The Ramblin’ Blues of John Ford

The John Ford Blues Society
“Rollin' On”
Little Blue Parrot
2025

I first discovered Ohio bluesman John Ford through ReverbNation before the release of his debut album, “The John Ford Blues Society,” in 2016. Immediately impressed with “Southern Comfort” from his EP “The Songs from Room 414,” I’ve followed his music ever since. Ford delivers his acoustic blues with an enjoyable, laid-back, rolling rhythm that’s hard to resist.

His second album, “Rollin' On,” took over a year to create. It builds on the strengths of his debut while showcasing his distinctive sound, crafted alongside a band of notable musicians in their own right. Ford draws upon American roots music, encompassing the blues of Robert Johnson and Son House from the 1920s and 1930s and the country sounds of the 1940s, infused with a hint of gospel influences, resulting in a sound that is distinctly his own.

At the heart of “Rollin’ On” is a wanderlust for change and a desire to distance oneself from one's problems, whether interpersonal or legal. Half of the songs reference trains as a means of escape. “Goin’ to Louisiana” carries the theme, accompanied by fine, quartet-style backing vocals, while the reflective “The Ramblin’ Life” is a testament to the rough-and-tumble drifter's life. While familiar genre tropes are abundant throughout, they don’t feel contrived in Ford’s capable hands. The rerecording of “Southern Comfort” stands out as one of the album's best tracks, while the sound of a distant train in “Old Dogs (Watchin’ the Sunset)” beckons us to hop on board and discover what awaits in another town.

The band features Bill Littleford, Noah Wotherspoon, and blues legend John Primer on guitars; Ricky Nye on piano; Michael Barrett on bass; Rick Howell and Joe Asselin on harmonica; and Rick “Bam” Powell on drums. John Zappa plays trumpet on “Ready to Roll,” “Train to Chicago,” and “Drinkin’ Down a Cadillac (With Brownie McGhee),” completing a balanced collection of enjoyable blues.

Ty Curtis Dazzles with Hybrid of Blues and Rock on Ascendant Blues

Ty Curtis
“Ascendant Blues”
Deep Stone Records
2023

Ty Curtis is a master showman whose performances are filled with the passion of his vocals and electrifying guitar playing. As a child, he embraced the music he experienced through his father playing guitar and singing the blues, along with his parents' diverse CD collection. As a young man, he quickly learned to play guitar, sing, and write songs. After graduating from high school in 2006, he released his first album, “Stubborn Mind.”

Curtis is clearly focused on connecting with his audience as he grows, pushes his boundaries, and explores new, deeper levels of emotion through his songwriting, guitar, and vocals. Few things are as satisfying as a musician committed to their craft like this artist. While the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Chris Cain is evident, Curtis is never imitative; he creates a unique sound that’s entirely his own. His energetic blend of blues and rock is joyfully performed and well-received by his enthusiastic audience.

Over the past two decades, he has opened for legends such as Robert Cray, Robin Trower, George Thorogood, and the Doobie Brothers. He has become a favorite at festivals like the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, and has consistently ranked highly on the best blues/rock albums chart on the Blues Rock Review website in both 2014 and 2016.

In 2023, he released his eighth album, “Ascendant Blues.” The set opens with “Hey Now,” a hard-driving romp reminiscent of Led Zeppelin that will have concert-goers up on their feet. On “What’s the Use” and “Back to You,” Curtis is joined by guest guitarist Lloyd Jones for a rhythmic tag team on these soulful blues ballads, with the former featuring Steve Kerin on keys and guest Steve McCoy on the Hammond B3.

Curtis's emotion-laden vocals, reminiscent of Burton Cummings, enhance his emotive lyrics. His voice harmonizes powerfully with his guitar skills. “Moving Forward,” “Treat Someone,” and “So Far Gone” feature Curtis on lead guitar and vocals, Dave Kahl on bass, Jerry Jacques on percussion, Richard Lawrence on drums, and Steve Kerin on keys. Guest harmonica player Hank Shreve adds the perfect blues flavor on “Hey Now,” “Back to You,” “Cut and Run,” “What’s the Use,” and “Big Deal.”

“Wish You Well” is a powerful keyboard-driven lover’s farewell declaration, followed by the album concluding with extended versions of “Back to You” and “Hey Now,” which provide the perfect ending to this rocking blues collection. From classic rock to blues and powerhouse ballads, there’s something here for every music lover.

If you ever get the opportunity to see Ty Curtis perform live, don't miss it! His recordings are exceptional, but there's something unique about experiencing his music in person that can't be replicated. Curtis is an incredibly talented musician who brings genuine warmth and energy to every performance.

Australian Roots Band, The Audreys, Returns Following Long Hiatus

The Audreys
"Ruin & Repair"
(self-released)
2025

The Audreys formed in 2004 in Adelaide, Australia. The original line-up consisted of Taasha Coates on lead vocals; Cameron Goodall on guitar, bass guitar, and backing vocals; his brother Tristan Goodall on guitar and banjo; and Michael Green on violin, lap steel guitar, and backing vocals. Over the years, the band has undergone numerous personnel changes, with Coates remaining the consistent creative force. 

The band took an 11-year break from recording after their fourth album, 2014’s “'Til My Tears Roll Away.” Their 2025 release, “Ruin & Repair,” marks a welcome return for this folk-rock favorite. Opening with "I Remember Everything" is a beautiful duet that showcases the vocal talents of Taasha Coates and the album's co-producer, Ryan Martin John, along with Tom Kneebone's delicate banjo playing. “Beatles V Stones” and “Secondhand Boots " explore ill-fated mismatched romance, while “Subterranean” and “To Want to Be Loved” are resolute in their pursuit of love.

The group lineup for this venture includes Taasha Coates on lead vocals, Tom Kneebone on guitar and banjo, Beej Barker on drums, and Felicity Freeman on bass. These skilled musicians effectively bring to life Goodall and Coates' compositions. From the upbeat songs to the more reflective “Norfolk Island Pine," "Beyond Compare," and “You’re in A Dream," they never fail to satisfy.

Tristan Goodall succumbed to cancer in 2022, leaving a significant void in not only The Audreys but also the lives of his brother, Cameron, and longtime friend and musical soulmate, Taasha Coates. "Beyond Compare" and "You're In A Dream" are heartfelt tributes to Tristan. In the former, Taasha sings, "Between love and loss is a great big lake full of all the choices that you never got to make." The latter imagines their loved one safe and warm, free of pain and far from the Winter's chill. The album dedication reads, “In loving memory of our brother & best friend Tristan Goodall, 1974-2022.”

This album features Taasha Coates's warm, beautiful lead vocals throughout and songs that linger with the listener long after the last note has played. The songs have a natural flow that feels like a laid-back evening spent with friends, reminiscing and sharing memories of days gone by. Best of all, "Ruin & Repair" reveals greater depth and charm with each listen, making it a record worth revisiting frequently.

Mike Farris Comes Home to Muscle Shoals

Mike Farris
“The Sound of Muscle Shoals”
Compass Records
2025

After his southern rock band, the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, disbanded in the 1990s, Mike Farris emerged as a gifted and soulful solo performer, overcoming the excesses of rock ‘n’ roll. He plays a solid mix of rock, rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel and has released half a dozen albums. He is a Grammy, Americana Association, and Dove Music Award winner who has lent his vocal talents to album projects for artists including Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, and Gloria Gaynor. He’s enjoyed a lasting friendship with Mavis Staples, whom he honored in his song “When Mavis Sings.” He was invited to be a featured performer at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 16th Annual American Masters concert in 2011, honoring Aretha Franklin alongside some of the industry's biggest stars.

In 2018, Mike Farris joined numerous artists to pay tribute to Muscle Shoals' legacy on the album “Muscle Shoals ... Small Town, Big Sound,” where he and the Blind Boys of Alabama delivered the finest track, “Respect Yourself.” This sparked curiosity about what a complete project by Farris in this storied environment would be like. Now, we have the answer with the 2025 release of “The Sound of Muscle Shoals” recorded at FAME Studios in Alabama.

This is an exceptional collection of nine original songs and two covers, delivered with the powerhouse vocals that only Farris can provide. “Heavy On the Humble,” “Her,” “Learning to Love,” and “Before There Was You & I” each celebrate the enduring relationship he shares with his wife, Julie. “Bird In the Rain” is a smooth, soulful ballad that would make the late Aretha Franklin proud. The gospel song "Slow Train” is a brilliant cover of the Staple Singers' 1968 classic. “Bright Lights” is a solid country tune that captures the struggles of a road-weary troubadour as he chases his passion for music, featuring Philippe Bronchtein's excellent steel guitar.

Rounding out this collection is an excellent cover of Tom Petty's “Swingin'” and “I'll Come Runnin',” featuring a slow, glorious build and plateau, pledging love and commitment. “Sunset Road” ponders a lover’s getaway, leaving worries behind and reclaiming what matters.

Every song here is pure excellence. Farris's vocal delivery is spot-on, and his songwriting is sincere and compelling. The band, featuring Clayton Ivey on piano, Hammond organ, and Wurlitzer; Will McFarlane, Kelvin Holly, and Wes Sheffield on guitar; Jimbo Hart on bass; Justin Holder on drums and percussion; Wendy Moten, Kevin Clayborn, Lashanda Evans, Cindy Walker, and Angela Hacker on vocals; Philippe Bronchtein on steel guitar; Brad Guin on saxophones; and Drew White on trumpet, is exceptional. This album is a must-experience for all who appreciate authentic, soulful rhythm and blues.