Lloyd Jones Tennessee Run

Lloyd Jones
Tennessee Run
VizzTone

I have been a fan of Lloyd Jones since listening to his Trouble Monkey CD nearly 25 years ago. I found appealing his mix of blues and funk with a voice suggestive of Delbert McClinton (they have similar voices) and a guitar style that could evoke Guitar Slim, amongst others. Jones recently participated as part of McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise. He was then invited by McClinton's longtime keyboard player, Kevin McKendree, to record at McKendree's Rock House studio in Franklin, Tennessee. With McKendree on keyboards, Steve MacKay on bass, Kevin Blevins on drums, Jim Hoke on saxophone, Quentin Ware on trumpet, Roy Agee on trombone, and others, he put forth 14 songs, all composed in whole or in part by Jones. McClinton guests on one selection, as does Teresa James.

There is a classic R & B feel to many of these performances that open with "You Got Me Good." This song begins with a driving bass line evocative of "I Can't Turn You Loose," as Jones celebrates his lady who he asks how she got so sweet," Did you have to steal it from the bees/ Did you scratch up your knees/Climbing up all those trees." It is set against a tough horn backing and sung with total conviction. This whole album is well sung with pretty of enthusiasm and grit. Another noteworthy track is the rock and roll of "I Wish I Could Remember Loving You." It has the feel of a Chuck Berry song with McKendree channeling Johnnie Johnson with his rollicking piano. Teresa James adds a harmony vocal here while McClinton is heard with Jones on "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," with the songs down-home philosophy.

Other songs include a novelty number about misplacing one's phone, "Where's My Phone?" "A True Love Never Dies" is a terrific southern soul-styled ballad with one of Jones' most heartfelt singing and a superb, focused guitar solo. A New Orleans second-line groove enlivens "Bayou Blues" and "That's All I Want." The latter number also places the spotlight on Jim Hoke's raspy baritone sax. "Turn Me Loose" is a jump blues with a nifty guitar solo as Jones pleads to his woman that she doesn't love him anymore, so turn him loose.

Those familiar with Lloyd Jones will find much too enjoy here as I suspect Delbert McClinton fans will also. Jones sings and plays with energy and fervor supported by some top-notch playing. The accompanying booklet provides the lyrics, and one should not be surprised if other artists cover some of the songs. Kevin McKendree's production, in addition to his keyboards, is another factor resulting in a first-class recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is Lloyd Jones in performance.