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Eclecto Groove Records By James “Skyy Dobro” Walker At a party, I loaded my plate at the buffet table with water chestnuts wrapped in bacon strips and smothered in barbeque sauce. I eagerly bit into the first one and discovered it was actually a chicken liver wrapped in bacon. I immediately knew I had something different. That memory came to mind when I played the first notes of the first song of Rocket Number 9. I immediately knew this old blues music reviewer had gotten hold of something different. Feeling adventurous? Read on. Again, here is an artist placed in the “Blues” category probably because he doesn’t fit anywhere else. If, like many baby boomers, you were raised on rock and roll, you’ll enjoy Jason Ricci’s crossover appeal. The album actually has something for everyone, but you may have to search to find it. Jason Ricci and New Blood mix Blues, Rock, Funk, Jam Band, Eastern, World, and Jazz into an eclectic and idiosyncratic stew. Joining Ricci on harmonica and vocals are Shawn Starsky (Stachurski) – guitars, songwriting, backup vocals, Todd Edmunds – basses and clavinet, Ron Sutton – drums, and guest Michael Peloquin – tenor sax on “Dodecahedron.” The producer is the legendary John Porter. Halfway through the first track, “The Rocker,” one can hear influences of The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith. Performing Live, Jason Ricci reminds one of Steven Tyler or a swaggering Mick Jagger at his cocksure peak. According to Jason’s comments in the liner notes (providing explanations for each song), this song is about the paranoia and love/hate relationship an addict (or former one in Ricci’s case) has with crack cocaine, thus, The “ROCKer.” Reports Jason, Shawn Starsky on guitar “made sure the music rocked as hard, or harder, than the words.” The extensive liner notes fold out into a 91/2” x 14” lushly colored, collage like poster with hidden faces of band members, heroes, and Jason’s harmonica influences like Little Walter and Paul deLay. There is even a hidden “Waldo”-like character. Use a magnifying glass. The songs are all originals save one cover (the title track) of a 40 year old song by free form Jazz-er Sun Ra. While the lyrics are often self revealing and inspiring (e.g. an 11:15 minute “Loving Eyes”), the instrumentals may be the highlights. “Dodecahedron,” The Blow Zone Layer,” and “The Eternal Is” take blues fans on musical, mental, and soul journeys they have not been on in a long time, if ever. “The Way I Hurt Myself,” an “ode to self destruction,” is an actual Slow Blues, guitar and harmonica driven, number. The greatest departure is found in “Sonja,” an incredible, slow guitar instrumental with a wonderful melody (with Ricci adding background harmonica) composed by Starsky for his Mom. Get this CD and give it a chance - at least three listens. You’ll be pleasantly surprised as Ricci puts the “eclectic” into the label’s name, “Eclecto Groove!” CLICK HERE to listen to some sample tracks.
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Jason Ricci & New Blood
