GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite’s BLUES NOW is built around a simple idea: keep the band lean, leave room in the arrangements, and let the interaction between guitar, harmonica, and voice carry the record. That makes Junior Wells’ 1965 Hoodoo Man Blues a useful predecessor. The two albums come from very different moments, but both treat electric blues as band music first, with little interest in unnecessary studio polish.
Readers’ Pick: GA-20 with Charlie Musselwhite – BLUES NOW
You picked GA-20 with Charlie Musselwhite – BLUES NOW as your favorite new release for the week of July 31, 2026.
GA-20 with Charlie Musselwhite – Blues Now
It’s chemistry. Matthew Stubbs and Charlie Musselhite have worked together off-and-on for at least 15 years, with Stubbs initially a sideman in Musselwhite’s band. Now, with Stubbs new role as lead guitarist for GA-20, the pair are once again tearing it up on their new album, Blues Now. Musselwhite himself, at age 82, has ascended […]
The Twangville 2026 Album Preview-Side B
Here are some albums that we’re looking forward to hearing in the back half of 2026… Material Witness by William Matheny (10 July) William Matheny brings pure rock and roll spirit to Material Witness, leaning heavy on electric guitars and hearty, driving rhythms. His lyrics crackle with authenticity and a wisened view, proving there’s still […]
GA-20 – Orphans
About 12 years ago I caught a Charlie Musselwhite show at Blues Alley, DC’s great jazz club (that occasionally features blues artists lately). Musselwhite of course was great, but the young lead guitarist, Matthew Stubbs, piqued my intrest so much I sought out his early solo albums – Soul Bender and Medford & Main. What […]
Chestnut Vibes on a Saturday Night – A Boston Playlist
Promised Land, Ward Hayden and the Outliers (from the Faster Horses Recordings release Little By Little) On Little By Little, Ward Hayden and the Outliers take on Bruce Springsteen’s songs with both respect and imagination, reshaping them in their distinctive country style. Hayden’s expressive vocals and the band’s warm, rootsy sound give these classics new […]
“I Love You, I Need You” – a Premiere from GA-20
A recent personnel change didn’t slow New England’s GA-20‘s bluesy stride. Singer-guitarist Cody Nilsen joined the group, teaming up with powerhouse drummer Joshua Kiggans and group co-founder guitarist Matthew Stubbs. Still no bass player to be found, but it doesn’t matter – the group’s musical interplay gives their songs a rhythmic swagger. “I Love You, […]
Touchin’ Down in New England Town – a Special Boston Playlist
By My Lonesome, GA-20 (from the album Karma Chief Records release Live in Loveland) Just Because, GA-20 (from the Karma Chief Records release Crackdown) Blues band GA-20 have emerged from the pandemic with a vengeance. Their non-stop touring aside, they are releasing their second album in seven months. Both are tremendous showcases for the group’s […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2022, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) Crackdown by GA-20 Two guitars and a set […]
Pat Faherty and Tim Carman of GA-20 on “Yum Yums” and Side Hustles
Guitarist Pat Faherty and drummer Tim Carman of blues band GA-20 share the story behind the inside photo on their Crackdown album and recall the first gig that Tim played with the band.