With a record that seems to be equal parts the Reverend Billy Wirtz and Ray Wylie Hubbard, John “Juke” Logan ventures back to Texas to produce a record that is at times brilliant, at times irreverent and most of all, good fun. The Truth Will Rock You is not your typical blues record, a fact that Juke himself attest to, but it does feature a who’s who of Texas players that support Juke with outstanding musicianship and friendship in their support of this self-released project. With players like Gary Primich, Nick Curran, Sarah Brown, Denny Freeman, the LeRoi Brothers and many more, Juke surrounds himself with the best that Texas has to offer and manages to produce a damn fine record.

“I Do Allright” opens the record and let’s you know that Juke is doing fine. He may not be pretty, he may not be rich…but not matter what happens, he does alright. “The Truth Will Rock You” reminds you that you’re always better off with the truth. What goes around will come around so you’d better “If it’s the truth…let it show…..if it’s a lie…better let it go.”

“Designated Drinker” finds Juke down on his luck. His woman’s left him and the only friend in town is Jose Cuervo and his buddy, Jack Daniel’s. Juke let’s you know that “he’s the designated drinker…drinkin by default!” Juke lists himself as “the suspect” in the credits for “Drive-By Love” a song about temptation and impatience. As Juke notes: “Little head did the thinkin’ that the big head oughta’ done……the hearts that were effected…you know they numbered more than one.” Sounds like he let an angel get away in the pursuit of momentary happiness….Juke, you oughta know better!!

The party’s happening in “Rockin’ Like a Wild Child” with every body getting down. “Wild childs…they’re doin’ it all….wild childs….everybody’s rockin’ like a wild child” Juke knows he may end up in jail for having too much fun but it’s a risk he’s willing to take. “Instant Enemies” laments the fact that for whatever reason two people are now instant enemies when given a different order of events….they might have been friends. Sounds like Juke’s been up to no good.

At one point or another we’ve all been “Up Love Creek.” Ah…that deep…deep love….the minute things change…you’re definitely up the creek” and as Juke notes: “Up Love Creek (without a paddle)…the rapids are approaching and you’re starting to freak” Enjoy the ride…you’re definitely going down.

Juke then encourages us to “Strike While The Iron is Hot.” There’s a time in every life situation where you’ve got to strike….and strike fast. With analogies from Babe Ruth & the Yankees to David & Goliath….Juke let’s us know that you’ve got to “strike…strike while the iron is hot!” “Any Dawg in Town” comes at you with a zydeco feel while letting you know that no matter why a man strays…it’s not his fault…just ask “Any Dawg in Town” There’s always a reason to stray…always a female temptation….and in the end….if Juke gives in….it’s not his fault….ask “Any Dawg in Town!”

“Walkin with LeRoi" is sweet instrumental with Casper LeRoi, Steve LeRoi, Pat LeRoid, Buck LeRoi and cousin Juke “LeRoi” just having at it. Juke’s harmonica lead is very strong and ably supported by Casper and Steve on guitar. Just a nice break in what is a very spirited album. "Show Me Somethin Sista” finds Juke and everyone partying down in a Mardi Gras fashion. From the wild Tejanos to the wild Angelinos and the LeRoi Brothers too….everyone is dancing and partying up a storm.

We find the police at the door in “Unabomber of Love.” Juke let’s you know that he’s the “Unabomber of love” without any weapons. “My bombs are made of love & you know you’re gonna want ‘em. I’m a Unabomber of love.” And I thought the Unabomber was locked away for good! In the “Sound of Money Talkin’” we find Juke up to his eyeballs in debts owed and his woman gone away. “..I thought it was the sound of her high-heels walkin’…..what I heard was the sound of money talking’.”

Things slow down with “Miracle Worker,” a ballad that sounds slightly out of place given the rest of the songs on The Truth Will Rock You. The liner notes indicate a dedication to a friend of Juke’s, Stephanie Riggio, who evidently has seen him through some tough times and, in that sense, the song works. “I Do All Right, Part 2” closes the album and includes some verbal words of praise for Juke from one of his mentors, Albert Collins. Juke is indeed doing “All Right” and The Truth Will Rock You is living proof of that. It’s worth your time to hunt this record down and add it to your collection. The Truth Will Rock You is not the purest of blues records and Juke willingly admits that….but it is a great listen and a pleasant statement of artist individuality in a day where oftentimes that escapes us.

--- Kyle Deibler