2016 New Blues Music Releases from Some Old Artists
Check out our list of the 2016 New Blues Music Releases from Some Old Artists. You won’t be disappointed!
New Releases
Blues music is one of the oldest genres of music and has been around for centuries. The genre has evolved over time and has been through many different phases. Some of the most famous blues artists include BB King, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for the genre.
B.B. King – The Life of Riley
B.B. King – The Life of Riley will be released on February 26, 2016. It is a documentary directed by Jon Brewer and produced by B.B. King Enterprises, in partnership with The Film Detective. The film tells the story of B.B. King’s life through previously unseen footage and interviews with the people who knew him best, including his family, friends, and fellow musicians such as Eric Clapton,Bonnie Raitt, Santana, Bill Wyman, Slash, and Buddy Guy.
Buddy Guy – Born to Play Guitar
2016 was another great year for fans of the blues, with new releases from some of our favorite artists. One of the most anticipated albums of the year was Buddy Guy’s “Born to Play Guitar.” The legendary guitar player did not disappoint, delivering a record that is both a return to form and a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest Bluesmen of all time. With features from Billy Gibbons, Jeff Beck, and Mick Jagger, this album has something for everyone.
Keb’ Mo’ – The Reflection
Keb’ Mo’ is an old blues artist who has released a new album in 2016. The album is entitled “The Reflection”. This album contains 11 tracks, all of which are newly written and recorded. Below is a track listing for the album:
1. “The Reflection (Theme)”
2. “Am I Wrong”
3. “For Better or Worse”
4. “Get It Like You Like It”
5. “Hands Up”
6. “That’s Not Love”
7. “Gimme What You Got”
8. “I Remember You”
9. “Hey Love (featuring Melissa Manchester)”
10. “The Old Me Better”
11. “Do It Right (featuring Taj Mahal)”
Re-Releases
Although the majority of new music comes from young and upcoming artists, some old artists are still relevant in the industry. In 2016, a few old artists released new music that has made its way to the top of the charts.
Muddy Waters – The Anthology: 1947–1972
Muddy Waters’s The Anthology: 1947-1972 compiles tracks from the influential bluesman’s tenure at Chess Records. Despite the title, the set begins with a trio of early recordings from Waters’s time with Aristocrat, the predecessor to Chess. These songs — including “I Can’t Be Satisfied” and “She Moves Me” — offer a rawer take on Waters’s sound, one that would be smoothed out over the years.Chess would prove to be the perfect home for Waters, as it allowed him to experiment with different sounds and players; indeed, The Anthology: 1947-1972 showcases the many different sides of his musical personality. Along with his more famous electric work — like “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “I’m Ready” — there are also acoustic numbers like “I Feel Like Going Home” and “Rollin’ Stone.” The set also features several live recordings, which captures Waters and his band in their element.The Anthology: 1947-1972 is a wide-ranging collection that does an excellent job of summarizing Waters’s Chess years.
Howlin’ Wolf – The Chess Box
Howlin’ Wolf – The Chess Box is a 3 CD set that spans the years 1951 to 1974 and captures Howlin’ Wolf at the peak of his powers. It includes such classic tracks as “Smokestack Lightning,” “Evil,” “Killing Floor,” and “Spoonful.”
John Lee Hooker – That’s My Story: The Best of John Lee Hooker
While most of the tracks on That’s My Story – The Best of John Lee Hooker are taken from his early recordings for Modern Records, there are a few curveballs thrown in to keep things interesting. “Boom Boom” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” are both well-known tunes that have been covered by a variety of artists over the years, but they’re given new life here thanks to Hooker’s signature style. Elsewhere, “I’m in the Mood” is a playful romp that features some of Hooker’s most impressive guitar work, while “It Serves Me Right to Suffer” is a somber ballad that showcases his versatility as a songwriter.
That’s My Story – The Best of John Lee Hooker is a superb collection that does an excellent job of highlighting the many facets of Hooker’s artistry. Whether you’re a casual fan or a diehard devotee, this collection is sure to satisfy.
Live Releases
The releases of new music from two veteran blues artists are both welcome and a little puzzling. B.B. King passed away last year, and William Clarke died in 1996. So how can these two musicians have new releases in 2016? The answer is that these are live recordings that were previously unreleased.
B.B. King – Live
B.B. King – Live is a 2016 release of live recordings from B.B. King’s 1970s tours. The set includes classic songs such as “The Thrill Is Gone”, “Rock Me Baby”, and “Ain’t Nobody Home”. It also features previously unreleased versions of “Sweet Little Angel” and “Why I Sing the Blues”.
Buddy Guy – Live at Legends
Buddy Guy – Live at Legends was recorded in January 2014 during a six-night stand at the club that bears his name in Chicago, IL. This live album presents performances of 13 of his originals and one cover of Muddy Waters’ “Champagne & Reefer”, with the legendary blues artist backed by a tight band featuring Marty Sammon on keyboards, Mike Reilly on bass, and RobIngredientsArtists maize on drums.
The live versions of these tunes are mostly true to the studio recordings, with Guy’s guitar work and vocals remaining the focus throughout. There are some extended instrumental sections that provide opportunities for the band to stretch out a bit, but overall this is a record that will please fans of Guy’s more recent work. It’s also a good reminder of why he is considered one of the great living blues guitarists.
Keb’ Mo’ – Live: That Hot Pink Blues Album
Keb’ Mo’ is a three-time Grammy Award winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He’s also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he’s been nominated for twelve Grammy Awards altogether. His latest album is a live recording, and it features some of his most well-known songs, including “Am I Wrong,” “City Boy,” and “The Worst Is Yet to Come.”
