Blues Blog & Reviews

Welcome to our blog page! You'll see various types of blog contributions and music reviews related to the blues scene in Wisconsin. Want to contribute? Contact us and let us know by filling out this form.

A chat with Al Dorn

The first time I met Big Al Dorn was inside the raucous interior of Milwaukee’s Orson’s Saloon, a quaint but lively blues bar tucked away into the city's quieter south side. As we were introduced he approached me with a…

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2025 Chicago Blues Fest Review

2025 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL REVIEW

BY JIM FEENEY

The 41 st Chicago Blues Festival was held June 5 th -8 th. As with
ant event of this magnitude its virtually impossible to see every
act. With that said, this review…

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Writing on the Wall by Coco Montoya - Review

 

Writing on the Wall by Coco Montoya - Review

 

Writing on the Wall is a blistering-hot return by long-stay blues virtuoso Coco Montoya, an exhibition of soul-wrenching guitar wizardry and old-school class. Coco invites his tight-knit touring band into the…

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Olustee by JJ Grey & Mofro - Review

Olustee by JJ Grey & Mofro - Review

            

Olustee is a triumphant and heartfelt return home from Florida’s own JJ Grey & Mofro, the band's first release after nearly a decade of performance and song craft from frontman JJ Grey—…

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Review: Exorcist - Selwyn Birchwood

Selwyn Birchwood, the burgeoning bluesman from Florida, has spent upwards of ten years teetering on the edge of blues music stardom, trailblazing a name for himself and The Selwyn Birchwood Band through non stop touring and a colossal radio presence…

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Out & About: Chicago Blues Fest 2023

Wayne Baker Brooks kicked off the Fest with a solid set of covers and originals, including a nice of version of his dad Lonnie’s “The Crawl”.

Brooks was followed by Bobby Rush with The Blind Boys of Alabama. Rush did…

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Review: Let's Go - The Hungry Williams

This dynamic local band is named after legendary New Orleans drummer, Charles "Hungry" Williams.  The Hungry Williams have been producing great music and an entertaining stage show in Milwaukee and around the Mid-West since 2018.  The band plays an energetic…

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Out & About: Mar-May 2023

The Incorruptibles held a release party for their new CD “Highway Hypnosis” and new t-shirt on Sunday March 26th at Just J’s - the place was packed. “Hypnosis Highway” features The Incorruptibles, Amy Ashby, Jim McCarthy and Bill Siebert…

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Review: Pier 43 - Paul Filipowicz

Pier 43, the 11th album from Chicago blues legend, Paul Filipowicz, is a triumphant summary of Filipowicz’s career to date, brandishing his tell-tale rugged vocals and delivering each guitar solo with soul-filled conviction. Throughout the record’s 53 minutes, the blues…

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Review: Oscar's Motel - The Cash Box Kings

The Cash Box Kings Oscar’s Motel is rooted in solid traditions of 60s Chicago Blues, New Orleans jazzy blues, and delta blues.

Oscar’s Motel, their tenth album was released in March to immediate enthusiasm and airplay by the satellite and…

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