Kai Strauss – Don’t Be A Stranger
German blues guitarist and singer Kai Strauss returns with a new ten-track album
Kai Strauss – Don’t Be A Stranger
Format: LP / CD / Digital
Label: Continental Blue Heaven
Release date: November 27, 2026
Kai Strauss has announced the release of ‘Don’t Be A Stranger’, his new studio album featuring ten tracks rooted in electric blues, with elements of soul and funk. The album will be available on CD, vinyl and digital formats through Continental Blue Heaven, with distribution handled by Continental Record Services (CRS).
With his Electric Blues All-Stars, Strauss has built a strong reputation across the European blues circuit. His musical approach draws on the traditions of American electric blues while incorporating soulful arrangements and funky rhythms.
Originally from Osnabrück, Germany, Strauss began his professional career in 1995 alongside Texas-born singer and harmonica player Memo Gonzalez. Since then, he has performed internationally, established himself as a bandleader and received several German Blues Awards.
Kai Strauss – Photo: Manfred Pollert
According to the album information, ‘Don’t Be A Stranger’ also explores themes of friendship, love and personal choices, alongside the familiar subjects of traditional blues songwriting.
The first two songs, What You’re Not Changing (You’re Choosing) and Hard Working Woman, became available digitally on October 17.
A second pair of advance tracks, A Bad Start (Makes A Good End) and House Of Love, is scheduled for November 20, one week before the full album release.
Danish blues musician Mike Andersen has also shared his appreciation for Strauss and the upcoming album. Andersen first encountered the guitarist at Denmark’s Djurs Bluesland festival during the 1990s and has followed his career ever since.
Having watched Strauss develop from an accomplished sideman into a singer and bandleader, Andersen considers him one of Europe’s finest blues artists.
The first two tracks are available through digital streaming services and the official Continental Record Services Bandcamp page.
https://continentalrecordservices.bandcamp.com/album/dont-be-a-stranger
01. Don’t Be A Stranger
02. What You’re Not Changing (You’re Choosing)
03. Hard Working Woman
04. I Wouldn’t Treat a Dog (The Way You Treat Me)
05. A Bad Start (Makes a Good End)
06. You’re Gonna Need Me
07. Save Your Worries
08. Same Old Blues
09. Right Horse, Right Race
10. House Of Love
Read also:
Want to discover more from Kai Strauss and related artists? Click on the titles below to read earlier articles on Bluestown Music.
Review: Kai Strauss – Wailin’ In Vienna
A review of Strauss’s earlier album exploring traditional blues sounds.
New Release: Jean-Jacques Milteau – Key To The Highway
A blues release featuring Mike Andersen among its collaborating musicians.
New Release: Kris Pohlmann – Relentless
A blues-rock album recorded with producer Martin Meinschäfer, who has also worked with Kai Strauss.