Jumpin' Jack Benny
"I'll Be Alright"
Boppin Records
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © December 2011

It's discs like this that make doing what I do pleasurable, as well as effortless. The kind I just pop it into the player and before the first track is over I already know the task ahead of me will be simple, yet quite gratifying.

"I'll Be Alright" is the Jumpin' Jack Benny Band's debut release and it's an equal mix of band originals and well chosen covers from the likes of Ronnie Earl/Darrell Nulisch, Brother Red, Koko Taylor, Little Milton and Smokin' Joe. The band is made up of: "Jumpin Jack" Benny Cortez on vocals and harmonica; Tony Fingers on guitar & bass; Eric Tice on drums; Mike Stover on bass; and Kirk Nelson on keyboards. Other contributing musicians include: Andrew Jaimez and Steve Roybal on drums; Danny Ayala and Betsy Villasenor on back up vocals; Tony Miramontes, Hank Dandin and Benny Rodriguez on keyboards; Leo Valenzuela and Frank Viramontes on bass.

The disc opens with "I Don't Believe" and I do believe it made a hell of a first impression. It features the five main members of the band and from what I'm hearing, I'm wondering why anyone else was even needed. These guys rock. Strong vocals, smokin' rhythm, great guitar and harp leads, and monster piano playing all highlight this one.

"Tell Me Please" is another of many Jumpin' tracks. This one's a great R&B dance number featuring soulful vocals from Benny and Betsy and masterful work from Kirk on the organ, and the imaginary horn section. Excellent stuff.

As long as the music I'm listening to stays this good, "I'll Be Alright". As a matter of fact, I'll be downright thrilled. This one opens with Tony working magic with his fingers on the guitar and Benny sounding as soulful as a seasoned Chitlin Circuit soul man. Add to the mix Eric, Mike and Kirk kicking their usual ass on drums, bass and keyboards and this one's another winner.

Growling vocals, frenzied rhythm, chaotic keyboards and gruesome guitar leads.....sounds mean, huh? Dammed right it does! And it all adds up to the meanest version of "Mean Woman Blues" you'll ever hear.

I knew there had to be one, and "Big Woman Blues" is it. A straight up dirty ol' blues song featuring gritty heartfelt vocals, heated harmonica solos and slow scorching blues guitar leads. Oh yeah, the Blewzzman's kind of stuff. More great stuff.

"I'll Be Alright" closes exactly the way I'd expect The Jumpin' Jack Benny Band to end a disc.....Wildly! It's a track title "You Got Yours I Got Mine" that was recorded live and the energy in the venue could have easily powered the bands equipment. This five and a half minute track features the guys doing exactly what they do best - kicking ass and having a hell of good time doing it. Play this one LOUD and OFTEN.

Other tracks on "I'll Be Alright" include: "Let Your Love Go", "Find A Fool", "Take Time Out To Hear Me Some Blues", "Party's On" and "One More Song" (also recorded live).

With this being my final review of the year, it could be said that the best may have been saved for last. "I'll Be Alright" will easily be one of the contenders when I give out the 2011 "BLEWZZY AWARD" next month.

To contact the band, just go to www.jumpinjackbennyblues.com. While you're there, please tell them the Blewzzman sent you and that he's already looking forward to their next release.