Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © December 2009 

 

    I was a bit surprised that when the Blues Foundation recently released it's 2010 Blues Music Awards Nominations that the Jeff Jensen band was not listed in the "Best New Artist Debut" category.  However, I've just learned why, and the reason is very valid - unbeknownst to me, "I'm Coming Home" is not their first, but rather their second disc.  Hearing what I just heard, I'm puzzled as to how I've been unaware of such an excellent band.  Well, now I know I've got to get a copy of that first disc. 

 

    Using thirteen musicians on this project, Jeff Jensen seems to have successfully combined quantity with quality.  Joining him, on vocals and guitar, are the nucleus of the band: Bill Ruffino on bass vocals & trombone; "Chicago" Chuck Gullens on drums; Jamieson Trotter on piano, Hammond organ & Fender Rhodes; and Nate Lapointe on guitar & vocals.  They are joined by The Pandis Horns which include: George Pandis on trumpet & flugelhorn; John Roberts on Trombone; and Dan Heffeman on tenor & baritone sax.  Special guests include: Riz on piano; Marcy Levy on backup vocals; Alan (BB "Chung" King) Miriktani on guitar; Gary Allegretto on harmonica; and Kyle Culkin on vocals.

 

    The title track, "I'm Coming Home", is a superb blend of several musical styles.  Hearing and feeling, Jeff's emotions as he sings the vocals surely make it soulful.  The rhythm coming from Chuck and Bill on the drums and bass certainly make it funky.  And, the heat comin' outta George, John and Dan's horns definitely add plenty of rhythm & blues.  Great fusion on this one.

 

    I'm sensing some sarcasm as Jeff sings about some of his favorite things about "Living in Los Angeles".  As bad as he claims the air in the city is, it's the air being blown into the horns that highlight this one.  The Pandis Horns are at discs best right here. 

 

    The pace changes a bit as the band settles down into a nice, slow groove on "Worried Life Blues".  This is the kind of stuff that always has me hitting the replay button.  Slowly sung blues backed by sultry saxophone, hot piano and scorching guitar leads.  Dan, Riz and Nate nail their parts on this one.  Good stuff guys.

 

    The dancers will love "Good Morning Judge".....the fast dancers, that is.  This one swings.  Leading the pace.....or more like the race, is the frantic rhythm section, with the piano and horns pushing hard and doing a real good job of keeping up.  Man, I need a rest just from listenin'.

 

    "Cocaine Spiked Whiskey" sounds like something I may have said "make mine a double" to, at an earlier stage in my life - yet just hearing the two products in the same sentence scares me.  This is a song - believe it or not - about making bad decisions...hmmmmm.   The Hammond, the horns and some wild guitar highlight this low down blues burner.

 

    Although Jeff seems to be on the prowl for one, my take on "Skinny Girl's" is "eat a donut".  I know he can't be serious about wanting a 6'3", 98lb, 32A woman.  WHY?  I will tell you what is serious about this track, and that's the harp and Hammond playing.  Backed by real tight rhythm, Gary and Jamieson shine on this one.  

 

    The disc closes with "Please Don't Go".  With the horns and rhythm section tightly backing them up, this one's highlights are the powerful vocal performance from Jeff and Marcy's. 

 

    Other tracks on "I'm Coming Home" include" "Ask Me No Questions", "Doing The Right Thing", "She's Evil", and "Please Don't Go".

 

    For more on the band, swing by www.jeffjensenband.net and check them out.  Make sure you tell Jeff that the Blewzzman sent ya and grab yourself a disc.... or two. 

 

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com