Album Review: Soul Ransom from Jonivan Jones

Album: Soul Ransom
Artist:  Jonivan Jones
Label:  Self-Release
Website:  https://jonivanjonesmusic.com/album/soul-ransom

Smoky blues folk and roots rock atmospheres are paired with country western twange, simmering at a slow burn on singer-songwriter-guitarist Jonivan Jones's latest release Soul Ransom.  The freestyle fluidity in the chord patterns are reminiscent of Muddy Waters as the smooth growl of Jones's vocals brand a ghostly presence along  the melodies.  From the shimmying grooves of "Loose State" to the languid throttle of "Agua Mala," the recording showcase Jones's multi-faceted talent to be malleable and tailor each track to be individual and distinct.

The grit and rawness of Jones's vocals chomp at the rustic terrain of "Fry," creating a heavy-footed stride.  Waves of psychedelic echoes emanate from the guitar strings along "Buzzards," as a wailing harmonica etches phantom-like silhouettes in the background.  Traveling along the recording, Jones fires up "Loud Ghosts" as his rambling vocals pierce the melody with deep howling groans that shift into a bopping rhythm along "Loose State," rolling with the chugging strut of his guitar strings and producing a catchy toe-tapping beat.

Smoky blues, acoustic rock, and country western folk coalesce comfortably on Jones's latest recording Soul Ransom.  From his rambling ruminations to moving to a steady bopping beat, Jones tailors each of the tracks to be individual, possessing their own distinguishable traits.  Jones never loses the genuine grit and rawness in his vocals as he grooms each track to a Johnny Cash-style sheen.

Musicians:
Jonivan Jones - Vocals/Guitars
K. Andersen - Bass Guitar