jazz2love

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.  Trav...

Album:  Open for Business Artist:  Ric Harris Label:  Self-Released Website:  www.theharrisgrp.com Blues is a rare breed of music.  It's artists come and go like sports figures but the style of music lives on, its torch to be carried by the next generation of blues virtuosos.  Each decade has witnessed blues artists having their heyday.  Its roots can be traced to the music of William C. Handy in the 1920's, coined as the Father of the Blues.  In his wake, Al Jolson brought the spotlight on blues through the 1930s while John Lee Hooker emerged in the 1940's.  To further briefly encapsulate the blues progress, Muddy Waters and BB King reigned through the 1950's, Ray Charles in the 1960's, Bo Diddley in the 1970's, Eric Clapton in the 1980's, and Blues Traveler in the 1990's.  The genre is a combination of ragtime minstrals, spirituals, ballads, and grooving romps with a tinge of honky tonk/hillbilly swagger, all of which can be heard...