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.

"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.