Former Torontonian Anthony Gomes now plies his trade Stateside, with great success. His last three albums have all hit the Top 10 on Billboard's blues chart (one hit the top), and anticipate a similar reaction to this one. Known as a fiery electric guitarslinger, he goes acoustic and unplugged here, but the intensity remains. The inspiration of Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson shines through, while he pays homage to Aretha on "Lady Soul". Of the record's style, Gomes notes "it's so yesterday, it's today". Amidst an extensive US summer tour, he plays Kincardine's Lighthouse Blues Fest on July

The gutsy vocals of blues singer Sunday Wilde have elicited comparisons to Bessie Smith and Janis Joplin. She covers a wide spectrum of blues styles on this, her fourth album, and is ably abetted by a core band comprising a guitarist and standup bassist (cameos on percussion, violin and accordion add variety). Strong original songs are complemented by fresh takes on "Amazing Grace" and Smith's "Blue Spirit Blues". Notable rockabilly musician Reno Jack produced the album, recorded at a remote hunting and fishing lodge in northern Ontario. Wilde wears this Blue Nightgown with real distinction.