I have just received and had the opportunity to review the new release, Jefferson Blues, by Australian music sensation PJ O' Brien. The 10 track self penned recording begins with One Hundred Years, played in a Texas style just like the kid was born in Austin. His command of the fretboard is terrific and he throws down a mix of country and blues riffs for a unique blend of rump shakin' music. Winning Hand has a bit of a funky back beat which will get you hopping around in your chair. Turn On Your Light seems to have roots in 50's R&B but keeping that Texas grind. There is a nice demonstration of PJ's guitar chops in this song and did I mention the kid can sing? Really cool. Cold Like The North Pole stays in the Texas style with a but if a funky groove. None of this really sounds just like anyone which of course I really appreciate. It's all PJ. Sure you can hear Hamilton Loomis or SRV but you know, this is all original. When I listen to SRV I can say I can hear Jimi or Albert King. It's all good. Moving Mountains breaks the Texas groove and sounds more like Muscle Shoals to me... no horns but that 60's soul soul groove. To Be is the first straight out ballad on the recording and it fits in nicely. Memphis Ribs is a cool groove bringing to mind Gatemouth Brown....not at all a bad thing!! I mean...I really like it! Into the fire is a piano driven song right out of the honky tonk.It rolls along pretty cool like JLL is playing and PJ throws down some cool double stops to tweak up the track. Out On The Town is more the airplay song on the recording with some pretty decent guitar riffs but with less bluesy guts. The recording finishes up with Times Like These, an acoustic track constructed with traditional JL Hooker style licks. Great finish to a really interesting new cd.
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