Album Reviews

The latest album by Billy Branch & The Sons of the Blues is making waves. Check out these reviews of “The Blues Is My Biography” from across the country:

• For Americana Highways, John Apice dives deep into Billy’s unique vocal style and deconstructs specific tracks. He specifically highlights the “enticing arrangement” of the “quite cool” track, Toxic Love, and “superb” cover of Dead End Street. His overall take? This album is “obviously the work of a masterful musician.”
• The review at Proper Music is on the shorter side, but they note “the record reflects Billy's lifelong journey through the music he loves” and describe it as an “expansive and deeply personal album.”
• Don Wilcock's review for American Blues Scene features an extensive interview with Billy, delving into how the album serves as a “showcase for his observations of life.” Wilcock appreciates how the blues legend “takes the genre into new territory with a sophistication that deserves crediting him with creating a 21st century Chicago blues sound.”
• “It is always a pleasure to listen to harmonica player and singer Billy Branch” for La Hora del Blues. Their review highlights how the album develops new sounds while remaining true to the genre, as well as Billy’s “amazing skills” and “versatile harmonica playing.” 

Press

Rosa’s Lounge Records and our artists are also often in the news. Here’s the latest:

• The Hyde Park Herald delves into the rebirth of blues across our city and the Chicago Blues Revival awards, where Billy and Rosa Enrico Branch were recognized for their ongoing commitment to arts education, youth development and preserving Chicago blues culture. 
• This story from Chicago Block Club digs deep into the launch of Rosa’s Lounge Records, our dedication to the local scene and what differentiates our approach from other record labels. 
• In their annual “Best of Chicago” issue, The Reader named Rosa’s Lounge Records Best Emerging Local Label! Also, Rosa’s Lounge scored the runner-up spot as the city’s Best Venue for Blues Music.