Category: Uncategorized

Milwaukee’s powerhouse Altered Five Blues Band returns with their eighth studio album, Hammer & Chisel, a simmering set of eleven original songs that showcase why this award-winning group has remained at the forefront of contemporary blues for over two decades. Belted out with gusto by singer Jeff Taylor, each track crackles with the energy of a band firing on all cylinders—tight musicianship, razor-sharp guitar work, and witty lyrics that cut straight to the bone. From the opening salvo of the funky, horn-driven “I Got It Good” through the cautionary “Who Can You Trust” to the empowering closing statement of “The Will of Man,” the album demonstrates the kind of top-notch performance that can only come from five musicians who’ve spent 24 years honing their collective sound. Produced by multi-GRAMMY winner Tom Hambridge and featuring guest harmonica ace Jason Ricci on three tracks, Hammer & Chisel captures the band at their peak.

The Blood Brothers are back with Help Yourself, their sophomore studio album and their most explosive release to date, dropping on September 19, 2025, via renowned Blues Label Gulf Coast Records! This album brings the band’s signature Blues, Soul, and Rock energy to soaring new heights.

Following the chart-topping success of their debut Blood Brothers, blues rock heavyweights Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia return with Help Yourself, a fiery, soul-soaked studio album that captures the raw chemistry, camaraderie, and powerhouse energy that defines their live shows. Hot off the road, the band cut this record at Shock City Studios in St. Louis. Help Yourself is a masterclass in contemporary electric blues with a fearless rock & roll edge. This isn’t just a record, it’s a live-wire session that puts you right in the room with two of the genre’s most respected artists and their all-star band.

Quinn rose to prominence in the mid 2000’s and continues to amaze audiences worldwide.  He gained national attention with appearances on afternoon and late-night television shows (the likes of The Tonight Show, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmell, and  Conan O’Brian). In 2007 Quinn met music legend Buddy Guy who invited him onstage and would later invite him to tour as his support and record with him throughout the next decade.

Over the years Quinn has evolved from a remarkable young talent into a mature, emotive artist known for blending blues, rock, and classic influences. His personal journey profoundly influences his music and his stage performance reflecting years of growth and emotional depth shaped by life experiences including personal loss and soulful introspection.

Our Time to Ride is a soundtrack to love, resilience, and the road ahead. With its high-energy fusion of blues, soul, and rock’n’roll, it perfectly captures the heart and spirit of Chambers DesLauriers. The album, produced by Eric Corne at Studio MixArt in Montreal, showcases the duo’s undeniable chemistry, with Paul’s searing guitar work and Annika’s commanding gospel-soul vocals taking center stage. From the heartfelt “Love You Just the Same” to the rebellious groove of “People Gonna Talk” to the soaring anthem “Sing” and the liberating title track “Our Time to Ride”, Chambers DesLauriers delivers a dynamic soul-stirring experience.

Paul and Annika’s previous release, Good Trouble (2022), debuted at #3 on the Billboard Blues Chart and won a Blues Blast Magazine music award for Soul Blues Album of the Year. “It’s absolutely fabulous!” raved Rock & Blues Muse.

Our Time to Ride is a reflection of life and love through the lens of music. It’s an album about staying the course, taking the wheel, and not letting anything derail the journey.

Zach Person is an electrifying American recording artist and the fresh face of indie rock, renowned for his loud, raw sound and primal connection with fans. Armed with his iconic Gibson SG guitar, Person is redefining modern rock with a blend of high-energy anthems and infectious funk grooves that captivate audiences worldwide.

Person’s latest album, Let’s Get Loud, is a bold and unapologetic sonic diary of his mid-twenties. Produced by Nashville-based rocker Tyler Bryant, the record showcases Zach’s artistic evolution with an exhilarating mix of head-bobbing funk rhythms and blistering rock anthems. The album’s title reflects Zach’s personal and musical mantra: embracing life and music with unrelenting energy and authenticity.

Whether shredding a guitar solo or delivering heartfelt lyrics, Zach Person is a force to be reckoned with, poised to become one of the defining voices of his generation.

Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes is Robert Jon & The Wreck’s ninth studio album — firmly rooted in southern rock, but with a modern twist for today’s audiences. The album includes ten original tracks, including one, “Long Gone” co-written by John Oates.

Filled with stories reportedly based on real life experiences of the various band members the album opens with “Sitting Pretty” which comes blasting out of the gate with roaring guitars and frantic drums as Robert Jon proclaims he “is feeling dangerous”. Things slow down with a ballad, “Ashes in the Snow” as he sings, “a house without her is a house of pain”. “We’re just going through the motions, pretending everything’s all right.” Robert describes “Highway” as “a heartfelt love song – wide open, full throttle, and impossible to get out of your head”. He sings “We took a chance with bitter hearts and lonely dreams. We didn’t have anything to lose.”

Produced by Dave Cobb the album definitely stays on the rock side of music delivered with a constant thunderous groove mixed with a modern country sound.

Congrats to the
2025 Blues Blast Music Award
Nominees!

Congrats to all nominees but especially
The Intrepid Ones’ 18 Nominations including
12 different Artists in 15 different categories!

Proud of all of you!!!

Both Chris Cain and Curtis Salgado lead the way with 3 nominations each. If you look closely Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia are also nominated for 3 each. IYKYK.

Rising Star Jovin Webb is nominated for two awards. Again, if you look closely, Jimmy Carpenter is also nominated for two awards. Sugaray Rayford, Carolyn Wonderland, Joanna Connor, Laura Chavez, and Scot Sutherland as well!

Voting Starts Monday July 14th, 2025!

Fan voting begins July 14, 2025 and ends at midnight on August 31, 2025 at http://www.BluesBlastMagazine.com Voting is free and open to anyone. You may only vote one time.

The Blues Blast Music Awards are presented by Blues Blast Magazine, the largest FREE weekly E-magazine with over 44,000 Blues fan subscribers located in all 50 states and in more than 90 countries.

Contemporary Blues Album
Chris Cain – Good Intentions Gone Bad

Soul Blues Album
Curtis Salgado – Fine By Me
Sugaray Rayford – Human Decency

Rock Blues Album
Albert Castiglia – Righteous Souls

Live Blues Album
The Blues Giants (ft. Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia, & Jimmy Carpenter)
– Live at Groove Now

New Artist Debut Album
Jovin Webb – Drifter

Blues Band Of The YearThe Blood Brothers

Male Blues Artist
Chris Cain
Curtis Salgado

Female Blues Artist
Carolyn Wonderland

Sean Costello Rising Star Award
Jovin Webb

Producer Of The Year
Mike Zito

Electric Guitarist Of The Year
Chris Cain
Laura Chavez

Slide Guitarist Of The Year
Joanna Connor

Bass Guitarist Of The Year
Scot Sutherland

Horn Player Of The Year
Jimmy Carpenter

Vocalist Of The Year
Curtis Salgado

Curtis Salgado for Soul Blues Male Artist and Soul Blues Album

Mike Zito for Blues Rock Album