Rockstar Reviewer

Photo courtesy of Glenn Sergeant  Rising Guitar pop sensation Tora Dahle Aagård and her band, TORA DAA , will release their new single, “Baby Blue,” on August 8th, the second track to be unveiled from the band’s upcoming album, set for release on September 26th.  The album will be supported by an extensive tour to promote its release. The album launch will tour across Norway and abroad. Over the last few years, Tora Daa has toured Europe, earning international acclaim for her performances. In 2025, she was invited to perform at Trondheim Jazzfest, one of Norway’s largest music festivals, where festival director Ernst Wiggo Sandbakk hailed her work as “the best commissioned piece in the festival’s history.” Many of these compositions will be included in the band’s upcoming studio album. Tora comments about the new single ‘Baby Blue’ is a playful, unpolished and charming little blues tune. I wanted to build it around a classic blues riff and see how much I could get out of one...

Photo credit: Philippe Salvat The French band The Inspector Cluzo will support legendary singer/songwriter Neil Young, known for his 'Harvest' album, as a special guest for seven new dates on his 'Love Earth World' European Tour this summer. The band expressed their excitement about the announcement, whilst on their 'Less is More' world tour, which began last week with several festival appearances in their home country. The Inspector Cluzo recently released their tenth studio album, 'Less is More', which received positive reviews from across the globe, including Rockstar Reviewer. Click here to read the full review https://anselmanderson.blogspot.com/2025/06/review-inspector-cluzo-less-is-more.html . They join Neil Young this June and July. Please find a list of the dates below; 30/06 Brussels (BE) « Place du Palais Royal » 01/07 Groningen (NL) « Stadspark » 03/07 Berlin (DE) « Waldbühne » 04/07 MonchengladBach « SparkassenPark » 06/07 Montreauz (CH) « ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson French duo The Inspector Cluzo has released their tenth album,  Less Is More . The album was self-released and financed through their record label, The Bass Player Records. The record consists of ten tracks of complex blues movements intertwined with jazz undertones and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The duo of guitarist and vocalist Laurent and drummer Mathieu formed in 2008 on a farm in Gascon, France. The duo decided to finance and produce their records through revenue generated from selling organic food on the farm. Less Is More  marks the pair's tenth release. In this album, they address issues such as environmental problems associated with organic farming and the economics of the music business. The lyrics and concept are inspired by the 19th-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau and the 20th-century French philosopher Guy Debord. Producer Vance Powell captured the duo's raw energy and enthusiasm in just four days in Nashville, USA. T...

Edited by Anselm Anderson The Dead Daisies build on the success of their recent blues cover album, 'Lookin' Trouble,' with a new short documentary that provides insight into the creation of the album and its origins. The twenty minute film offers an intimate look at how an impromptu late night jam session in Muscle Shoals turned into one of the band's better records. The film delves into the rich musical history  inside the legendary FAME Studios. Featuring some never-before-seen footage of the band en route to FAME, the documentary looks at the creative process and how the band interpret these iconic tracks. Through candid interviews with lead vocalist John Corabi, guitarist Doug Aldrich, and bassist Michael Devin, the film traces the roots of the blues and its evolution into rock & roll. The band discuss  the legends and folklore surrounding artists like Lead Belly, Muddy Waters, and Albert King, whose tracks are re-imagined on 'Lookin' For Trouble...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Hard rock band The Dead Daisies  will release their first blues cover album, 'Lookin' For Trouble,' this week through SPV. This ten-track album features renditions of classics by blues legends such as B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. Vocalist John Corabi and the rest of the band deliver these songs with their signature rock 'n' roll swagger. Produced by Marti Fredrikssen at the renowned FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, each track is revitalised as The Daisies infuse these timeless classics with a touch of rock polish. The band entered the studio last March, during the recordings of 'Light 'em Up', and sat down to record an impromptu session. These sessions soon grew into something special, and the group decided to release them as part of a collection. Photo Courtesy of The Dead Daisies John Corabi delivers a masterful performance as the charismatic statesman, exuding power and soul. The carefully selected...

Photo Courtesy of Jo Valero Edited by AnselmAnderson Ned Evett , known as the King of the Fretless Glass Guitar, has announced two solo headline shows in Ireland for June 2025. The two shows will be  on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025 at Whelan’s in Dublin, Ireland and then on Friday, 6th June 2025 at Voodoo Belfast in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Nashville-born Ned Evett has been credited with inventing the Fretless Glass Guitar through his live looping style and strong songwriting. He has had a productive start to the year as the opening act for Joe Satrian i and Steve Vai's summer tour 2025, as well  as touring and recording with  Built To Spill  and Leon Russell. Ned Evett comments about the upcoming shows: "I am so excited to be returning to Ireland before my epic tour with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai this summer, it's always been a special place for me in my heart as a performer!" Ned Evett’s latest album ‘Strange Kind Of Freedom’ is out now and was released in 2024. Y...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist Jacopo Pausa has released his most experimental album. Hailing from Brescia, Italy, Pausa is a talented guitar player with a warm voice. Rambling Man has followed his progress since he broke onto the scene a few years ago. He skillfully mixes different styles of blues for a modern audience, and I was excited to hear about his new album, I Am What I Am , which was released a couple of weeks ago. This ten-track album is the third release that this blog has reviewed, and it stands out from his previous efforts. Pausa has introduced a new lineup, alongside a fresh approach and attitude. I would say this is his most personal work, featuring several biographical tracks along with strong storytelling elements. He has stripped down the laid back blues for a blend of Jazz, Reggae, Ska, Rap, Rock, Funk and, of course, blues. The riffs are still sharp and the melodies infectious, but he has brought a sense of wholesomeness and ...

Edited by Anselm Anderson British band Wille And The Bandits  recently announced that they will perform a headline set on Friday 16th May 2025 at Abertillery Rock & Blues Festival 2025 in Abertillery, Wales.  This will be their only date in Wales on their headline 2025 UK and European tour. The evening will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Abertillery Rock & Blues Festival. Richard Hughes, Chief Executive o f Awen Cultural Trust , the registered charity which runs the Met in partnership with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council , said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Abertillery Rock and Blues Festival in 2025, it’s a real highlight of the year. It’s great to be joined by the critically acclaimed Wille and the Bandits for the opening night; their only gig in Wales no less! Whether you are a regular Abertillery festival-goer or this will be your first time joining us, you won’t be disappointed. The team at the Met and the Rock and Blues Festival committee...

  Words by Anselm Anderson The blog continues to discover incredible new bands on British shores, and none are more impressive than the latest LP from the Welsh blues rock trio, Cry For Mercy. The band is set to release "This Machine" on Friday, April 4th. Cry For Mercy also self-funded this 12-track album on their path to recognition. The release showcases the drive and determination of the group through raw emotion and thought-provoking storytelling. They have been described as "Classic 70's fused blues rock" with a modern sound. I  agree with that sentiment as the trio blend soul, blues, and 70s rock with a strong guitar-driven edge. Their warm and compelling vocals are soulful and evoke comparisons to Paul Rodgers and David Coverdale. Formed in 2008, the trio consisting of vocalist Kev Plant, his son and drummer Aled, and guitarist Andy Cutty has emerged as a significant force in the UK underground rock scene. They have captivated audiences with their live...

    Bournefest 2025  have announced the full Lineup for their upcoming Festival on Saturday, October 18th in Sittingbourne, Kent.  Bournefest has welcomed some of the best in Blues, Rock & Roots for the past six years since 2019.  Rockin' Roots Events presents the festival with a declaration "for another sensational lineup of National and International Acts", according to the supplementary press release  Promoter of Rockin Roots Events,  Mark Matthews c omments on the event : “I am massively looking forward to hosting Bournefest 2025. Bournefest stands each year as a prominent fixture on our calendar for The Bourne Music Club . Each year delivering a lineup of exceptional national and international talent. This October marks 10 years since I started promoting live music, and we are celebrating the occasion with an absolutely awesome schedule of events. Bournefest 2025 will feature a compelling lineup of quality talent. Some of the acts announced i...

Art Coverwork, courtesy of Naomi Randall Words by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews has recently embraced a Blues revival, featuring rising stars. Amongst the talented guitarists and bands, RJ Archer and the Painful Memories stand out with their ability to blend old traditional blues with modern values.   This past Friday, The quartet released "The Cost of a Loving Crisis", their third studio album. These ten personal songs are packed into half an hour of modern rock, mixed with country, blues and soul. Produced by Naomi Randall at Half Tom Studios in Cambridge, England, she captures each song with a pitch-perfect ear. The vibrant vocals of RJ Archer are complemented by an explosion of tasty guitar licks and a tight rhythm section, resulting in a compelling listening experience. The band had to adjust with Marc Ritchie replacing Ben Kingsbury on drums, while Kingsbury moved to the position of second guitarist. The inclusion of guest musicians further enhances the alb...

Photo Courtesy of Sally Newhouse Edited by Anselm Anderson Chilean-born and London-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Miguel Montalban has announced that his band,  Miguel Montalban & The Southern Vulture s, will tour the UK this March. The seven-date excursions will commence on 22nd March 2025 at Cart & Horses, Stratford, London (The Birthplace of Iron Maiden). They will then visit Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham , Y Muni Arts Centre in  Pontypridd, Old Woolle n in Leeds, Pontardawe Arts Centre, Red Lion in Gravesend and Acapela Studio in Cardiff, Wales.  Full tour details and ticket links are below  Miguel Montalban comments on the 2025 UK Tour: “"I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I’ll be touring the UK in 2025, playing at some incredible, cosy venues that will make every moment unforgettable! Don’t miss out—grab your tickets now and let’s create magical memories together. I’m counting down the days and can’t wait to share this amazi...

Photo courtesy of Connor McLeod  Today, Liverpool's very own Blues guitarist Laurence Jones  will announce a headline UK Tour which sees AGMP working with MVT Cohorts (Music Venues Trust) to bring him to some of the finest independent music venues across the UK. He has announced that he will be supported by Irish trio Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra,  UK award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Killner, guitarist/performing/recording artist and music educator Danny Gile s and Devon UK-based modern rock band Firekind . Jones announces his supporting cast to an eager fanbase, as he continues his tour across England, Wales and Scotland. The tour kicked off on Thursday 9th January 2025 at Colchester Arts Centre with Danny Giles supporting followed by Miguel Montalban & The Southern Vultures opening proceedings on Friday 10th January 2025 as part of January Blues Festival 2025 at 229 London. The tour continues and will see Laurence travel extensively around the coun...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Shotgun Sawyer, based in California, has released their third studio album, a self-titled effort, via Ripple Music last Friday. The trio returns with a new drummer and direction for the better. Lead vocalist Dylan Jarman is joined by bassist Brett Sanders and the latest drummer Cody Tarbell has transitioned from stoner rock. roots-based outfit to a blues band. The trio combines traditional Chicago and Delta Blues with a modern twist on this nine-track release. The album is a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of Shotgun Sawyer since the turn of the decade, starting with the departure of original drummer David Lee. The band soon took a hiatus after they signed to Ripple Music and released their second album Bury the Hatchet. Patrick Hills of Earth Tone Studios of Sacramento, California assisted in bringing out the best of the band. Hills record a raw, personal, humble improvement of the trio's former releases. The acquisition of Cody Tarbell, forme...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Blues act RJ Archer and The Painful Memories return with their newest single, "Get It Together." The track is the latest from their upcoming album, "The Cost of Loving Crisis."   They continue from their previous release on this enjoyable teaser for the new album. I previously reviewed "Got to Leave," which I described as a throwback to the Delta Blues Era. "Get It Together follows on with a similar charm. The band, which features vocalist Richard Archer, bassist Richard James, guitarist Ben Kingsbury, and drummer Marc Ritchie, formed five years ago due to a shared interest in 60s and 70s rock music. The track is heavily influenced by Chicago Blues, which is evident with the continuous stop-start rhythm throughout the track. The track opens with RJ Archer's unmistakable vocals, conveying warmth and glee, while the bass and guitars combine. The rhythm builds tension, creating a sense of intrigue and mystery, before transi...