Playin' up a Storm
Artist: Gregg Allman Band

In a way, Playin' Up a Storm doesn't really highlight Gregg Allman's strengths, since it's a little smoother and soul-inflected than his work with the Allman Brothers. Then again, that's not a problem; after all, why make a solo album that's exactly like your full-time gig? Consequently, Playin' Up a Storm is a well-made, expertly performed set... Read More

Let It Flow
Artist: Elvin Bishop

For his fourth album, Elvin Bishop organized a new backup group and switched to Capricorn Records. Capricorn was known as the standard bearer of the Southern rock movement--the Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, etc.--and Bishop was able to emphasize the country/blues aspects of his persona and his music in the move from Marin... Read More

Calling Card
Artist: Rory Gallagher

Gallagher's second album for Chrysalis -- and last with his longstanding trio of Lou Martin (keyboards), Rod De'Ath (drums) and Gerry McAvoy (bass) -- was a milestone in his career. Although Calling Card was produced by Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover and not surprisingly contained some of his most powerfully driving rockers, tracks like the... Read More

Nothin' But the Blues
Artist: Johnny Winter

After a long period making rock records, Winter fronts the Muddy Waters band (with Waters singing) on this Chicago blues workout. He sounds happier than ever before. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide Read More

Degüello
Artist: ZZ Top
Community Score: 9.38

ZZ Top returned after an extended layoff in late 1979 with Degüello, their best album since 1973's Tres Hombres. During their time off, ZZ Top didn't change much -- hell, their sound never really changed during their entire career -- but it did harden, in a way. The grooves became harder, sleeker, and their off-kilter sensibility and humor began... Read More

Happy to Be Alive
Artist: Talton Stewart Sandlin
White Hot & Blue
Artist: Johnny Winter
Together - Live
Artist: Johnny & Edgar Winter

Individually, Edgar Winter and his brother Johnny Winter are powerful artists, but combined, they are virtually unstoppable. On this live set, the brothers are just having the time of their lives, digging deep into their bag of favorites and pulling out smoking renditions of the Sam and Dave classic "Soul Man" and the Righteous Brothers' "You've... Read More