John Lee Hooker, Jr.
All Odds Against Me
Copycat CCE 9010
What a full package All Odds Against Me is. At first listen, I was really taken back by the wide swing of blues styles on this disc. Press releases and websites, always full of hype, have made the music listening public leery of how an artist describes their music. But, you know what? John Lee Hooker, Jr. and band live up fully on All Odds Against Me. Self described as a "contemporary bluesman", John Lee Hooker, Jr. mixes styles of blues seamlessly, and convincingly. Standing apart from his father's (guess who?) legacy and making his own mark seems to be a natural course for this artist, and this CD is a statement to that.
Breaking it down, all 12 cuts on All Odds Against Me offer different takes on the Blues. Opening with the spoken-word blues of "Dear John" and moving into the funky R&B of "Extra-Marital Affair," the momentum builds steadily throughout the CD. Several cuts have unexpected melody and time signature changes that catch you off guard at first listen, but you'll listen for them the next time. Current events are referenced throughout many of the songs, making them relevant subject matter for today. In "People Want A Change", John Lee Hooker, Jr. does commentary on the current situation of the everyday person and the struggle to survive. Whether it's acoustic blues, or the jazzy "show tune" stylings of "That Be The Blues," the span of music on All Odds Against Me is well laid out. John Lee Hooker, Jr. and members of his band wrote all of the material on this CD, which I find impressive, since there is not a weak cut on the CD.
The production of All Odds Against Me has great sound quality, with standout performances from all members of the band. Most notably are John Garcia, Jr. on guitar and Frank 'Tebo' Thibeaux on bass. John Garcia, Jr. played guitar with John Lee Hooker Sr. for years, and now John Lee Hooker, Jr. call him his "inheritance". The "Hot Sauce" horn section adds punch and accuracy that only elevate an already tight band. All Odds Against Me is also an enhanced CD with an animated video to the song "Blues Ain't Nothing But A Pimp".
John Lee Hooker, Jr. and band have a unique approach to the Blues. All Odds Against Me has surprising moments along with the "tried and true". This is not traditional blues, but it's still in there. Give your blues ears a stretch.
- Pete Barbeck -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 2009
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