Blues Business with Jimmy Sengenberger

The story feels like destiny: A Stevie Ray Vaughan DVD left inside a car shipped from America to Romania changed Alex Kilroy’s life. The breakout guitarist joins Jimmy Sengenberger to share his remarkable journey from Transylvania to the American blues scene — including how he posed as his own manager to land his first U.S. gig at Buddy Guy’s Legends — and how his late father, persistence and the American dream shaped his debut album, Break My Chains.

Joe Bonamassa is bringing the blues — and a lineup of vintage guitars — back to Red Rocks this weekend. The blues-rock titan joins Jimmy Sengenberger to talk his favorite outdoor venue, honoring guitar hero Rory Gallagher, lessons from B.B. King, and keeping the blues alive by giving the next generation a head start. Plus, he shares why his prized guitars aren't museum pieces — they're meant to make music. Courtesy Photo by Jenise Jensen

Four-time Blues Awards' Horn Player of the Year Vanessa Collier joins Jimmy Sengenberger to discuss her journey from a "super introverted" child inspired by a '90s sitcom to a "force of nature" headlining stages across the U.S. and Europe. Vanessa discusses her latest album, Do It My Own Way, and previews the "athletic" endurance needed to sing and play "at altitude" — 9,000 feet, that is — for her bucket-list debut at the Blues from the Top Festival in Winter Park (June 26-28), as well as her dedication to mentoring the next generation through "Blues in the Schools." "The saxophone has always been how I express my emotions," Vanessa reveals. "I guess you play what you feel."

Blues legend Jimmie Vaughan joins Jimmy Sengenberger to reflect on a life spent playing the music he loves — from earning $350 a week at 14 to co-founding The Fabulous Thunderbirds with Kim Wilson after a chance Austin jam session. Jimmie opens up about kid brother Stevie Ray Vaughan breaking his cardinal rule — "Stevie, don't fool with my guitar!" — and shares what's ahead: a summer tour featuring stops at Colorado's Blues from the Top Festival in Winter Park (June 26-28) and a return to Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival. His verdict on six decades in the blues? "I've had a great time and just always love playing — and I can't believe it."

Thirty years after Ledbetter Heights introduced the world to a teenage guitar phenom, Kenny Wayne Shepherd is breathing new life into the album that started it all with Ledbetter Heights: The 30th Anniversary Sessions, out May 8th. The platinum-selling, six-time Grammy-nominated guitarist rejoins Jimmy Sengenberger for a lively and reflective conversation about revisiting the record, playing blues from the heart — and returning to the Rocky Mountains at the 24th Blues from the Top Festival.

Chris Vachon, guitarist and bandleader of the legendary Roomful of Blues, joins Jimmy Sengenberger to dive into the band's 58-year legacy and their brand-new album, Stepping Out. Chris reflects on his 36-year tenure, joining the group on his birthday, and how a teenage discovery of B.B. King’s Live at the Regal changed everything. Chris dishes on the "absolutely phenomenal" addition of vocalist DD Bastos and why he'll always prefer the "power" of an eight-piece ensemble over being a solo star. From the surprise revival of vinyl to taking audiences on a musical journey from New Orleans to Chicago, Chris keeps the mission simple: "We’re up there to entertain people and to have them have fun!"

Kim Wilson doesn’t just play the blues — he lives it. The Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman, singer, and harmonica legend joins Jimmy Sengenberger to reflect on a storied career — from being embraced by Little Walter and James Cotton to building a legacy of his own. Kim dishes on the Thunderbirds’ wild days in Austin, his drive to keep traditional blues alive — taking sharp aim at “blues/rock” — and why his upcoming solo album The Time Has Come may be his rawest yet. He’s also heading back to the Blues from the Top Festival in Winter Park, Colorado — where, at 9,000 feet, one thing’s for sure: “It’s hard to breathe!” And as always, Kim keeps it real: “We weren’t trying to fit a box — we just wanted to make good music.”

Blues powerhouse Larry McCray joins Jimmy Sengenberger to dig deep into the soul of the genre while giving us a tour of Heartbreak City, his brand-new album produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, featuring all-stars like Reese Wynans and Kirk Fletcher. From his early roots playing with family to his mission to modernize the blues while preserving its heart, Larry opens up about his journey, influences, and why the Blues keeps hitting home. Plus, Larry and Jimmy (who blows harp) close things out in the only way true bluesmen can — with a down-home, off-the-cuff jam session!

British blues-rock powerhouse Joanne Shaw Taylor joins Jimmy Sengenberger to explore her musical journey from early blues influences to her distinctive, eclectic sound today. She shares insights into her creative process and collaborating with legendary producer Kevin Shirley and blues superstar Joe Bonamassa on her new album, Black & Gold. Beyond the music, Joanne shares the latest on her "psychotic sausage dog," Hank. Will she finally release her long-awaited, canine-centered album?

Guitar virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd joins Jimmy Sengenberger to discuss his iconic career and fresh collaboration with 91-year-old blues legend Bobby Rush. Shepherd shares insights on recording Young Fashioned Ways with Bobby, their tour and upcoming Friday performance at Denver's Paramount Theatre, and how their partnership transcends age and background: "It's just two human beings having a great time making good music."