Page 59 - BiTS_09_SEPTEMBER_2025
P. 59

This is his second recent album and it is agreeable and likeable in a MOR sort of
    way.


    The songs themselves are excellently constructed, often with clever  twists and
    turns  in  the  lyrics.    There  is  no  doubt  too,  that  Will  is  an  accomplished  guitar
    player. The recording quality is high and the arrangements are thoughtful and well

    considered.

    There  are  two  small  problems,    one  fairly  easily  rectified  the  second  more
    problematic. First, I kept on wishing that the guitar breaks were more forceful and

    in-your-face. The guitar solos are set too far back in the mix for me, and as Will’s
    style  is  often  compared  to  Garry  Moore  (quite  legitimately  IMHO)  it  needs  the
    guitar solos to be boosted to bring them well to the front, over the rhythm section,

    just like Mr Moore did.

    The second problem for me (and it may be me alone) is the vocals. Will has a nice
    melodic voice and sings well and in tune, but  oh! that English accent.  Maybe it

    could work like a ‘hook’ or something and it’s possible it’s not been noticed by
    others but for me it’s  rather incongruous..

    Nevertheless, the album is, in summary, well produced and skilfully delivered. Will

    has dedicated his musical life to the Blues and deserves to be recognised for that!

    Ian K McKenzie

                                                  Various Artists—Jus’ Blues 25th Anniversary
                                                  Legends          Collection—Jus’             Blues        Music
                                                  Foundation


                                                  The Jus’ Blues Music Foundation, based in Georgia,
                                                  USA,  held its 25th Annual Jus’ Blues Music Awards
                                                  & Conference with a Star-Studded Week of Legacy,

                                                  Innovation and Soul at the end of July 2025. This
                                                  album is a celebration of that event and of their
                                                  quarter century of supporting the blues.


                                                  It  consists  of  a  selection  of  eleven  previously
                                                  issued (but re-mastered) tracks, coupled with a
    small selection of new cuts and the publication of some unreleased tracks. The

    whole album might be seen as a summary of contemporary blues music, suitable
    perhaps  as  an  introduction  to  the  genre  for  someone  wanting  to  ‘know’    about

    contemporary blues,  gospel and soul music.

    There are previously unreleased tracks, one from Trudy Lynn ’Turning the Same
    Ole  Corners’  and  one  from  the  late  Lucky  Peterson  ’See  My  Way  God’  and  two

    brand new tracks from Bobby Rush ’Garbage Man’ and Latimore, ‘Let’s Straighten
    It Out’.

    One  fascinating  inclusion  is  Zadakia  Hooker,  the  late  John  Lee’s  daughter  who
   54   55   56   57   58   59   60   61   62   63