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Bill’s Blues Based Best of 2018

Thursday, December 27, 2018 By Bill Wilcox

Once again, I have compiled my inexpert list of the blues-based albums that I liked the most from the past year. Here we go:

1. Eric Bibb – Global Griot. I like experimentation, and that is something Bibb is not afraid to do, as his last several albums all include interesting collaborations and stylistic blends. Global Griot, a double album that was recorded all over the world, may be as much of a world music album as a blues album. But with contributions from Habib Koite and an earnest political message, it is a great album.

2. Ry Cooder – Prodigal Son. Cooder, always the musical alchemist, worked with son and producer Joachim to create a blues album with an ambient feel, turning blues standards and original material on their heads.

3. Al Basile – Me & The Originator. Basile wove songs and poetry together to create his most significant album yet.

4. Buddy Guy – The Blues Is Alive and Well. It’s Buddy Guy. What else do I need to say?

5. Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite – No Mercy In This Land. This is a special collaboration. These guys play great together.

6. Ray Bonneville – At King Electric. Not sure whether this one counts as blues, but it is a stark work of art by a longtime road master (who looks a bit like Kevin Gordon 20 years from now).

7. Shemekia Copeland – America’s Child. Copeland sings a duet with John Prine in a reimagining of his classic, “Great Rain.”

8. Walter Wolfman Washington – My Future Is My Past. Washington has a remarkable style that seems part blues, part jazz, part free verse. Perfect.

9. Joe Bonamassa – Redemption. Bonamassa’s guitar excellence shines as always.

10. John Oates – Arkansas. The old Hall & Oates rocker scratches an itch for acoustic country blues.

11. Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa – Black Coffee. This Black Coffee is rich.

12. Cedric Burnside – Benton County Relic. Blues rock with heart and soul from the frequent North Mississippi Allstars collaborator.

13. Marcia Ball – Shine Bright. For when you’re in the mood for some great boogie woogie piano.

14. Crystal Shawanda – Voodoo Woman. She does work some magic.

15. Victor Wainwright – Victor Wainwright & the Train. Swamp rock & blues.

16. Bernard Allison – Let It Go. Allison’s high energy work channels his father, the great Luther Allison, but the son puts his own unique stamp on it.

17. Blue & Lonesome Duo – Pacing the Floor.  The Duo – Li’l Ronnie Owens and Gordon Harrower – put together a pretty excellent blues album.

18. Colin James – Miles To Go. One of the best blues musicians in Canada added an excellent album to his output.

19. Mike Zito – First Class Life. Guitar-slinger Zito continues to roll.

20. Dave Keller – Every Soul’s a Star. The New England-based soul bluesman who worked as a sideman for the likes of Johnny Rawls and Johnny McGhee has developed his own voice and is playing some great music.


About the author:  Bill Wilcox is a roots music enthusiast recently relocated from the Washington, DC area to Philadelphia, PA and back again.


Filed Under: Best of Year, Blues, Reviews, Roots, Soul/R&B Tagged With: Al Basile, Ben Harper, Bernard Allison, Beth Hart, Blue & Lonesome Duo, Buddy Guy, Cedric Burnside, Charlie Musselwhite, Colin James, Crystal Shawanda, Dave Keller, Eric Bibb, Joe Bonamassa, John Oates, Marcia Ball, Mike Zito, Ray Bonneville, Ry Cooder, Shemekia Copeland, Victor Wainwright, Walter Wolfman Washington

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