Looking for more info on one of our New Music Monday artists? Find it here.
7/11/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a sneak preview of the self-titled major label debut album for Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges.
6/20/11
Any new album by GB Leighton is a VERY good thing and that's why our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on the group's latest, "Hope One Mile."
6/13/11
Our New Music Monday laser lands on not just one, but TWO terrific new albums, "Right As Rain" and it's companion release "Rhymes & Misdemeanors" from our friend Henry Gross!
6/6/11
Our New Music Monday laser lands on "Strictly Whatever," the new album from Harry Manx & Kevin Breit.
5/32/11
Katie Quick's laryngitis kept her sidlined and off our show a few weeks ago, but her new album is too good not to share with the class so our New Music Monday Magic Laser spotlight lands on Katie's latest, "Valley Between Love."
5/16/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "So Beautiful or So What," the latest album from the legendary performer who just made his 9th appearance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, Paul Simon.
5/2/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Setzer goes Instru-MENTAL." Not surprisingly, this is the latest album from, the multi-talented, Brian Setzer.
4/25/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "High Steppin'," the latest album from a man who cut his musical teeth right here in Chicago with The Buckinghams, The Dells, Chicago (the group) and a lot of this city's legendary artists, Marty Grebb.
4/18/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Memphis Still got Soul," the latest album from, soul-blues master, Johnny Rawls.
4/11/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Heroes Last Forever," the latest album from the multi-talented, Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours.
4/4/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Roadside Attractions," the latest tasty serving of New Orleans boogie and Gulf Coast blues from, Her Tallness, Marcia Ball.
3/28/11
So, on the heels of hangin' with Tommy Shaw, our New Music Monday Magic Laser decided it might not be a bad idea to spend a little more "bump" time during the show scanning the tracks of Tommy's, just released, debut Bluegrass album "The Great Divide."
3/21/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Last Planet On The Left," the latest recorded adventure through the extraordinary talents of our friend, Digney Fignus.
3/07/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands Jeff Beck's just released album "Rock 'N Roll Party (Honoring Les Paul)." This is the live tribute album recorded at Les' former Monday night hangout, the Iridium Jazz club, in New York with Imelda May and her band, Brian Setzer, Gary "U.S" Bonds and more. It absolutely rocks and shows Jeff's love for his Les Paul roots.
2/21/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on the 2-CD 40th anniversary compilation from Chicago's Alligator Records. We'll have a lot more to say about this compilation on Monday night when Alligator's Founder and President, Bruce Iglauer, joins us in studio.
2/14/11
Speaking of the Grammys, that's the theme for tonight's show as our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on the 2011 Grammy Nominees Album.
2/07/11
After the week we've all just been through, we thought you deserved something special. So, this week our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a sneak preview of an album that won't be out until April 5th. "How To Become Clairvoyant" is the first new release from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, Robbie Robertson, in more than 10 years. Whooo boy, has it been worth the wait! Helping Robbie make some of his most memorable music are Erick Clapton, Steve Winwood, Robert Randolph, Trent Reznor and more. We said you deserved something special and this definitely fills the bill.
1/31/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Time Slips On By," the new album from Rich Del Grosso and Jonn Del Toro Richardson. Blues mandolin?!? Yep! Serious blues guitar? Yep! Down in the basement blues vocals with a killer band? Oh yeah!! Turn on the blue light, get up on the old orange crate with a greasy hamburger and crank this puppy up loud!! In other words, we kinda like it and think you will, too.
1/24/11
Speaking of New Music Monday, the Magic Laser lands on "Light You Up," the latest release from Shawn Mullins. This is one of those albums we couldn't put down and had to share with the class.
1/17/11
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands "Little By Little," the new double album from, the incredible Grammy nominated guitar legend, Tommy Emmanuel. Along with his usual tour de force solo performances, on this album Tommy treats us to memorable duets with our friends Doyle Dykes, Rick Price, Anthony Snape and more.
12/20/10
It's the last Sunday night/Monday morning before Christmas and our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Christmas In Harmony," by Wilson Phillips. This is only the multi-platinum selling trio's fourth studio album in 20 years. It reinforces just how good they are and makes you want to ask Santa for more ... MUCH more.
12/13/10
In the spirit of the season, our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Merry Christmas," the latest album from Shelby Lynne. Shelby puts her stamp on some Christmas classics and includes a couple of future classics of her own.
12/05/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Mayhem," the second album from a lady who continues to define what real talent is, Imelda May. We were knocked out by her first album and her tributes to Les Paul with Jeff Beck. This new album offers more proof that we're seeing the begining of a career that's going to last a long, long time. Lucky us!
11/29/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands "Born Free," the latest album from Kid Rock. Martina McBride, T.I., Sheryl Crow, Bob Seger and Zac Brown join in on the party.
11/22/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Soulsville," the first new album in nine years from Huey Lewis and the News. Recorded live in-studio, in Memphis, this loving tribute to the legendary Stax records sound marks a fitting soulful return for Huey and the News.
11/15/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on something very familiar, yet completely different, " Viva Elvis: The Album. Honestly, we really didn't know if we'd like this, just released, soundtrack from the Cirque du Soleil show that will pays tribute to Elvis Presley's music and life. However, this meeting of modern recording studio technology and one of the greatest voices of the rock & roll era makes for a terrific album that stands on it's own as a more than memorable listening experience.
11/08/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on one of the artifacts obtained on our "fact-finding mission," Taylor Swift's new album, "Speak Now." She does - and, not surprisingly, what she has to say, sing and play makes for some great music.
10/25/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a musical meeting of two legends appropriately called "The Union." This album, recorded live in the studio, finds Elton John teaming up with one of his idols, Leon Russell, for a mix of R&B, Soul, Country, Gospel, Rock and everything in between. Produced by Oscar/Grammy award winner, T Bone Burnett, with songs written by Elton and Bernie Taupin, Leon and T Bone, this is one of those "event" album that really is ... an EVENT.
10/18/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a real sneak preview of new music from the man who is our splecial guest tonight, Henry Gross. Yes, this is the same Henry Gross you know as a One Hit Wonder from the 70's for his hit, "Shannon." We'll be sampling some music Henry has just recorded for his upcoming albums, "Rhymes and Misdemeanors" and "Right as Rain". The albums aren't finished, yet. But, Henry wanted to share some of his new music with us and you.
10/11/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on Mavis Staples' new album "You Are Not Alone," produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. You'll get religion and a whole lot more from one of the most soulful voices to ever enter a recording studio.
9/27/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Deep Fried Satisfied," the new album from Australia's Claude Hay. Claude may be a "One Man Band," but this album proves that, when it comes to great music, size does NOT matter!
9/13/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Mean Old Man", the latest album from a Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame member who just happens to be one of the music's founding fathers, Jerry Lee Lewis. Kid Rock, Slash, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer and Mavis Staples are just some of the artists joining Jerry Lee as "The Killer" enhances his legacy with some truly memorable performances.
9/06/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Red Velvet Car," the latest album from Heart. This just may be one of the best rock albums of this, or any other, year.
8/30/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin." This album finds the legendary Beach Boy not only reworking some of Gershwin's classics but, in addition, co-authoring some previously unfinished works.
8/23/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Spread The Love," the latest from W.C. Handy Blues Award winner as Guitar Player of the Year, Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. If you like SERIOUS blues guitar, it doesn't get much better than this.
8/16/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a sneak preview of "Georgia Warhorse," the upcoming album from JJ Grey & Mofro. This album gets released on August 24th, but we kept hitting the repeat button on our preview CD so, that means, you get to hear it tonight.
8/09/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on an album that's been out for a while but she just gave it to him for a birthday present. He really loves it and so does she and both she and him have been playing it at home non-stop and that's why they are bringing "She & Him, Volume Two," the latest album from She & Him, to the show.
8/02/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Tin Can Trust," the first collection of new, original, material in four years from the Grammy winning band from East L.A., Los Lobos. The album's first single, "Burn It Down," features backing vocals from our friend, Susan Tedeschi. This just may be one of Los Lobos best albums ever!
7/26/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Million to One" by Mike & Ruthy. This is one of those rare albums that we had to listen to from start to finish and when it was over we wanted more. Call it Americana-folk-rock or whatever you'd like ... we just call it good music. We think you will, too.
7/12/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Time Signatures," the latest album from the incredible Lisa McClowry. Grammy winner, Jim Peterik, collaborated with Lisa to produce this album. The result proves the point that real talent plus real talent equals something special.
6/28/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Memphis Blues," the latest release from Cyndi Lauper. Cyndi Lauper?!?!? Yep, that's what we said. Who know she could sing the blues? Well, she REALLY can and this album leaves no doubt in your mind. We absolutely LOVE it!
6/21/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, new album "Mojo." In addition to previewing the album we'll tell you how you can win front row tickets to see them perform at the Hollywood Bowl!
6/14/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Still 19," the first all-new release in 27 years from The Ides Of March. It may have been a long time between all-new albums, but this one proves that the boys from Berwyn still know how to rock your socks off.
6/07/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser takes the night off as we do a blatant plug for a PBS TV show we think you'll want to see on WYCC, Channel 20. It's the amazing Tommy Emmanuel's Centerstage special and it's airing Monday, June 7 at 9 p.m.; Thursday, June 10 at 7 p.m.; Friday, June 11 at 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. So, as a reminder and to get you in the mood, this morning we're featuring Tommy's Centerstage album.
5/31/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a sneak preview of "Cry Till You Laugh," the upcoming release from a lady who never fails to take us on some wonderfully creative musical journeys, Terri Hendrix. Terri's new album and companion book won't be officially released till June 22nd, but we thought it was too good to wait, so we're sharing it with you tonight.
5/24/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a new spin on something old. This week we're featuring the re-release of "Exile On Main St." by one of the worlds greatest rock bands, The Rolling Stones. This re-release features 10 additional never-before-heard tracks.
5/17/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on Jeff Becks's "Emotion and Commotion." Yes, this album has been out for a couple of weeks but, we really think, it's a better album than some of the critics reviews would lead you to believe. So, we thought we'd share it with you and let you decide for yourself.
5/10/10
This week, our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on an extraordinary effort, Chely Wright's, just released, very personal album, "Lifted Off The Ground." This deeply touching album grabbed us from the first time we listened to it. It just may be a career "moment" for her and one of the best albums you'll hear this, or any other year.
4/03/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on five-time Blues Music Award nominee Tad Robinson's, soon to be released album, "Back In Style." If you're a fan of the great soul sounds of Al Green, Sam Cooke and Bobby "Blue" Bland, we think you'll like this a lot. Tad is joined by special guests The Memphis Horns and guitarist Alex Schults. The album's official release date is May 18, but we thought it was too good to wait.
4/26/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on Kelley Ryan's recently released album, "Twist." This is a quiet album that subtly sneaks up on you and takes over the jukebox in your mind.
4/12/10
If you like great blues and soul you're going to like the album our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on this week, "The Devil Is An Angel Too." This latest release from the award winning, Janiva Magness (The second woman to ever win the Blues Music Award for B.B.King Entertainer Of The Year, KoKo Taylor was the first) is one of those albums we loved from the first time we heard it. We think you will, too!
3/29/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Curiouser," a terrific album from a multi-award winning Australian who is just starting to make her mark in this country, Kate Miller-Heidke. While "Curiouser" has been out for a while in Australia, the album gets it's "official" U. S. release this month. We should mention that, as much as we REALLY love this album, it may not be everybody's cup of tea. Yes, Kate uses the occasional expletive in her lyrics. No, we're not going to play them on the air. Yes, we think they're hillariously, creatively, appropriate. Now you know. This is one of those albums we couldn't put down from the first time we heard it. You're going to be hearing a lot from Kate and we're more than happy to have some of your first exposure to her in this country come from us.
3/22/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a sneak preview of Grammy winner Shelby Lynne's very personal upcoming album, "Tears, Lies And Alibis." The album's release date is April 20 but, because we REALLY like her ... and you, we though we'd share it with you now.
3/15/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "He Said She Said." This album finds Peter Karp combining his talents with Sue Foley for an extraordinary, riveting, blues/roots musical conversation. We couldn't put this one down and had to share with you.
3/08/10
Speaking of the Oscars, our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on the original motion picture soundtrack from "Crazy Heart." Who knew that actor Jeff Bridges could hold his own as a singer, too?!?
3/01/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on Johnny Cash's last studio album, "American VI: Ain't No Grave." This album is more proof that the man in black was still an incredibly creative force of nature right up to his last days.
2/22/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser serves up a sneak preview of "Privileged," the soon to be released album by Nick Moss. This is SERIOUS Chicago Blues for those times you want to go down in the basement, turn on the blue light, grab a greasy hamburger and listen to the real deal! This album won't be officially released for a few weeks, but we thought it was to good to wait.
2/08/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "One November Night," the latest terrific, live CD/DVD release from one of the most incredibly talented guitarists to ever jam in our studio, Johnny A.
1/04/10
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a sneak preview of "Best Regards & Less Of The Same," by Suzi Ragsdale. This terrific double CD by the daughter of hitmaker Ray Stevens won't be officially released til Febuary, but we thought it was too good to wait so, we're sharing it with you now.
12/14/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "If On A Winter's NIght ..." This starkly beautiful seasonal album is the latest masterpiece from Sting.
12/7/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "I Believe In Christmas," the terrific new album from The Ides Of March
11/30/09
This week our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Just Between Frets," an incredible pairing of two briliant guitarists. On this album our frequent guest, the amazing Tommy Emmanuel is joined by a man who spent many years with the Les Paul Trio along with making his own mark as a brilliant jazz guitarist, Frank Vignola.
11/23/09
This week our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on the Twilight Saga soundtrack "New Moon."
11/16/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Reunited," the 50th anniversary reunion CD from Cliff Richard & The Shadows.
10/26/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on some terrific roots rock from Chicago's West Side as we preview the upcoming, self-titled, album from The YellowHammers.
10/19/09
Speaking of Halloween, our New Music Monday Magic Laser scares up some new Halloween music as we feature "A Broom with a View." This very unique CD features Halloween Carols by Kristen Lawrence.
10/12/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser digs into some serious blues with the Laurie Morvan Band's, latest album, "Fire It Up."
10/5/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "The Sun Came Out" as we highlight the official U.S. release of this double album from 7 Worlds Collide. 7 Worlds Collide is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Neil Finn (Crowded House, Split Enz) which brings together talented performers such as KT Tunstall, Jeff Tweedy ( Wilco), Johnny Marr ( The Smiths), Phil Selway ( Radiohead) and more to benefit Oxfam International. BTW, for you "vinyl junkies," "The Sun Came Out" will also have a vinyl release later this month.
9/21/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Monsters Of Folk," a wonderful coming together of the talents of Jim James (My Morning Jacket), M. Ward (She and Him) and Connor Oberst & Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes).
9/14/09
Proving that everything old is new again, our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands goes back in time ... to the present ... to check out one of the, just released, remastered Beatles' albums, "Abbey Road."
9/7/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on "Songs From The Road," a terrific recorded example of just how good a live performer the late Jeff Healey really was.
8/31/09
We like to introduce you to some new artists on New Music Monday but, now and then, we have to check out something new from one of music's "legends." That's the case this week as our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Time Flies When You're Having Fun," the latest from the legendary singer/songwriter/producer, Smokey Robinson.
8/24/09
If you're a fan of "old school" R&B, you're gonna love the album our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on tonight! "Troubled Child" is the latest release from a man who's long overdue for a return visit to our studio, Chicago's own, Charles Wilson. With great R&B grooves like "Somebody's Tears," a tribute to his uncle, Little Milton, this album just may give us an excuse to get Charles back on our show.
8/17/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on "Life In Colour," a terrific album by British guitarist, Clive Carroll.
8/10/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on "My Walking Stick," the latest album from blues musician/actor Jim Byrnes. Yes, this is the same Jim Byrnes you may remember from the TV series "Wiseguy" and "Highlander."
8/3/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on "Your Hair Is On Fire," the new album being released this week, by American Idol finalist Leslie Hunt.
7/27/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser serves up a sneak preview of Tommy Castro's upcoming album, "Hard Believer." There are more good grooves on this album than some people have in their entire record collection. The official release date is August 11 on Chicago's Alligator Records but you get to sample it tonight.
7/20/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on "Cradlesong," the latest album from Rob Thomas.
7/13/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser spotlights "True Blood," the soundtrack album from the HBO series. Now don't jump to any conclusions ... just because we've just returned from a vacation in the South ... and we only come out at night to enjoy "Life After Dark" ... and we've been doing our show for almost a quarter of a century ... Trust us ... this album does NOT suck .....
6/29/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on a sneak preview of "Time To Grow," the new album from The Lovell Sisters. This is an album that knocked us out since we first heard it a couple weeks ago and since The Lovell Sisters are playing in the Chicago area this weekend we thought this was a good time to spread the word and share the music.
6/22/09
This week our New Music Monday magic laser serves up a sneak preview of "Electric Dirt," the soon to be released album from the legendary Levon Helm. This is wonderful roots music from an artist who has "been there, done that."
6/15/09
This week our New Music Monday magic laser lands on "Journeyman's Wager," the latest album from our friend Chuck Mead. We first met Chuck years ago when he jammed in our studio with his bandmates from BR-549. Since then, he has become a man of many hats, including Musical Director for "The Million Dollar Quartet" and now his first solo album.
6/8/09
Our New Music Monday laser lands on "White Sugar," the debut album for British born blues singer/guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor. Despite only being in her 20's, this lady sings and plays with more than enough soul to teach us all something about what it means to have the blues.
6/1/09
Our New Music Monday laser spotlights "Mr. Lucky," the latest album from Chris Isaak. This album is moody, fun, thoughtful, rocking ... basically all the things you've come to expect from this incredibly talented singer/actor. And that's a VERY good thing.
5/25/09
Our New Music Monday laser lands on "From The Water," an incredibly cool album from Colin Linden.
5/18/09
Our New Music Monday laser lands on Kimberley Dahme's latest album "You Make Me Believe."
5/11/09
This week our New Music Monday "Magic Laser" lands on Amanda Shires' latest album, "West Coast Timbers." This is wonderfully unusual stuff from a wonderfully talented lady.
5/4/09
Most of the time on New Music Monday we try to feature some artists you may not otherwise hear. Tonight, we turn to one of the legends as our New Music Monday magic laser lands on Bob Dylan's latest album, "Together Through Life."
4/27/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on some serious blues when it scans Omar Kent Dykes' latest album, "Big Town Playboy."
4/20/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on a sneak preview of "More Like Me," the latest album from Webb Wilder. It's not out till this Tuesday but, you get to sample it tonight.
4/13/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser presents another sneak preview. This time it's The Greencards upcoming album, "Fascination." The album won't be available in stores until April 21st. but, because you're, wisely, hangin' with us, you get to sample it now.
3/30/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on "The Stars Are Out," the, just released, terrific album from Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles.
3/23/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on "Left Over Alls," a wonderful compilation of songs that never made it on to any previous release by Terri Hendrix. When you hear these songs you'll wonder why. This gathering of "left overs" is one of Terri's best albums ever! We can't wait to get Terri and her musical co-conspirator, Lloyd Maines, back in our studio.
3/16/09
Our New Music Monday magic laser lands on a sneak preview of Gulf Coast Highway, the latest from Eric Lindell.
3/9/09
This week, our New Music Monday magic laser lands on a sneak preview of the album "Debris." This latest by Moanin' Michelle Malone, who frequently brings her guitar and incredible talent into our studio, is one of the best albums we've heard recently. "Debris" officially hits stores March 31 but, it's so good we had to share it with you now.
2/16/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on "Already Free," the latest album from The Derek Trucks Band.
2/2/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on another sneak preview. This time we sample "Sing: Chapter 1," the new album from Wynonna that lands in stores this Tuesday.
1/19/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on a sneak preview of "Havin' The Last Word." the farewell album for Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women.
1/12/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on our first sneak preview of 2009. This album won't be released until the first week of February but, "American Landscape," the first studio album in five years from seminal roots band, The Nighthawks, is too good to keep under wraps so, we're sharing it with you tonight.
1/5/09
Our New Music Monday Magic Laser lands on the most recent album from Jason Mraz, "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things." Yep, we know it's been out for a bit but, the laser kept going back to it ... and we hadn't featured it ... and the video for "Lucky" just came out ... and ... we just like it!
