Well, it’s over. We got through it, and, while it 2020 was a monster in so many ways, there were some choice blues albums that hit the street. Below is a dozen of my favorite blues (or ‘bluesy’) albums of 2020.
- Sonny Landreth – Blacktop Run. It’s a great album for when you’re on the road.
- Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite – 100 Years of Blues. Two great blues icons collaborated on one great album.
- John Primer & Bob Corritore – The Gypsy Woman Told Me. The work of slide guitarist Primer, one of the elder statesmen of Chicago blues, is a must listen for blues enthusiasts.
- New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers – Vol. 1. These songs are archival materials from 2007 sessions featuring the late Jim Dickinson, Luther Dickinson, Charlie Musselwhite, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Jimbo Mathus, with all bringing something special to the table.
- David Bromberg Band – Big Road. Big fan.
- Nora Jean Wallace – Blues Woman. She can belt out the blues.
- Dave Alvin – From an Old Guitar. I’m not sure how to label this collection, but I like it.
- Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters – Rise Up. They do!
- Andrew Alli – Hardworkin’ Man. Alli is a young guy playing old blues harp.
- Rory Block – Prove It On Me. Rory continues to pay homage to country blues pioneers.
- The Nighthawks – Tryin’ to Get To You. The DC-based Nighthawks keep chugging along behind frontman Mark Wenner.
- Savoy Brown – Ain’t Done Yet. They ain’t, but I am.
About the author: Bill Wilcox is a roots music enthusiast recently relocated from the Washington, DC area to Philadelphia, PA and back again.