"Erja appeared to have a permanent smile on her face during the set and it was clearly apparent that the band were really enjoying the moment despite the discourteous chit-chat from the back of the 100 Club which you could clearly hear during the set's softer moments. For God's sake - why don't you shut the f**k up? As for the Blues Police in the crowd checking out the new album - Erja belted out the title track 'Stolen Hearts', again demonstrating both her strong vocals and fret board skills with a subtle hint of Hendrix. The definitive downbeat Blues track 'Slowly Burning' - was another opportunity for Erja to take it out on her Fender Strat with a smooth controlled vocal delivery given the song's emotional context." Finally read AJ's take here on Erja Lyytinen's London 100 Club 'Stolen Hearts' album launch gig last Tuesday night (picture: Edyta Kresak) and her two excellent support bands - JFK and the Connor Selby Band plus check out our photo gallery here.

Switzerland's folk rock rising stars Cellar Darling (Track Of The Day) are due to embark on their debut UK show supporting Delain at London's Koko on Wednesday 1st November. After their split with EluveitieE, Anna Murphy, Ivo Henzi and Merlin Sutter reached out for new shores in 2016 and are now ready to see the world through their eyes with their unique and fresh sound, combining grand and heavy riffs, energetic drumming and a unique voice with the signature folky, earthy tones of the hurdy gurdy and classical elements - creating something entirely new, while continuing the spirit of musical innovation they have become known for. Cellar Darling are in the studio now finishing up their debut album due for release via Nuclear Blast this Summer.

A new video has been released for Sammy Hagar's latest album 'When The Party Started' - which has been out in the US since late November last year and has been out in the UK since the end of March this year on Mailboat/Membran. The new compilation includes two unreleased songs ‘No Worries’ (Vid Of The Day) and ‘Never Said Goodbye’. Hagar recently said "With this collection, I wanted to revisit what I feel are the best songs I wrote during the second wave. I’d left Van Halen and formed the Wabos as an alternative to the superstar, high-pressure, commercial machine that I’d been living in since I joined Montrose in 1972. These albums, ‘Red Voodoo’ (1999), ‘Ten 13’ (2000) and ‘Livin’ It Up’ (2006), represent the first time I was free from the pressures of putting out a major label release in 25 years. Musically, I needed to shake it up and fall in love with making music again."

"And what better song title for a band with Zep influences than 'Heartbreaker Soulshaker' - all about being a free spirit - a much funkier track with some awesome guitar work from clean cut, bespectacled, Slater, which was followed by another from 'Truth Be Told' - all about love unrequited - albeit not as heavy as the previous two but nevertheless another powerful vocal performance from the hatted/moustachioed Stevie Westwood that well and truly got 'Under My Skin'. It was back then to a trilogy from 'HWH' - dipping into the foot stompin' singalong 'Wise Water' featuring Slater's slide guitar and Westwood's tambourine, the riff ridden 'Sweet Little Secret' complemented by its obligatory singalong and finally 'Words I Never Said' - with its delightful opening guitar solo where we saw Classic Rock at its undoubted head-banging best." Finally read AJ's take on Broken Witt Rebels (Vid Of The Day and pictured) and Bad Touch's Planet Rock Roadstar's tour gig at London's Borderline last Saturday here plus check out our photo gallery here.

Following his recent release of 'Michael Schenker Fest Live', the celebrated Rock guitarist has announced that he will be touring “Michael Schenker Fest” throughout the UK in November 2017 including London's O2 Shepherd’'s Bush Empire on Thursday 2nd November.In recent memory, Michael Schenker’'s endeavor to unite Rock fans together at his concerts has enraptured his audiences and so it is fitting that his most recent concept of ‘Michael Schenker Fest’ does not disappoint one bit! The project reunites the original Michael/McAuley Schenker Group vocalists –Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, plus MSG musicians Steve Mann (guitar, keys), Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums).

Texas based singer/songwriter Ryan Hamilton and his band The Traitors released their new album 'The Devil’s In The Detail' last week, following their eight date sold out UK tour. 'The Devil’s In The Detail' is an uplifting and energetic, yet sensitive album, that celebrates music and storytelling. Thee twelve finely crafted songs clearly represent Ryan Hamilton and The Traitors distinctive mix of melodic Pop and Rock as per the infectious single 'Heavy Heart' - today's Track Of The Day. Aside from Ryan, the album features UK musicians, including Ginger Wildheart – who handpicked Ryan & The Traitors as his main tour support in 2016 and plays lead guitar on the majority of the tracks. Scottish singer/songwriter Chrissy Barnacle also provides velvety backing vocals and duets on 'Don’t Say I Told You So'. Full of melody and charm with no reliance on nostalgia 'The Devil’s In The Detail' is an aural treat and truly deserves a place in your heart!

The Blues Club Podcast Track Of The Day returns this week with another two hours of non-stop Best in Blues with More Music and Less Chat, featuring New Releases, Classic Tracks, UK Independent Blues Broadcasters Association Presenters' Picks and much more. Music this week Includes tracks from Taj Mahal & Keb' Mo', Mr. Sipp "The Mississippi Blues Child", Freddie King, Beth Garner, Eric Gales, Imelda May, Sean Chambers, The Johnny Max Band, Howlin' Wolf, Mick Simpson, Eight O' Five Jive, John Latini, Gentleman Tim & The Contendors, B.B. King, Samantha Fish, Muddy Waters, Coco Montoya, The Mustangs, Buddy Guy, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, Albert King, Zoe Schwarz Blues Commotion, Willie Dixon, My Baby, Toriah Fontaine, LaVendore Rogue, Jimmy Johnson, Sean Webster Band, The Jimmy Rogers All Stars, B. B. & The Blues Shacks and more.

"Two more Faces songs penned by Lane rounded off the set - another from 'ANIAGAAW' - 'You're So Rude' - originally sung by Ronnie but with vocals from Steve - with Charlie's accordion now in overdrive plus another blistering guitar solo from Steve - and the title track of The Faces last album 'Ooh La La' - which according to Ian McLagan, "was Ronnie Lane's album" with Simpson on vocals and mandolin plus a keys solo from Watkins which McLagan would no doubt have savoured. A cracking encore of Louis Prima's 'Buona Sera Signorina' a tango that rocked which belied its sixty years vintage was the last opportunity for the boys to excel with Geraint on keys/vocals plus final solos from Charlie (fiddle) and Steve (guitar). Talking to Charlie after the show he said "I thought the lads gave it their all as usual so its a band I'm proud to be part of." Just goes to show Charlie that class is permanent. No doubt Ronnie would be proud of you all mate." That was part of AJ's take on Slim Chance at Twickenham's Eel Pie Club last August and the guys return to London's Half Moon in Putney tonight.

"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." The Krissy Matthews Band continue their UK tour at London's Fiddler's Elbow this Wednesday following the release today of their first live album 'Live At Freak Valley'. You can read AJ's complete take on their new live CD here plus check out today's Vid Of The Day with Krissy recently performing with Maggie Bell no less.

Even by WRC standards, it has been a busy last few days at Wrinkly Towers with three gigs in four days. Today we bring you our photo gallery here from both Erja Lyytinen's London 100 Club 'Stolen Hearts' album launch gig on Tuesday night plus her private unplugged set the afternoon before (courtesy of John Bull) at Soho's Ain't Nothing But Blues venue where there was also a Q & A session with legendary producer Chris Kimsey. And if you wanted value for money, you certainly had it on Tuesday night with two excellent support bands - JFK (pictured) and the Connor Selby Band who are today's Vid Of The Day.

Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee recently released her new single 'Speak To Me' (Track Of The Day) - the end title theme from the forthcoming suspense drama 'Voice From The Stone'. Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke stars in the film alongside Marton Csokas, Caterina Murino, Remo Girone, Lisa Gastoni, and Edward Dring. Directed by Eric Howell and scored by Michael Wandmacher, the haunting thriller set in 1950’s Tuscany is due out on Monday 24th July. Amy is currently in the studio with Evanescence, working on new music expected later this year. The band play two shows at Hammersmith Eventim Apollo on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th June as part of a wider European tour.

"Half way through their set they delivered a very tasty meat in their sandwich with 'Sleeping Dogs' from 'TW' - beautifully elongated with a jam medley of Zeps 'Your Time Is Gonna Come', The Allman Brothers ‘Mountain Jam’ with Starr and Jackson's jousting guitars being joined by Still on Yes’s ‘Starship Trooper' - it just does not get much better than that - real music y'all! We were then 'Shakin' Hands With The Holy Ghost', its cajun style opening riff, pounding drums and harmonies - a fan's favourite from 'TW' - which had hands clapping before it led into the title track, the distinctive intro of the slower Floyd flavoured 'The Whipoorwill', once again demonstrating that these guys can turn their talents to anything. Loved it." Finally read AJ's take on Blackberry Smoke/The Biters recent Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, London, gig here plus check out our photo gallery here.