Review: Various Artists ‘‘Jus’ Blues 25th Anniversary Legends Collection’
By Hal Horowitz
Many blues lovers might be unaware of the venerable Jus’ Blues organization, which is precisely why this sampler exists.
For a quarter century, the non-profit has faithfully pursued their stated goal “to nurture the soul of the blues while preserving the legacy of the originators of traditional blues music.” Although not as well funded as The Blues Music Association and far less visible, their valuable work often goes frustratingly unnoticed.
But, as this milestone of their existence shows, Jus’ Blues has been at it a long while. It’s beyond time for them to take a well-deserved victory lap for keeping the faith in a genre that doesn’t get enough press coverage.
True to their somewhat underdog status, the 11 artists here aren’t blues A-listers. Rather, journeymen performers such as Latimore, Trudy Lynn, Theodis Ealey, and even Bobby Rush (the biggest star of the bunch), have persevered for decades playing large stages as openers, and sweating it out in every dive bar, once known as being part of the Chitlin’ Circuit, in this and other countries.
The well-chosen selection leans towards a smoother, more soul-oriented style, exemplified by the magnificent Trudy Lynn whose Mavis Staples-shaped vocals on “Turning the Same Ole Corners” is so wonderful you’ll wonder why it was previously unreleased. Teeny Tucker, another unfamiliar name to most, checks in with “Aint’ That the Blues,” a searing story of people trying to survive against challenging odds, whether that’s medical or homelessness, captured in a melodic tune you’ll be singing after the first spin.
The late Lucky Peterson contributes the frisky, funky “See My Way God,” another previously unavailable selection inspired by Billy Preston’s clavinet-infused “Outa Space.” John Lee Hooker also appears from the grave to contribute spoken-word reminisces to his daughter Zakiya’s “Bluesman’s Journey,” where she tells of typical blues players (“You know you’ll never get out these blues alive”) above a finger-popping, jazzy offering that could be the Jus’ Blues’ theme song.
Also in the should-be-better-known category is Jimmy Burns who delivers some serious swampy Delta style with the thumping, mistaken identity tale of “Stranded in Clarksdale.” His sorrowful slide guitar, similar to that of Elmore James, enhances the story’s sad conclusion.
Theodis Ealey, another trouper, sounds half his age on a scintillating, live “Blues is Calling My Name,” that adds tough, soulful horns to his BB King-inflected sound.
It’s always a treat to hear the 91-year-old Bobby Rush taking care of business. In this case it’s just him and his harmonica running through his humorous “Garbage Man.” Sure, it may sound like he put as much time into it as it took to record, but when you’re as experienced as he is, that just shows how naturally he provides an entrancing performance.
While no one needs another of version of Chitlin’ Circuit 85-year-old veteran Latimore’s classic “Let’s Straighten It Out,” it doesn’t hurt to hear it again in a slightly updated take; this one with a Doors, “Riders on the Storm”-imbued piano bringing extra mystery to an already iconic tune.
It has been a while since there has been a quality collection that introduces, or just reminds us of, talented, if generally under-the-radar, old-timers still creating energizing music in a style that never gets stale. That’s what this ‘‘Jus Blues 25th Anniversary Legends Collection’ does, and why it’s such an invigorating, even inspirational listening experience.
Pre-order the album HERE
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