LivinBlues- CD reviews - Janiva Magness

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LivinBlues CD Reviews by Gary Tate - 'Evil @ the Crossroads!' - back to archive

JANIVA MAGNESS: BURY HIM AT THE CROSSROADS (NORTHERNBLUES)
Janiva Magness is a Blues treasure poised for widespread acclaim. Colin Linden brought her to the attention of Fred Litwin of NorthernBlues, which eventually led to 'Bury Him At The Crossroads', a voyage of sorts back to roots-oriented intimacy--placing it in contrast to Janiva Magness' earlier releases that tended to showcase her Blues shouter persona. Great things have been predicted for her, but signing Colin Linden as producer/lead guitarist guaranteed impeccable authenticity. Janiva Magness has a wonderfully elastic vocal instrument.

So using a small ensemble was perfect in capturing its many shades, emotions, and nuances. The covers, though not necessarily obscure, are enshrined in the ethers of the Soul, Blues, and R&B canons, such as 'The Soul Of A Man' written by St. Louis legend Oliver Sain. Backed up by little else than Richard Bell's piano, it's an emotionally charged love song. J.B.Lenoir's 'The Whale Has Swallowed Me' is another wonderful discovery, and Magness captures the Gospel interior lying just below the Blues surface. Delbert McClinton's 'Ain't Lost Nothing' is a slice of roadhouse Blues, featuring Janiva Magness at her tantalizing best. As for the originals, the title track packs an emotional wallop as it harkens back to Delta Blues mythology. The slightly melancholic 'I'm Leaving You' goes down as easy as a glass of iced tea on a hot summer's day. As for the final judgment I have but one word. Encore! MP3 - Soul of a Man | surf to Janiva

J-W JONES BAND: MY KIND OF EVIL (NORTHERNBLUES)
'My Kind Of Evil' is the kind of release that makes a career. There’s a 'devil-may-care' attitude surrounding every track on 'MKOE', announcing a royal fine time. The opener, 'Shake That Mess', is vintage West Coast, an original “get-down-and-boogie” number featuring a super horn arrangement. The finale, 'Let's Have A Ball', is another up tempo thrill ride, while that lacquered axe of J-W Jones provides a tantalizing sideshow all by itself. Jimmie Vaughan’s influence is all over the title track. Evil’s never sounded better!

'You’ve Got Me (Where You Want Me)', sung by guest Colin James, alternates between a slinky Guitar Slim-like vibe and a Cajun Rockabilly tempo. 'Cheating Woman' is original and displays Jones’ matured voice. It’s also a tribute to Otis Rush, and Jones honours that legend in grand style, abetted by some beautiful Kim Wilson harp. There are three instrumentals. 'Code Blue' re-visits the glories of the Big Band era, gift-wrapped in that cool Jones’ Fender Stratocaster. 'Nothing On Me' is Stax/Volt to the core, but the blue ribbon belongs to 'Slow Down', a rockin’ Blues symphony reminiscent of B.B.King’s all-instrumental album. Kim Wilson foments a raucous celebration on 'I Don’t Know' and 'Blue Monday', demonstrating how some spontaneous letting loose can breathe new life into retreads. Stomp time! Colin James also contributes to the mirth quotient on a Johnny Otis number, 'What You Do To Me', while J-W recalls Johnny 'Guitar' Watson with some wild-edged string bending. MP3- Shake That Mess | surf to www.jw-jones.com