GENRE; Blues
RELEASE DATE; 20 February, 2026
RATING; 4/5
All That We Are, the latest original release from Blues Corner, is far more than a traditional blues record—it is an expansive, triple-dimensional journey into the heart of a genre built on truth and resilience. Conceived by longtime friends Phil Roman and Seb Oroval, the album captures a powerful artistic rebirth. After stepping away from a successful international career in London, Roman returned to France in 2021 to reconnect with his first love: the blues. Alongside Oroval, a self-taught devotee of the great standards, he transforms personal and professional upheavals into a deeply human musical statement.
Under the artistic direction of Bruno Dandrimont, the album unfolds in three distinct yet interconnected universes. From the raw, dust-soaked echoes of Mississippi’s Delta in its Classic Blues passages, to the warm melodic sway of Country Blues & Americana, and finally the electrifying pulse of Texas-inspired Blues Rock, each chapter feels intentional and immersive. Rather than imitating tradition, Blues Corner reinterpret it, bridging Chicago’s electric tension with the storytelling soul of Americana.
Recorded at the renowned La Battamobile, the project benefits from an elite rhythm section and collaborations with celebrated artists including Sonny Landreth, Fred Chapellier, and Marco Cinelli. Their contributions add international depth and authenticity, enriching an already layered sonic landscape. The production is crisp yet organic, allowing every riff, slide, and vocal inflection to breathe with emotional clarity.
Standout single “Piggy Bank Blues” embodies the album’s spirit: gritty, groove-driven, and unflinchingly honest. Addressing financial strain and personal sacrifice, it delivers what the duo call the “blues of daily survival” empty pockets, unbroken dreams. With All That We Are, Blues Corner modernize the genre without betraying its roots, proving that the blues remains not just relevant, but necessary.
