BILLY JONES
Tha' Bluez (Black and Tan Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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I usually run the other way when I see titles like "Tha Bluez," 'cause they remind me of rap artists who distort King James' approach to the English language. Maybe it's because I still have flashbacks of spelling tests in school or that I've had a quite proper education in spelling, punctuation and grammar, courtesy of exacting professors at Illinois State University, and later, in graduate school at Seattle University. That said, Billy Jones has released one of the most diverse records I've ever heard. If you're a fan of Teddy Pendergrass, Robert Johnson, or Smokey Robinson, there's something for you on Tha' Bluez. Plenty of Tha' Bluez isn't ready for family entertainment, but Billy gets his no-nonsense message directly across on "I Like It Like That" or "Come Back Tonight." I turn up more traditional blues like "At Da' Crossroads" and "Barnyard Bluez" in this 14-song set from the new Black and Tan Records recording artist. Check out sound samples at http://www.black-and-tan.com or Billy's AOL site: http://hometown.aol.com/billyjonesbluez/page4.html.

Track List:

Come Back Tonight * I Like It Like That * Deal Wit' The Devil * Da Cemetery Bluez * At Da' Crossroads * Ain't No Secret * Ain't Good Lookin' * Revolution Blues * Barnyard Blues * Breakin' Away * Make Love Tonight * Ain't That A Shame * Reconsider Baby * Da' Love Doctor

© 2005 - Eric Steiner