I've been listening to the music of JW-Jones for quite a few years, dating back to around the turn of the century. I've always liked his stuff, even gave glowing reviews to the early albums by this native of Canada. But for some reason his stuff seldom made it into my regular rotation. That will change with Jones' latest on Solid Blues Records, Sonic Departures. To put it succinctly, this one rocks and may be a candidate for blues album of the year.

Jones is backed by the trio of Jesse Whiteley (keyboards), Will Laurin (drums) and Jacob Clarke (bass), supplemented by the big sound from the 13(!) horn players listed in the liner notes. Not sure if they are all playing at the same time, but it doesn't matter because there's plenty of brass to go around throughout the album. Jones has matured as a singer over the last 20 years and his guitar playing is as solid as ever.

Sonic Departures contains only nine songs for a scant total of about 33 minutes playing time. But you won't mind because there is an inordinate amount of blues power packed into that timeframe. Four of the songs are originals, showing that Jones is also growing as a songwriter, and the five covers fit well with the rest of the material.

"Blue Jean Jacket" opens the album, with this mid-tempo shuffle having the feel of a '50s rocker blending into the blues. The horns give this one a big sound and Jones closes it with some heavy guitar chords late in the song. The original "Same Mistakes" might get some nods for Song of the Year as Jones sings about the woman who keeps making the same mistakes with the men she chooses, and of course he knows it's true because he's one of those repeat boyfriends. His guitar solo reminds of an amalgamation of B.B. King and Chris Cain, and Whiteley contributes a nice organ solo around the midway point.

Drummer Laurin propels the beat on the up-tempo blues/soul mash-up, "Ain't Gonna Beg." which leads into the funky blues original, "Drowning On Dry Land." This one gets a little bit of a James Brown vibe before the horns infuse just a hint of Dixieland later in the song.

Felice Bryant's "Bye Bye Love" is the first cover, and it's an absolute gem. It's short and sweet, at only two minutes and one second, and with a faster tempo than the Everly Brothers hit. Jones takes this classic early rocker and makes it his own; you'll want to listen to it over and over. Jones follows with his rendition of a soul classic, "Snatchin' It Back," with echo in his vocals and plenty of groovy soul emanating from the horn section.

I absolutely love Jones' next cover, "It's Obdacious," a well-chosen number from the Buddy & Ella Johnson songbook. Jones has the voice to handle this fun number and there's plenty of brass coming from the horn section. He then takes it down to Louisiana for a version of Guitar Slim's "The Things That I Used To Do," making his guitar sound like he's spent his whole life in some bayou town like Crowley or Ville Platte.

Closing the album is the upbeat tune, "When It All Comes Down," most notably done by B.B. King. Jones replicates Mr. King's vocals and guitar work quite well, and the horn section gives it the brassy sound it needs.

In my opinion, Jones has moved himself into the upper echelon of blues artists with Sonic Departures. Don't hesitate in adding this gem to your blues collection.

--- Bill Mitchell