ROOM WITH A VIEW of the blues..... Ruf Records released their first album in 1996 in order to let the world hear Luther Allison, "Live in Montreux 1976-1994, today it remains the essential "live" recording of this great blues man. The label has gone on to release many cd’s, and includes releases from Bernard Allison, James Solberg and Larry Garner. Here are two new releases. RELENTLESS WALTER TROUT Walter Trout was born & raised in New Jersey. A guitar virtuoso who apprenticed with both Canned Heat and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, he began a solo career in 1989. He recently released his 13th album, "Relentless" on Ruf Records, produced by Jim Gaines and Walter Trout. Walter was voted the 6th best guitarist ever in a BBC radio poll behind Eric Clapton, Jimmy Hendrix, Gary Moore, Mark Knopfler and Jimmy Page. "Relentless", which features 14 original tunes, captures Walter and his band the Radicals live in concert, backed by Jimmy Trapp, bass; Sammy Avila, Hammond B-3; and Joey Pafumi, drums. The opening song seems a little out of place "I’m Tired", possibly it should be at the end of the cd, words like "of missing you" give it more meaning. Once you hear the subsequent tracks "The Life I Chose", "Jericho Road" and "Work No More" it becomes apparent he misses his family, and friends while on the road. It‘s what drives this musician and it’s both effective and embracing. The songwriting is raw, the guitar lines awesome and if you like your blues to "rock" you’ll love this album. Walter Trout & the Radicals, when they’re not on tour in Europe, can often be heard at The Ramapo Valley Brewery in Suffern, NY. Check them out next time they’re in town. COMFORT TO THE SOUL ANA POPOVIC Ana Popovic is a 26 year old Yugoslavian native recently nominated for Best New Artist of 2003. Ana assimilated her musical knowledge listening to her father’s extensive record collection. In her music are blues, rock and soul influences. The song, "Comfort To The Soul", has got a great funky soul groove while some of the album is more blues rock based. The blues rock numbers are produced by Jim Gaines while the funky soul is produced by David Z. The end result is a showcase for Ana. The instrumental "Navajo Moon" shows that we have a mature musician here as it is outstanding. Ana reprises Delbert McClinton’s, "Need All The Help I Can Get", and I bet there are a lot of volunteers who wish to lend a hand. She has things in the right perspective when she writes "still got some time to go. Don’t bear down on me; I’m here to steal the show." Ana will "steal the show" at The Turning Point, in Piermont, NY on November 26th. Two new releases from Northern Blues, a new Canadian Blues Label BEEN SO LONG TONI LYNN WASHINGTON Take a seasoned veteran, give her one of the best producers, the best musicians, release it on a brand new label and you have another W.C. Handy Award nomination. Duke Robillard is the guitarist/producer, Bruce Bears is on keyboards, and Scott Aruda, Gordon Beadle, Chuck Langford and Doug James are the horn section, add Kevin Belz on guitar, Jesse Williams on bass, and Mark Texeira on drums. Vocalists like this don’t come along every day; she is in a class with the very best. Her singing can touch you deeply and make you want to snuggle up with your loved one and thank god you’re alive. She is the real thing. Here she pays tribute to the great Blues women. She sings Bessie Smith’s "Back Water Blues", reprises Ruth Brown’s "24 Hours a Day", and also does Nina Simone’s "Willow Weep for me". Her voice can be described as seductive and if you were never a fan of this woman you will be one. This is one for eternity. JOHNNY’S BLUES A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH A well conceived project and a tribute to a great man. Our favorite blues musicians interpret the Johnny Cash songbook. From the first cut by Paul Reddick, "Train of Love", you know this album is going to be fun. The next cut is my favorite, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown with his band do "Get Rhythm", its pure joy. Maria Muldaur sings "Walking the Blues" with Del Rey on guitar. Chris Thomas King performs "Rock Island Line" with the storyline introduction. Garland Jeffreys softens "I Walk The Line" and the lyrics gain power. "Folsom Prison Blues" gets the boogie treatment by Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. One of my favorite songs of all time is given a new twist, "Long Black Veil" is magnificently done by a newcomer to me, Harry Manx. The song evokes loneliness, death and retribution, re-curing themes in Johnny’s music. Kris Kristofferson’s "Sunday Morning Comin’ Down" is beautifully done by Alvin Youngblood Hart. Sleepy Labeef, the rockabilly legend does "Frankie’s Man Johnny, in true style. Corey Harris does a rasta’ version of "Redemption". Kevin Breit does a beautiful instrumental version of "Send a Picture of Mother". Colin Linden rocks out on "Big River", and Mavis Staples closes with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". When genre bending was unacceptable Johnny broke down the barriers of music. This cd beautifully produced by Colin Linden is done with love for the man.