| It has always been a bit of a mystery to
me why Jan James isn't a household name here in Chicago, the home of the Blues. But as
with many other artists, it seems that they have to go elsewhere to get the respect that
they so rightly deserve. In the case of Miss. James, it's to Europe, where she plays
venues that seat 1000 plus. Why is this? Well, in large part, we here in America take
the Blues for granted, and I know that we do here in Chicago. But it's been the Blues from
Chicago that has influenced so many great artists, and after hearing Jan James sing, the
phrase “great artist,” does come to mind.
With all that said, let’s talk about the new Jan James CD, Limousine Blues.
Right out of the box, or jewel case if you will, Jan James sets the tone for the CD with
the song "I Want To Build Me A Man." The Blues markings on this song are as
classic as a road sign on Route 66, but hold on, that's just one song. The CD is called Limousine
Blues, after all, and the limousine doesn't stop there, you have 10 more stops along
the way. I found the CD to be a crossroads of then and now. As much, as "I
Want To Build Me A Man" is what people would expect when thinking of Blues, the 2nd
track "I Got A Feeling" has that Bluesy lounge martini feel to it.
But let’s remember something, Blues like any style of music has different sub-genres
under its heading. So, one may ask, does that mean that the CD wanders around without
any so-called direction? No, and if you give me a minute I'll tell you why. The songs
are in such an order that the CD flows from the more traditional Blues to the more rock
Blues of a Kenny Wayne Shepherd or Johnny Lang, which is evident in the title track
"Limousine Blues" and track 9 "Back Down to Memphis"
But this goes back to my point about the CD, Limousine Blues really does give the
listener a wonderful insight into the Blues, and to its many sub-genres. Jan James
has one of the finest Blues voices you’re ever going to hear. She can reach so far
down inside of her that when she releases, it's as if a volcano erupted. But that is
just one side of her voice. Jan James can also sing so sweet that she could coo a family
of Blue Jays out of a tree. All that said, I would be remiss if I didn't say something
about long time guitarist and co-writer Craig Calvert. To say that he is a very fine
guitar player is an understatement. Calvert has such a great feel for the Blues, and his
instrument, that one is taken aback. At the same time the listener is compelled to follow
him throughout the CD, almost like a guitarist pied piper. James and Calvert really are a
great duo, although not crime stoppers, they serve the public well by preserving what was,
and what is, the only thing missing from this CD is what's going to be.
I'll be honest with you, this whole review could have been summed up in one quote. "Limousine
Blues, the new Jan James CD, is a must have for anyone who loves the Blues" end
quote. But that's not going to make my editor very happy, and everybody has to
answer to someone. But it's true, that little quote does say it all, Jan James really
did put together a CD that Blues lovers of any style will enjoy.
Now, you'll have to pardon me, but I want to take the limousine for another ride. Anyone
care to join me?
Highly recommend to Blues lovers everywhere.
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