and his crackling band haven’t lost a step on their first album in five years. On the contrary, the tongue-in-cheek title of this return shows that his witty wordsmithing and rollicking West Coast musical vibe, remains as compelling as ever. The band, featuring the always impressive guitarist/producer Kid Andersen, swings with snapping energy, matching Estrin’s offbeat humor and droll approach. It’s great to have them back.
Chris Cain, Good Intentions Gone Bad
While Chris Cain has received praise from dozens of high-profile blues players over the decades, that hasn’t translated into the acclaim that Cain deserves for being one of the best blues guitarists of our time. Thankfully, Alligator took a chance on an older act (he’s 70), and his second release for the esteemed label is one of the year’s finest. It displays his diversity by shifting from jazzy sounds, to Latin influences and straight blues. His age is seldom far from the table, although he approaches it with humor, letting us know that although he’s cleaned up health wise, he’s “Still Drinking Straight Tequila.” Sung like the veteran he is.
Joanne Shaw Taylor, Heavy Soul
Anyone questioning UK blues rocking guitarist/singer Joanne Shaw Taylor’s direction only has to look at this year’s album title. She delivers hefty slices of soul, sung with that gutsy voice, punched up with short, sharp guitar solos that infuse the blues into every track. Taylor writes tough, tight songs, but when she digs into a sizzling cover of Joe Simon’s “Drowning In a Sea of Love,” it’s clear this shift to a stronger R&B mode suits her perfectly.
Michelle Malone, Southern Comfort
Veteran singer/songwriter Malone is as Southern as a breakfast platter from Waffle House. She smothers and covers her songs with swampy rocking reflected in this album’s title. Bluesy and even jazz inflected at times, Malone’s husky voice brings soul to lovely ballads such as “Simple Life” and the folksy, intimately personal “I Want to be In the Picture,” along with roaring, Stones/Chuck Berry-styled rockers like “Undercover Mother,” revealing both sides to her attack. As comforting and compelling as she’s ever been.
Im always interested in what the latest rock and blues is good.
Please keep me updated.