Musician’s Corner Feature: Danny Banda and the Powershakers
The Trinity River Blues Society Board of Directors extends our sincere thanks to all of the artists who participated in this year’s Best Self-Produced CD Competition. The depth of creativity, musicianship, and talent represented by our North Texas blues community is truly remarkable. With so many outstanding submissions, our selection committee faced a difficult task of choosing just one to represent the Trinity River Blues Society.
We are thrilled to announce the winning artist is Danny Banda and the Powershakers with his outstanding CD release “Flashback”. This CD includes eight powerful original blues tracks, all written by Danny Banda and produced by Gary Long.
Released on March 7, 2026, Flashback by Danny Banda and The Powershakers is an 8-track project that bridges Texas blues guitar traditions with high-octane blues-rock, funk, and gospel-soul dynamics. Across eight distinct cuts, the album showcases tight rhythm section work, searing guitar work, and standard blues themes covering perseverance, hard work, heartbreak, and spiritual elevation.
1. "Flashback"
The title track sets the tone for the record, featuring driving rhythm work and clear homage to 1970s and 80s blues-rock foundations. It functions as a signature opener, establishing the band's balance of tight grooves and lead guitar flourishes.
2. "Touch the Sky"
A deep-dish, slow-burning blues ballad. This track leans heavily into traditional minor-key blues storytelling, giving the lead guitar and vocals room to breathe through long, expressive phrasing and dynamic shifts.
Adding an expansive, uplifting feel to the front of the album, this track leans into a melodic rock, textures with sweeping guitar leads and gospel- inspired dynamics, elevating the record’s overall sonic scope.
Shifting gears into a gritty, working-man shuffle, this track carries classic blues-rock energy with persistent rhythm guitar and grounded lyrics detailing everyday toil and perseverance.
Bringing an urban, atmospheric blues edge, "The City" layers tight arrangement cues with slick, syncopated guitar lines that capture a late-night street vibe.
Continuing the thematic uplift hinted at in "Touch the Sky", this track blends soaring organ/rhythm pads with melodic blues solos, serving as one of the record's most emotionally resonant moments.
A raw, unvarnished blues track that leaned back into low-down rhythm grooves and biting overdrive guitar tone, delivering a heavy dose of roadhouse grit.
8. "Funky Blues"
The album closes on a high-groove note, locking into a syncopated bass-and-drum pocket with sharp guitar chops that send the record off with dynamic, danceable energy.
Flashback stands out as a focused, cohesive 8-track effort. The band avoids unnecessary filler, relying instead on solid musicianship, versatile song structures, and a polished balance between traditional blues roots and modern production grit.
This CD has advanced to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and joins other submissions from Blues Foundation affiliates across the country in consideration for the Best Self-Produced CD award.
Thank you to every artist who shared their music with us, and for continuing to keep the blues alive and thriving in North Texas. Find and follow these artist’s social media and most importantly, SUPPORT THEIR LIVE SHOWS!
