When you're one of the richest people in the world, you can bring in 'special guests' to play on your album like Joe Walsh, Heart and Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders!
The Blues Music Awards may break things down between traditional, modern, electric, etc. blues, I've just put together a short list of some of my personal favorite blues releases from the past 12 months.
Kris Lager Band-Come To Boogie/Now You Know from Swagadocious (2012)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band-Blue On Black from Trouble Is (1997)
David Hidalgo, Mato Nanji, Luther Dickinson-Coming Home from 3 Skulls and the Truth (2012)