Blues Bytes

Pick Hit

What's New

Surprise

Flashback

Feedback

Back Issues

September 2025
Volume 30 Number 9

Piper and the Hard Times The career of Piper & The Hard Times has been on the upswing since this Nashville band won the International Blues Challenge a few years ago. Their second album, Good Company, is certainly a winner, making our Pick Hit for the month.

Our Surprise pick for the month is just that ... a big, big surprise. Ottawa, Ontario singer Angelique Francis and her band made up mostly of family members has put out what could be the album of the year in Not Defeated. Plenty of blues from this group on 15 fantastic originals.

This month's Flashback takes a look at the album I'm Just Johnnie, a set of 2001 - 2005 recordings with lots of significant musicians backing the iconic piano player Johnnie Johnson.

Our What's New section features new albums from Candice Ivory, Mississippi Heat, The Blood Brothers, Kirk Fletcher, Jimi "Prime Time" Smith, Mud Morganfield, Big Shoes, The Name Droppers, Jay Hooks, and a collection of new recordings celebrating 50 years of Texas blues at Antone's, not to mention a whole bunch of exciting singles just out.

Looking for a particular review?
Check our Index by Artist Name

FTC Promotion/Compensation Disclaimer

[Pick Hit][What's New][Surprise][Flashback][Feedback][Back Issues]

Blues Bytes was the winner of the 2006 "Keeping The Blues Alive" award from the Blues Foundation in the Blues on the Internet category.

Thanks to our loyal readers for making this recognition possible!