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Musicianship –8 out of 10
Billy Jones is
an excellent guitar player & vocalist. Whether it is a sad blues song, or a
happy love song, his playing and voice fit perfectly. However, sometimes some
of the other elements get a little off track. In one song (Deal Wit’ Da’ Devil)
I think it is intentional (the song is about a cocaine addiction) that the
keyboard portion is so off key but, it’s a little too off kilter because you
can’t really tell if it is bad playing or used for an effect at first.
Throughout the CD in a few other songs, that same off tune keyboard can be heard
in the background (Breakin’ Away). This a promotional CD, so if Billy had to do
all the production himself then, some of that could be overlooked, however if
this is his live band---ouch. Does that make them bad musicians? I don’t
know. If they are doing this off center thing intentionally, maybe it is
combining a very old genre (Blues) with some newer experimental style!
(Revolution Bluez) is a good example of this eclectic sound and it works well.
You be the judge.
Songwriting – 8.5
out of 10
A little repetitive in some
portions, but otherwise Billy is very good at writing in diverse styles within
his genre of music. Nothing boring on this promo CD that is for sure! His
lyrics are to the point, easy to digest and current. Though the Blues have been
around a long time, his lyrics make his style stand out today. (You My
Everything) is a good example of this. The music may be 50s strut style but the
lyrics are describing his woman in 2004 vernacular mentioning that she is a
“holy roller” and “hoochie mama” and that she also has “ so much junk in her
trunk”! (All My Love) is “old spiritual” style, but he throws in “how much
longer until a record contract”. Amusing, current, interesting and well written
for the most part.
Sound
Quality/Professionalism –8 out of 10
The sound quality is quite
clear and mixed pretty well. If some of the background things could be farther
back it would be a little better, but, for the most part pretty well produced.
Considering this is a promo CD, I think the most important thing is that Billy
stands out, and that is for sure on this disc. His professionalism and quality
of sound is showcased. Actually the “8” I gave it is a little low, considering
the production of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar riffs back in the day. Do we look back
as his music and complain about the production quality? Of course not! (Gangsta
Bluez) sounds very retro in this fashion of production on his guitar, with new
fangled subject matter (rapid gunfire and a woman screaming in the song).
However, I really dislike drum machines (personal opinion) and although they can
be necessary—in some ways it cheapens the production value in my book by today’s
standards.
Packaging – 9 out
of 10
This is a promo CD. Good CD
label and a separate sheet with the song listing! That deserves an “A” in ease
for reviewing and listening to the songs. Lyrical content would have been
nice—but not really a detraction in not having it.
Favorite Tracks
Da’ Cemetery
Bluez
Reconsider Baby
Ain’t No Secret
You’re my Everything
*Standout track—Personal Manager
Overall Rating
–9 out of 10
Billy Jones
with just his guitar and voice would be enough to make up for any other faux
pas! He is a talented songwriter and musician! Thought provoking, great
entertainment that brings back that old rock n’ roll feeling with the newer edge
of today! Current, relevant and also just plain FUN. What more could you ask
for? I highly recommend his music and if you have a chance to see him live, do
so. There is one song on this promo CD that is live (Personal Manager) and
hearing him with a live band is a treat! —Jenny Lush, Midwestbands.com,
9/11/04
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