Janiva Magness - Back For Me (2025) [Hi-Res]

Janiva Magness’s 17th album Back For Me is a treasure chest of lesser-known gems by well-known artists (Bill Withers, Ray LaMontagne, Allen Toussaint, Doyle Bramhall II, Tracy Nelson) produced by her longtime collaborator Dave Darling. The album features ace guitarists Joe Bonamassa, Sue Foley, and Jesse Dayton as they each put their stamps on their respective special guest appearances. Back For Me is a powerhouse set moving from the Chicago-via-Texas churn of “Masterpiece” to the aching gospel-soul-funk of Bill Withers’ “The Same Love That Made Me Laugh”. There’s heartache and heartbreak, but at the same time self-awareness and accountability and the strength and power that comes from that. In other words, it’s the blues.