The Weekly Dispatch – March 17, 2026

Hey everyone!

I know, I know — Monday at 9 PM isn't exactly our usual send time. But technology had its own plans this week, and here we are. Good to hear from you regardless. ☕🎸

📀 New Reviews on SlowBlues

We've finally launched our new review section — and we're proud of it. Here you'll find honest, thoughtful reviews of new albums from the blues world.

🎸 Oz & The Wizards — From Kristiansand to Our Hearts

We'll honestly admit it — we didn't quite know what we were getting into at the release concert for Oz & The Wizards. But after the first song we were sold.

The guys from Kristiansand delivered a concert that reminded us why we love blues. The energy in the room was such that even those standing furthest back started moving. That says something.

The new album Magic Potion is exactly that — raw, real and full of soul. No attempt to polish it up. Just blues the way it should be.

⭐ Score: 8.4 / 10 — Delta Blues

📝 Other Reviews You Should Read

Ariel Posen — Reasons for Leaving (9.6/10): A mature, atmospheric masterpiece. The slide guitar is world-class, and the emotional depth makes this a rare complete experience.

Buddy Guy — The Final Goodbye (9.2/10): The king takes his bow. At 89, Guy plays with more soul per note than most manage in an entire career. A monumental final chapter.

Gary Clark Jr. — Texas Rain (9.4/10): The heir to Stevie Ray Vaughan shows with Texas Rain that he is the most important voice in modern Texas blues. Analog warmth and a guitar tone that cuts through everything.

Rita Engedalen — Voices of the Delta (9.4/10): The undisputed queen of Norwegian blues. An album that honours the roots and charts the course for the future of acoustic blues.

Henrik Freischlader — Keep Going (8.8/10): Not a record that screams for attention. It deserves it — tone by tone, groove by groove. A blue flame that refuses to go out.

🌍 From the Blues World This Week

1. Tedeschi Trucks Band explores 'Future Soul' — new album. 2. Mike Zito announces new album 'Outside Or The Eastside'. 3. Blues artists shone at the Oscar ceremony with 'I Lied To You'. 4. Ryan McGarvey makes a comeback with 'Back to Life'. 5. When Rivers Meet release single from upcoming album. 6. Artur Menezes releases powerful new single 'Once Again'.

🚌 Tours and Concerts

There's a lot happening out there right now. Here are some of the tours we're keeping a close eye on:

Buddy Guy — farewell tour Europe 2026 — last chance! Walter Trout — European tour April–May 2026. Larkin Poe — Scandinavia tour confirmed June 2026. Kenny Wayne Shepherd — Notodden Blues Festival July 30 – Aug 2. Erja Lyytinen — Nordic tour spring 2026.

🎸 Until Next Time

That was it from us this Monday. Remember — blues isn't just music. It's a way of seeing the world. And the world always looks a little better with blues in the background. 😄

See you next Monday — on time this time, promise. — Kjell, Editor