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JW Jones makes playing the blues sound easy.
Fledgling Canadian blues label NorthernBlues Music are poised to take the sceptre from old American blues kings
like Chess and Alligaor Records.
If NothernBlues first releases are an indication of things to come, those old masters had better guard their crowns
with their lives and hold on tight to their thrones.
I've attempted to listen to the JW-Jones Blues Band's new release, Defibrillatin', all the way through for three times, but can't do it.
You see, guitarist JW Jones is just too good. He's got the chops, he's got the tone and a voice reminiscent of
Colin James - when he sings.
Most of the just under one hour long CD is instrumental. He sounds like he's been taking his band through the west
coast blues paces for over 50 years instead of just four. And, he's only 20. It's not right. He's the type of guy
you want to smack for being so young and so talented.
The JW Jones Blues Band plays more like an old swing/jazz band from the 50s,than hopped up blues rockers. But unlike
many other young blues bucks his age, guitarist Jones isn't afraid to stand back and let the other musicians play
-- 16 year old harmonica player Southside Steve and pianist Pierre Chretien are allowed to solo at their own tasteful
discretion as upright bassist Nathan Morris and drummer Steve Hiscox hold down a solid groove.
Granted Jones' tunes are full of every blues cliche you can name, due to the fact that he most definately has lived
enough to feel the real blues - he just plays like he has. And the playing is what the listener tunes in for. I
have seen the future of the blues and it is the JW Jones Blues Band. As long as there are young players like this,
the blues will never die.
-Richard Amery
Rating: 4 stars out of five
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"He's the type of
guy you want to smack for being so young and so talented."
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