Jon Spear Band - Old Soul - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Old Soul, from the Jon Spear Band and it's made up of a diverse range of blues based tracks. Opening is I Can't Help Myself, is funky R&B style track featuring Dara James on vocal and guitar joined by Spear on vocal and guitar, Andy Burdetsky on bass and John Stubblefield on drums. Devil's Highway has more of a radio outline with a catchy melody well blended vocals. On clever track, The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese, Spear takes lead vocal and James contributes with strong harp and guitar riffs. Burdetsky steps up on lead with a nice walking bass line making this a very enjoyable track. James in back on lead vocals on title track, Old Soul, a sultry ballad featuring Ron Holloway contributing some excellent sax. Country presentation on I Love My Skin is complimented by western guitar riffs and easy two step drums. Forever Home is a laid back country blues track with strong radio appeal. A light slide guitar riff behind the clear vocals of James makes this track an absolute pop standout. With it's jazzy attack and nice harp work, this track is the most well rounded track on the release. Mean Mean Woman has a light Latin beat and a track of Isley like guitar underpinning. Tight vocal harmonies compliment this track nicely. Paid In Full is a warm ballad with strong phrasing and a nicely executed blues solo. Live Music Is Better is a straight up 12 bar number with swing. Burdetsky lays out a nice bass solo on this track and James it tight on harp. Wrapping the release is Tin Pan Alley which is nicely executed. A beautiful intro guitar solo by James sets up this track and James' vocals give the track a soft warmth. A terrific 8 minute take on a classic slow blues number, this is absolutely the outstanding track on the release with fiery guitar riffs flowing throughout. Very nice!

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