Here is my top ten in no particular order.

DUWAYNE BURNSIDE AND THE MISSISSIPPI MAFIA
Under Pressure    B.C. Records 

This disc proves Duwayne Burnside is one of the best young “real deal” blues guitarists and singers. Recorded in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the music is raw – just like the land and social climate from which it came. Though the fiery CD could have benefited from stronger production, this ain’t supposed to sound pretty, so what do you expect? Thanks to Duwayne Burnside, I feel the future of the blues is safe.

SHEMEKIA COPELAND
The Soul Truth    Alligator

Baring her soul, via vocal expression, is a remarkable talent that Shemekia Copeland possesses. Miraculously, her vocals can sound sweet, mean, tender, and tough – all at the same time. The horns add polish, but some gnarling exists in the vocals and guitars. Don’t expect to hear a lot of blues. On The Soul Truth, Copeland crosses the line and transforms herself into a distinguished icon.

LITTLE MILTON
Think of Me    Telarc

Little Milton Campbell is a revered American musician, who passed away in 2005. This album proves that soul music and R&B can be relevant in the contemporary world. By looking closely in the country’s backyard, producers Jon Tiven and Randy Labbe located a national treasure. This is the soul/blues CD of the year, guaranteed.

MEM SHANNON 
I’m From Phunkville    NorthernBlues

Mem Shannon’s melodies contain funk, jazz, and rock. At times, Shannon struggles to maintain his energy and your attention. But, the songs grow on you like swamp scum. There is not a lot of range in his calm baritone voice, but it integrates nicely with his jazz and blues fused music. Shannon’s deep and thoughtful lyrics are well planned and come loaded with meaning.

TAB BENOIT
Fever For The Bayou    Telarc

Tab Benoit’s approach is both urban and rural, giving the music new feelings, sounds, and behaviors. Using 11 songs, Benoit gallantly declares his Louisiana heredity. Via colorful lyrics, and welcoming rhythms, gravel-throated Benoit cooks up a roots music stew. Where else could such a disc have been recorded, but in New Orleans?

JULIAN FAUTH
Songs Of Vice and Sorrow    Electro-Fi

You’ll hear distinctive American sounds on this CD by one of Canada’s brightest new artists. Along a journey from the finest rehearsal hall to the roughest juke joint, Fauth’s barrelhouse piano rocks like a bed in a brothel, while his lyrics are filled with the pain and misery that bore the genre. A modern day mastermind on piano, Fauth is retro and progressive at the same time. Julian Fauth is a very interesting, inspiring, and talented new find.

ERIC CLAPTON
Sessions For Robert J    Warner Reprise

I profess to be an Eric Clapton fanatic. As such, I may have been a bit biased with this selection. However, this CD/DVD is everything that Me and Mr. Johnson should have been. I consider Sessions For Robert J as essential Clapton material.

MAGIC SLIM
Anything Can Happen    Blind Pig

Without a doubt, this unrefined live CD certifies Slim as one of the best and last electric Chicago blues guitarists. The music is so basic, it is bold. This is what blues is all about. 

EUGENE ‘HIDEAWAY’ BRIDGES
Coming Home    Armadillo

With silky vocals and smooth guitar, Eugene Bridges’ music makes you feel good. On this CD, he demonstrates he is capable of playing many styles of music. It is one of those albums that you listen to and ask, “Why isn’t this guy a music superstar?” Traditionally, blues musicians don’t fully mature until their senior years – Bridges is the exception.

BRIAN BLAIN
Overqualified For The Blues    NorthernBlues

This folky debut by Canada’s Brian Blain is hard to categorize. Essentially, it is an acoustic CD. You will enjoy it if you are into any form of roots music. It won’t be long before Blain is considered in the same class as Rick Fines, Michael Jerome Brown, and Morgan Davis.

 Tim Holek