In January 2016, world-renowned platinum-selling and Grammy nominated Blues-Rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Bonamassa performed two unique all-acoustic shows at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City. Both performances were filmed and made into 'Joe Bonamassa Live At Carnegie Hall - An Acoustic Evening', which will be released on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and Vinyl on Friday 23rd June. Joe's band consisted of Reese Wynans (piano), Anton Fig (drums) Eric Bazilian (mandolin, hurdy-gurdy, saxophone, acoustic guitar, vocals), and three Australian backing vocalists, Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins and Gary Pinto - on an evening of extraordinary music with new arrangements of favourite songs as well as brand new, never-before-heard songs. And we're also off to see JB (pictured by Lucy Stillwell at Newark Castle last year) at London's Royal Albert Hall tonight!

Just five days after the launch of his 'Live At Freak Valley' CD - Krissy Matthews was live at The Fiddler's Elbow in Camden last night. Originally from Oxford, Krissy’s band has often been described as an exciting, high octane, Power Rock trio steeped in Blues roots. 24 year old Matthews has performed at some of Europe’s most iconic music venues including Ronnie Scott’s, Loreley, Tanzbrunnen and Festa Avante. He’s also opened for many high profile recording artists at the top of their game including Joe Bonamassa, Toto, Gregg Allman and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Anyway, with a review and more pics to come - check out today's Vid Of The Day.

Joe Jammer's All-Star Chicago Blues Revue will be at The Eel Pie Club, The Patch, 67 London Road TW1 3SZ tonight featuringsome great Blues musicians and vocalists, both entertaining and fun. Originally from Chicago, Joe Jammer was live guitarist for Supertramp, Screaming Lord Sutch, Paladin, Stealers Wheel, Donna Summer and Maggie Bell. He was also the founding member of The Olympic Runners, Jam Master for Buddy Guy's Original Checkerboard Lounge, Chicago Jam Master at The Speakeasy, London and session guitarist for Mick Jagger, Joe Cocker, Ringo Starr, Jerry Lee Lewis and Oprah Winfrey. Doors open at 8.30pm with music from 9-11pm. WRC members are reminded that they can use their cards to get discounted admission.

"Matthews then poses the question: "Siegen - are you ready to rock" - as another self-penned Blues Rock corker 'Language By Injection' - written about a night out in Poland when touring - nudge nudge wink wink - delivers as promised. Krissy then shares a special personal moment with Freak Valley - "Seven years ago I was very lucky to meet the King of the Blues - Mr. B.B. King - and this is a song I wrote later that night" - cue 'The Soul Will Never Die' including both a two minute opening guitar solo that the great man - God bless him - would have been proud of - plus another towards the end which hears the German crowd roar with approval." That was part of our recent take on Krissy Matthews album 'Live At Freak Valley' - and we are off to see the man himself live at The Fiddler's Elbow in London's Camden tonight. Prost!

With two gigs under his belt already (see today's Vid Of The Day), South African Blues Rock guitarist Dan Patlansky continues his headline tour at London's O2 Islington Academy on Tuesday 2nd May. A man who has opened for Bruce Springsteen in front of 64,000 people and who's last release 'Introvertigo' was voted number one Blues Rock album by Blues Rock Review USA last year - we had the pleasure of interviewing Dan in London yesterday ahead of his gig. Anyway, watch out for that interview coming soon!

The legacy of legendary Soul Jazz guitarist Melvin Sparks will be celebrated on Friday 28th April with the release of 'Live At Nectar's (Track Of The Day) on One Note Records. Texas-born Melvin Sparks was a Rhythm & Blues guitarist at the outset of his career, backing Jackie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye as a member of The Upsetters. He gave up his seat on The Upsetters' bus when a chance introduction to George Benson inspired him to relocate to New York City; a decision that would ultimately pave the way for his ascension into the Soul Jazz pantheon.

New Hard Rock Blues band Samarkind's lead single 'Sun Stroke Heart' (Vid Of The Day) doesn't miss a beat. Wasting no time introducing itself with locked down grooves, layers of quality soundscapes and stunning, memorable melody hooks weaving a tapestry throughout the track. Classic yet undeniably modern in its delivery, this is a true musical treat for Rock fans. The multi-national group, which features charismatic Irish frontman David Paul Byrne (formally singer for successful Hard Rock band Assassin and featured vocalist on '80's cult movie 'Trick Or Treat' starring Ozzy Osbourne and Gene Simmons), showcase sublime vocals which are accompanied by the talents of sensational Polish guitarist Michal Kulbaka, Ireland's Mark Dempsey on bass guitar and South African born drummer Marius Appelgryn. Recorded at Westland Studio in Dublin with producer Alwyn Walker, Samarkind are currently putting the final touches to their debut album, with a release date set to be announced for later this year.

"After being annoyed by the local accordion player we wandered off in search of new refreshment and settled down in a nice corner outside the American LePub. After a short while, a 'Vision' appeared walking towards us and nudging AJ and rubbing my eyes "Is that Wes Scantlin - lead singer and Mr Puddle Of Mudd – Nah it can't be we’re not that lucky!" Sitting down in our opposite corner the 'Vision' relaxed (with a rather nicer female vision) and we both agreed that this was indeed Wes himself! Not wanting to interrupt a Rock God ourselves, Denis decided he’d go and do 'An Idiot Abroad' bit and investigate and promptly came back with Wes himself who recognised us Wrinklys from the last gig (and the one before) and was happy to sit and chat!!!! So there we were, the Wrinklys and Wesley 'Scantdog' Scantlin sitting down and chatting about the band and the present tour." That was part of Wrinkly The Silver Fox's Puddle Of Mudd Amsterdam review just under five year's ago. So we are understandably devastated to report that our mate Denis (small guy pictured second right) passed away on Sunday. You might have rocked out for the last time Denis, but all those great memories will never be taken away mate. RIP Denis.

And talking of mates, Route 66 host Rory Auskerry is back from his honeymoon and he's launched the mother of all Track Of The Day's today. Featuring new music from the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Samantha Fish and Vanessa Collier along with classic tracks from Gerry Rafferty, AC/DC (pictured) and The Quireboys - there's also a tribute to the late great Chuck Berry who died aged 90 on Saturday 18th March.

German virtuoso Heavy Metal guitarist Axel Rudi Pell, who has been a leading light on the European Melodic Metal scene for well over three decades and sold more than 1.5 million albums, released a brand new digital single 'Love’s Holding On’', featuring special guest star Bonnie Tyler, on Steamhammer/SPV at the end of March. 'Love’s Holding On’', containing a stunning duet between Bonnie and long-time Axel Rudi Pell band singer Johnny Gioeli, is one of four new recordings included on ‘'Ballads V’', part five of his successful ongoing ballad compilation album series, due out this Friday 21st April.

This week's Black On Blues Track Of The Day includes music from Bumper Jackons, Vintage 18, Steve Kozak Band, TG Swampbusters, Trampled Under Foot, James O’Hara and Coco Montoya.

Nikka Costa releases her brand new album 'Nikka & Strings, Underneath and In Between' on Friday 2nd June. This marks the release of her first new full album since 2011’s 'ProWoah' EP. The new album sees the celebrated Soul, Funk and Blues singer, dipping her toes in a refreshing collection of songs backed by a luscious string quartet. Nikka, best known for 2001 album 'Everybody Got Their Something' which featured the hit single 'Like A Feather', is back in full swing with a collection of heartfelt songs that gives listeners an intimate and personal insight into her unique musical style than ever before. To coincide with the news of the new album, Nikka has released an official music video for her new single 'Nothing Compares 2 U' - which is today's Vid Of The Day.