Blues CDs New Releases - April 2009

Award-winning producer, noted songwriter, and acclaimed slide-guitarist Roy Rogers teams up with his band the Delta Rhythm Kings for Split Decision, their first release in seven years. Split Decision represents a reunion between Rogers and Blind Pig, the label having released some of the guitarist's earliest albums during the late-1980s. In between, Rogers worked with blues legend John Lee Hooker, recorded an album with harpist Norton Buffalo, and worked with boogie-kings Canned Heat. The new effort is certain to showcase Rogers' fiery guitar style and songwriting skills. (Release date: 04/21/09)

Originally released in 1987 by Black Top Records, this Collectors' Choice Music reissue of Baby, You Can Get Your Gun! features Eaglin's typical mix of raucous New Orleans-styled R&B and dirty Delta blues, including the guitarist's take on the Percy Mayfield gem "Baby, Please." See our CD preview for more info…. (Release date: 04/21/09)

This two-CD set is this month's "must have" release. Paying tribute to the past, present and future of the Chicago blues tradition, the 21 songs here trace the evolution of the music from the 1940s to the present, featuring new performances of classic songs from legends like Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Junior Wells, and Buddy Guy, among others. The songs are kicked, old-school style, by two generations of Chicago blues giants, including Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, and Lurrie Bell. The set also includes a very cool booklet with lots of photos and bios of the artists that made the Chicago blues an art form. Got it? Get it! (Release date: 04/21/09)