Andrew ‘Jr. Boy’ Jones
Getting’ Real
Electro-Fi #3415
Why is it that people who don’t know anything about the genre always try to pigeonhole the blues? Those people should listen to Andrew 'Jr. Boy' Jones. Incorporating soul, jazz, ballads and funk, it’s still the blues, because, as Andrew says himself, “Is it blues? I say, well, you know, how do you categorize? Well, I don’t. It’s hard to just put blues in a box. I’m a blues player. No matter what I play, it’s going to be blues because I don’t play jazz, I’m not a jazz player….Do you like it?…Well, I think that’s all that matters, it’s just good music.” Absolutely correct – Blues IS just good music. As is
Gettin’ Real, the new release by Andrew 'Jr. Boy' Jones.
The songs for Gettin’ Real were written about a year and a half before the CD’s release. In one magic 10-hour stretch, all the rhythm tracks were laid down. Quickly, the project was ready. It just needed a home. The CD found one with
Electro-Fi.
The relationship with Electro-Fi Records came about from an intervention between a fan and Andrew Galloway, owner of the label.
Electro-Fi was very respectful of Jones and never tried to make him feel like the label was doing him a favor. Galloway told Jones, ‘I think you’ll be good for
Electro-Fi and I think Electro-Fi can be good for you’. And, this partnership has proved good for everyone, especially Jr. Boy’s fans.
“People Say I’m Crazy” is something to ponder – if people say you’re crazy, are you? Only Andrew knows for sure if that applies to him, but that kind of assessment is a day-by-day decision when you’re in the music biz. It makes everyone a little crazy.
The version of “What’s Going On” is a good example of bringing different influences to the blues. It resulted from an impromptu run through with Andrew and his son, bassist Chris Jones at sound check. The room irrupted, so Andrew decided to include it on the gig. And the audience loved it. People started asking, ‘Which CD is that on?’ and so he included it on
Gettin’ Real. Covering a virtually classic tune is risky business, but Andrew makes it his own from the first note with a beautiful, lush arrangement that includes organist Gentleman John rounding out the sound with his classic keys.
The idea for “Don’t Get It Twisted” came from a personal experience. Andrew’s granddaughter was telling him a story, and overhearing, Andrew’s daughter said, “That’s not what you said. Don’t get it twisted.” And he said, “Don’t get it twisted? What does that mean?” to which his daughter replied, “You know, get the story straight.” That evolved into the song about your partner telling a story all over town – don’t get it twisted – tell the truth.
That song is an example of the story coming first. As to be expected from such a stylish, innovative guitarist, sometimes the tune comes first. One song written that way is the soulful ballad “Good
Lovin’,” the song the women are asking for from this CD. With his respectful attitude, Andrew knows how to write a song that gets the attention of the ladies. After all, this is the man who wrote the sexiest song a man has ever sung when he wrote “Mr. Domestic” (Like I was going to miss an opportunity to mention THAT!)
If you love The Blues, you’ll love Gettin’ Real. Andrew 'Jr. Boy' Jones’ getting real with his blues. And there’s NOTHING better than that!
- Blue Lisa -
Southwest Blues CD Review - February 2010
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