Blues fans take note: There is a new guitar slinger in town. Here is the announcement: Ruf Records announces an August 10 U.S. release date for the label debut from blues guitarist/singer JW-Jones, Midnight Memphis Sun. Recorded primarily at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Midnight Memphis Sun features special guest appearances by two iconic blues performers: guitarist Hubert Sumlin and harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite.
Considered Canada's top touring blues artist, Maple Blues award-winner JW-Jones wrote or co-wrote eight of the dozen tracks on the new CD, which also includes exquisite covers of songs from Lowell Fulson ("Love Grows Cold"), Bryan Adams ("Cuts Like a Knife"), Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee ("Burnt Child") and Jimmy Reed ("I Don't Go for That"). His original songs demonstrate a special affinity for the feel of blues, R&B and other roots music forms, while adding topical lyrics that reference everything from the global recession ("Off the Market') to the Bernie Madoff scandal ("Born Operator").
His incendiary guitar playing showcases a variety of styles and influences: from Magic Sam on "Born Operator" and B.B. King on "Right on Time;" to Buddy Guy on "Make a Move" and Peter Green on the appropriately-titled "Howlin' with Hubert," wherein Jones and the great Hubert Sumlin engage in some wonderful guitar interplay.
The legendary Sumlin, whose signature guitar work graced the music of Howlin' Wolf for over 20 years and was named in the list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" by Rolling Stone, clearly had a ball recording his three tracks on Midnight Memphis Sun. "JW's got it down! So much soul, and nice material. You can't beat it. I am telling the truth," he said after the sessions.
Another blues legend, harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite, also adds his trademark harmonica work on three tracks, including the soon-to-be-classic original tune, "Kissin' in Memphis," as Jones throws down some funky Texas guitar licks on a song extolling the sights and sounds of The Bluff City. And on "I Don't Go for That," Jones, Musselwhite and company conjure up classic Chicago '50s blues from the South Side.
Seven tracks on the new CD were recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, featuring a band including all-stars Larry Taylor (Canned Heat) on bass and Richard Innes (Kim Wilson) on drums. Throughout, regular touring band member Jesse Whiteley adds funky and soulful touches on Hammond organ and piano.
