………. “See You Soon” sounds joyful thanks to Zoë’s vocals, and the swinging “Out the Front Door” is the most infectious track — and also very radio-friendly. The uptempo “City of Blues” brings a breath of fresh air; the song, with lyrics by Feenstra, is about the Windy City, Chicago. “There’s a Cold Wind a Coming” is not an extension of that theme but rather a song in which Zoë once again showcases her vocal prowess — from a raw, screaming outburst to a pure, sustained note; yes, she can do it effortlessly.

In the end, “COLOURFUL HOUSE” by ZOË, ROB KORAL & Friends is a coherent, varied and adventurous album that is well worth listening to more than once.

An absolute recommendation for lovers of authentic, expressive music.

Are they Blues? Are they jazz? Are they psychedelic? What the hell does it matter when they are are all fused together in such a seamless and powerful way.

….. And then finishing this delightful opus is a boogie called ‘It Ain’t Easy’, and it certainly ain’t easy realizing you have come to the end of this album. I went straight back to the beginning and started again.

….. If you are a fan of any of the artists I have mentioned, or just a blues fan then please check this band out and buy, or whatever you do to digest your music, this album.

“ Listening to this latest studio release, one can state without hesitation that this is music that spiritually uplifts all those who choose to devote time to listening to the album calmly and attentively”

“…what we have before us is an exceptionally cohesive, incredibly warm and relaxing, yet at the same time very engaging album—one that simply calls for repeated listening.”

“Whether it is blues, jazz, soul, or something else is less important; the only thing that matters is that what we hear is simply good music. And that’s it.”

Zoe Schwarz and Rob Koral - ALL THINGS BRIGHT, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL - Reviewed alliteratively as “Bright, bold and beautiful”in last month’s Blues In Britain, COLOURFUL HOUSE is the seventh ‘Band’ studio album from vocal dynamo Zoe Schwarz and renowned guitarist Rob Koral. The musical expertise and virtuosity of this twenty-year partnership is the result of an unquestional desire to eveolve and create great music, something clearly evident in the grooves of their new record. “Our intensity has never dropped,” the pair tell Steve Morphew.

“Being good at your instrument is one thing, but if you have some good songs to feed into and a really hot band, you’re a winner”

“We all have plenty in common musically and we’re all from the same generation: in simple terms, we understand ech other very well”

“Colourful House‍’ is the 2nd most played album in October and 3rd in November 2025 in the UK’s Independent Blues Broadcasters Association Top 40 monthly Album Charts - collected from the playlists of the 70 plus IBBAs in Oct and Nov 2025.

“Colourful House is a vibrant, genre-defying celebration of musical craftsmanship. This one is a cracker!” - Ian McKenzie

“Imaginative and inventive, Colourful House is bright, bold and beautiful. “  Leon Blanc

“A masterclass in blues storytelling... a relaxed but compelling performance… Zoe’s voice moved effortlessly from intimate whisper to… full-bodied blues powerhouse.” Jeff Ollerton

“top-class-swanky-sophisticated-syncopation of Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion” - Moray Stuart, Plunger and former reviews editor of Blues In Britain

photo by Al Stuart

"Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion were brilliant... Rob's riff laden guitar and Zoe’s incredible vocals combine beautifully to create an electric atmosphere."

“scintillating solos from Koral and Whittaker. Schwarz’s stage presence and vocal delivery is commanding; ... She’s a lady born to sing the blues.”